Since 2000, The River School has been dedicated to nurturing children 18 months through Grade 5 (currently) with its premier, personalized education.
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, Library Sciences, and Creative Movement. Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked DC School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
- Enrollment: 185 students
- Yearly Tuition: $33,196
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
- Open House - Tue., September 30, 2025 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., November 07, 2025 - get more information!
- Virtual Event - Wed., December 10, 2025 12:00pm (EST) - get more information!
- Open House - Wed., January 07, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Mon., April 27, 2026 - get more information!
Top Rankings
The River School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1999
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
185 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
37%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
82%
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$33,196
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $14,995 (preschool, 2 mornings) to $46,865 (Grades 4-5)
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Megan Campbell
Admissions Associate
Katie Brebbie
Application URL
Endowment Size
$4.1 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
ChessCooking
Destination Imagination (STEAM)Lego Robotics
River ArtSpanish with Language Stars
TextilesTinkering
School Notes
The River School is dedicated to serving children 18 months through
Grade 5 with its premier, personalized education. What sets us
apart?
- Innovative co-teaching model includes a full-time speech-language pathologist and master's level educator in every class
- Graduate student training program that enhances classroom practice and children's experience
- Small class sizes
- Child-centered classrooms with a focus on social-emotional development
- Multi-curricular, standards-based, research-backed teaching approach
- Proprietary language arts programs
- Experiential and collaborative learning through the use of themes that promotes language, vocabulary and academic skills across the curriculum
- Play-based, focused on developmentally appropriate practice in Preschool
- Project-based, immersive, inquiry-driven learning experiences in Elementary and Upper Elementary
- Diverse and inclusive classrooms help develop enriched perspectives and a greater understanding of the world
- Committed community of learners, with professional development for faculty, graduate student training, parent-education programs and family engagement, adds richness and depth to our program
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The River School cost?
The River School's tuition is approximately $33,196 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The River School?
The acceptance rate of The River School is 70%, which is higher than the national average of 47%.
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. 9 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 9 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is The River School located?
The River School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 55 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.
School Reviews
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