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 (Grades 4-6), with Grades 4 and 5 for Fall 2023 and Grades 4-6 offered in Fall 2024.
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 social development.
Classroom practice emphasizes experiential and collaborative learning, using thematic curriculum to seamlessly integrate literacy, math, science, drama, music, visual arts, PE and yoga.  Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1

Quick Stats (2023)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
  • Enrollment: 227 students
  • Acceptance rate: 73%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 13 / 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
Year Founded
1999

Student Body

Total Students
227 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 43%
Students by Grade
The River School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
40 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. 13 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $13,400 (preschool, 2 mornings) to $39,700 (K-Grade 4)
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
73%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Megan Campbell
Admissions Associate
Nicky David
Endowment Size
$3.5 million

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 beed dedicated to children 18 months through Grade 3.
  • In 2002, River launched its Upper Elementary Program (Grades 4-6), starting with Grade 4 in Fall 2022. Currently accepting applications for Grades 4 and 5 for Fall 2023.
  • The school`s innovative educational model pairs a master`s level educator and a speech language pathologist in each classroom, and focuses on language, literacy and social development. 
  • Classroom practice emphasizes experiential and collaborative learning, using thematic curriculum to seamlessly integrate literacy, math, science, drama, music, art, physical education and yoga.
  • 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.
  • 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, shopping and parks nearby.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of The River School?

The acceptance rate of The River School is 73%, which is higher than the national average of 64%.

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. 13 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 13 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Stats (2023)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
  • Enrollment: 227 students
  • Acceptance rate: 73%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 13 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Washington, DC is $27,308 for elementary schools and $30,389 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Washington, DC is 64% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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