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 Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked DC School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
- Enrollment: 223 students
- Yearly Tuition: $28,575
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
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
Student Body
Total Students
223 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 46%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$28,575
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
$4.1 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
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
Chess, Cooking, Destination Imagination (STEAM), Lego Robotics, River Art, Spanish with Language Stars, Textiles, Tinkering
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 experienceSmall class sizes
- Child-centered classrooms with a focus on social-emotional development
- Respect for students' voices in the learning journey
- Multi-curricular, standards-based, research-backed teaching approachProprietary 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 $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. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 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 60 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.
School Reviews
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