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Why River?

We Are Experts in Childhood Development

Our focus on children in 18 months through Grade 5 allows us to work with children from the very beginning to develop language, literacy and social skills that will serve them for their lifetime. Our children learn to work and play collaboratively, preparing them to be tolerant, thoughtful and engaged members of society.

We Are a Small School for Young Children

Small schools ensure individualized attention. In our Preschool and Elementary Programs, we maintain the most favorable class sizes and student-to teacher ratios in the region. Your child will be known, challenged and supported, and will quickly feel a part of a warm and engaging community. What better way to be open to new experiences and ideas, than to start from a place of comfort and security?

We Are Pioneers in Childhood Development, Research and Practice

Ninety-five percent of our faculty hold a master’s degree or higher, giving us the expertise to develop new teaching strategies that help every child optimize their development. Our faculty present at conferences nationally and internationally, publish in peer-reviewed journals and train graduate students from a number of universities each year. We specialize in early childhood education—we study how children develop language, literacy, social and academic skills and use that knowledge to develop new ways to help each and every child thrive.

Our Third Graders Are School Leaders

Our third graders write and star in The River School Musical, serve as ambassadors at school-wide events, read to younger children, research and present experiment results at our Science Fair, and engage in challenging writing and STEM projects, which all provide them a sense of mastery, competence and leadership. When it is time to leave River they are confident, responsible and kind children who are well prepared socially and academically for their next school.

We Support Grade 4 Placement for Each Student
The River School places a high priority on outplacement for our third graders, providing a systematic process, guidance and advocacy. Our Head of School and the Outplacement Team work closely with families to make sure that the outplacement process and transition to the next school are seamless. Because we know your child so well, we can ensure that the next school is the right match for your child given their unique interests and both academic and personal strengths. River School students are sought after by other schools in the region because they are kind, well-prepared and enthusiastic learners, and critical thinkers.

We are still accepting a limited number of applications for the 2023-2024 School Year. Email mcampbell@riverschool.net or call 202.380.9206 to learn more! 

The River School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, gender, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its admission, financial aid and other school-administered programs.

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