The River School

Since 2000, The River School has been dedicated to nurturing children 18 months through Grade 3 with its premier, personalized education.
In 2022, River launched an Upper Elementary Program, with Grades 4-6 offered in Fall 2024, featuring project-based, inquiry-driven immersive learning experiences.
The school`s one-of-a-kind inclusion model pairs a master`s level educator and a speech-language pathologist in each classroom, and focuses on language, literacy and personal and social development.
Classroom practice emphasizes experiential and collaborative learning, using thematic curriculum to seamlessly integrate Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Science, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, PE and Creative Movement.  Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
  • Enrollment: 246 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $28,575
  • Acceptance rate: 68%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 12 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The River School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1999

Student Body

Total Students
246 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 46%
Students by Grade
The River School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
14 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 12 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $14,015 (preschool, 2 mornings) to $42,525 (K-Grade 5)
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
68%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Megan Campbell
Admissions Associate
Lenka Folger
Endowment Size
$3.5 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
3 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Chess, Cooking, Destination Imagination (STEAM), Lego Robotics, River Art, Spanish with Language Stars, Textiles, Tinkering

School Notes

  • Since 2000, The River School has been dedicated to nurturing children 18 months through Grade 3 with its premier, personalized education.
  • In 2022, River launched an Upper Elementary Program, with Grades 4-6 offered in Fall 2024, featuringproject-based, inquiry-driven immersive learning experiences.The school`s one-of-a-kind inclusion model pairs a master`s level educator and a speech-language pathologist in each classroom, and focuses on language, literacy and personal and social development.
  • Classroom practice emphasizes experiential and collaborative learning, using thematic curriculum to seamlessly integrate Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Science, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, PE and Creative Movement.
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
  • The River School`s unique inclusion program is internationally acclaimed. Most students (85% or more) are children with normal hearing; each classroom includes a few children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants or hearing aids. The teaching team supports all of the children in the classroom, with every student greatly benefiting from the rich educational experience.
  • A River graduate can think critically, engage in meaningful inquiry, solve problems and persevere through academic and social challenges, collaborate and communicate effectively, exhibit strong reading, writing and math skills, and be a kind, respectful change agent.
  • The River School is located in northwest Washington DC, west of Georgetown and convenient to the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. It offers the advantages of a neighborhood setting with a public library, restaurants parks nearby.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The River School cost?
The River School's tuition is approximately $28,575 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The River School?
The acceptance rate of The River School is 68%, which is higher than the national average of 60%.
What sports does The River School offer?
The River School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Track and Field.
What is The River School's ranking?
The River School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The River School?
The application deadline for The River School is Jan. 12 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 12 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
What neighborhood is The River School located?
The River School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 61 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
  • Enrollment: 246 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $28,575
  • Acceptance rate: 68%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 12 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Washington, DC is $29,363 for elementary schools and $33,185 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Washington, DC is 60% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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