Business Details
26 Years
experience
Innovative Preschool & Elementary Education
River School has dedicated itself to creating an innovative, child-centered educational environment since 2000. Our unique co-teaching model pairs master educators with speech-language pathologists in every classroom, fostering strong language, literacy, and social skills through personalized instruction. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio and intentionally small class sizes, we cultivate active learners who thrive in collaborative, theme-based curricula that integrate arts, sciences, and social-emotional development.Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures children with hearing loss learn alongside their hearing peers, while our progressive approach emphasizes mindfulness, empathy, and creative problem-solving. Through specialized programs in drama, music, physical education, and science led by dedicated specialists, we help students build confidence, communication skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
Services
Preschool Programs
Elementary Education
Speech-Language Pathology
After School Enrichment
Tuition Assistance
Summer Camp Programs
Parent Education
Community Outreach
Professional Development
Special Education
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer co-teaching with speech-language pathologists in every classroom
- Our 5:1 student-teacher ratio enables personalized learning experiences
- Thematic curriculum integrates arts, sciences, and social-emotional development
- Inclusive classrooms serve children with and without hearing loss
- Specialists teach music, drama, physical education, and science
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs serve children aged 18 months through Grade 3, focusing on foundational learning through play-based, thematic curriculum. Students develop language skills, social cognition, and independence in small-class settings with specialized educators. The program emphasizes active learning, creative expression, and early literacy development.
Elementary Education
The elementary program (Grades K-5) features co-teaching models with master educators and speech-language pathologists. Thematic curriculum integrates arts, sciences, and social-emotional learning while maintaining low student-teacher ratios. Specialized instruction in music, drama, and physical education supports holistic development and academic excellence.
Speech-Language Pathology
Certified speech-language pathologists work alongside classroom educators to develop strong communication skills. This integrated approach benefits all students, particularly those with hearing loss, through personalized language instruction and social communication development in inclusive classroom environments.
After School Enrichment
After school programs provide supervised activities from 3:00-6:00 PM daily, including enrichment opportunities in arts, sciences, and physical activities. The full-year contract program supports working families while maintaining educational continuity through structured, developmentally appropriate experiences.
Summer Camp Programs
Summer camp offerings extend River School's educational philosophy through themed, active learning experiences. Programs maintain small group sizes and specialized instruction while providing opportunities for creative exploration, social development, and continued academic growth during summer months.
People
Nancy Mellon
Head of School
Nancy Mellon leads River School's educational vision, overseeing curriculum development and faculty training. With extensive experience in child-centered education, she champions the school's mission to help children find their voice through innovative teaching methods and inclusive learning environments.
Megan Campbell
Director of Admission and Enrollment Management
Megan Campbell manages admissions and enrollment, guiding families through the application process. She ensures prospective students experience River School's unique educational approach through personalized tours and open house events, maintaining the school's commitment to accessibility and diversity.
Erin Royer Shetter
Director of Philanthropy
Erin Royer Shetter leads philanthropic efforts, connecting community members with opportunities to support River School's mission. She manages fundraising initiatives that sustain the school's exceptional programs, including tuition assistance and faculty development, ensuring long-term educational excellence.
Questions
What makes The River School's educational approach unique?
Our co-teaching model pairs master educators with speech-language pathologists in every classroom, creating personalized learning experiences that emphasize language development, social-emotional growth, and thematic curriculum integration.
What age groups does The River School serve?
We educate children from 18 months through Grade 5, offering developmentally appropriate programs that build foundational skills in preschool and progress to comprehensive elementary education.
Are there special programs for children with hearing loss?
Yes, our inclusive classrooms integrate children with hearing loss and their hearing peers, with specialized support from speech-language pathologists and assistive technology to ensure equal learning opportunities.
What after-school care options are available?
We offer supervised after-school programs from 3:00-6:00 PM daily, including enrichment activities and homework support, available through full-year contracts for families needing extended care.
How does The River School support diverse learning needs?
Our 5:1 student-teacher ratio allows personalized instruction, while inclusive classrooms and specialized staff support diverse learning styles, including children with hearing loss and varying developmental needs.
Reviews (2)
Sarah T.
Oct 06, 2018
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We love the River School and so does our daughter! She just started in the preschool program. She is so excited to go to school every day, and is always asking about her teachers while she's not at school. I love her teachers, too! They are both highly educated, are very sweet and are happy to be there. Every day I drop her off, there's always a fun activity at one of the tables. I love everything they come up with! In addition, before starting preschool, my daughter would ask to watch TV a lot of the day, and it was a struggle to get her to do something else. Ever since going to River
Jessica E.
Jul 18, 2015
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Can't say enough positive things about this school. We've seen our son Jackson blossom into a confident, intelligent, articulate, and eager to learn young boy. He started as a "turtle" at 18 months and just finished the "alligator" class at age 4. He loves going to school every day and we continue to be impressed by how much he learns. What this school offers for not only kids with hearing loss but typically hearing peers is very unique and we've had a difficult time finding a school like this anywhere else in the country. We located from Colorado for this school
