The regions River Valley School offers busing from are:
Additional notes: We currently have three bus routes that service specific communities within the SW, Central and NW Quadrants of the city. Please note that families outside these areas are welcome to use stops on any of these routes if it is convenient for their purpose. A family discount is available for the second and subsequent children.
How we see River Valley School
When discussing schools we often talk about curriculum, or resources, or instructional approaches, and while all of those things are important, so is the presence of a supportive, safe, familiar, and consistent learning environment. And, rightly, that’s where the program at River Valley School begins. The school describes itself as a community, and the description is apt. A safe environment, of course, is one in which a child feels a sense of belonging, and within which she is valued, able to play a role and have a voice. Instruction at River Valley is student-centred, informed by an overt intention to build upon students’ individual strengths and interests. There is a comfortable enrollment level, one that allows for a nice breath of programming while also maintaining that sense of place and belonging. Families look to River Valley to create a strong beginning to their children’s education as well as their social lives, and indeed that’s exactly what they find.
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How River Valley School sees itself
"We are an independent school providing an exceptional early childhood and elementary education for children aged 3 (Pre-JK) to Grade 6. We celebrate the wonder children possess through our inquiry-based program, driven by big ideas and questions. Our approach inspires academic excellence and promotes student well-being. Beyond core subjects, RVS offers a robust range of specialist programs including Art, Drama, Music, French, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Technology, and Library. Wonder Lives Here."
"Focus on Well-being: We prioritize the holistic well-being of our students by providing a nurturing and supportive environment. Our dedicated resources and programs for mental, emotional, and physical health ensure that every student feels safe, valued and known.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Our innovative curriculum is centered on inquiry-based learning, a pedagogical approach that encourages students to explore big ideas and ask meaningful questions. This method fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep love for learning.
Specialist Programs: River Valley School offers an array of specialist programs starting as early as three years old. Our programs in Art, Drama, Music, French, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Technology, and Library are taught by dedicated specialists who are passionate about their subjects. This early and diverse exposure helps students discover and nurture their unique talents and passions."
"At River Valley School, we believe children don't fit into "boxes." Our focus on fostering independent thinkers who can handle varied academic challenges means we place less emphasis on standardized test performance. This allows us to prioritize creative and critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
We create a supportive and caring atmosphere where students thrive both academically and socially. This focus on well-being reduces competitive pressure, allowing us to cultivate resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills, crucial for long-term success and well-being.
We foster an environment rich with varied perspectives and backgrounds, trading exclusivity for a sense of community. Our inclusive approach helps students develop the interpersonal skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world, preparing them for a diverse and globalized society."
"Initially founded as Calgary Montessori School, the transition to River Valley School in 2003 expanded its educational scope significantly. Under Carolyn Breland's leadership since 2019, and with the acquisition of the current campus site in 2021, the school has reinforced its commitment to providing a holistic, dynamic education that embraces diverse talents and learning styles. These milestones have firmly established River Valley School as a leader in early childhood and elementary education. The school's history of innovation and dedication to holistic development are central to its brand identity, positioning it as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to student success. River Valley School's evolution reflects its unwavering dedication to meeting students' needs, ensuring a nurturing environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth."
"River Valley School is an ideal match for families who value a holistic educational experience, where academic achievement is balanced with social and emotional growth. Our students are naturally curious, compassionate, and creative, excelling in an environment that prioritizes hands-on, engaging learning experiences. We cherish the vibrancy and individuality of childhood, creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages exploration and personal development.
We see education as a collaborative effort between the school and families. We actively engage parents in their child's learning journey through regular communication, workshops, and events. This partnership ensures that families are deeply involved, providing a strong support system that reinforces our shared values and enhances the overall educational experience for our students."
"Desire for a Competitive Academic Environment: If a family values competition as crucial for academic success and prefers a culture of competitive rankings, they might find our model less suitable. At River Valley School, we prioritize the joy of learning and personal growth over competition, driven by each child's natural curiosity and wonder.
Preference for Standardized Test Prep: Families that prioritize high standardized test scores and a test-focused curriculum may not align with our philosophy. While we recognize the importance of assessments, standardized testing is not central here. Instead, we use various evaluation methods that celebrate individual growth and development.
Expectation of a Heavy Homework Load: If a family expects substantial homework as essential for academic success, they might find our balanced policies inadequate. We believe learning should extend beyond the classroom without overwhelming students, allowing time for family, play, and personal interests."
"Individual Attention: Our small class sizes ensure that each student receives personalized attention, allowing for tailored instruction that meets their unique needs and learning styles.
Balanced Development: We focus on the holistic development of students, integrating academic rigor with social, emotional, and physical growth. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-rounded individuals.
Warm, Welcoming Environment: River Valley School prides itself on creating an nurturing and supportive community where every student feels valued and respected. This sense of belonging is a significant draw for our families.
Engaged Faculty and Staff: Our dedicated and passionate faculty and staff go above and beyond to support each student's journey, including knowing and addressing each child by name.
Student Success: The ultimate outcomes for our students, including academic achievements and personal growth, are a testament to the effectiveness of our educational approach."
"River Valley School's image in the public eye has transformed from being a "hidden gem" to a recognized leader in early childhood and elementary education. Our reputation is built on authentic parent testimonials that highlight the distinctive "warm fuzzy" feeling associated with our school. This sentiment is echoed in the dynamic and diverse student population we nurture, fostering an environment where every child thrives. We take immense pride in our students' successes, which reflect our commitment to providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience. Our school's growing prominence is a testament to our dedication to creating a supportive and stimulating community for both students and parents."
"At River Valley School, we take immense pride in a seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful practice: nearly every staff member can name and personally address each of our over 300 students. This unique approach, often underappreciated, speaks volumes about our commitment to fostering a close-knit and supportive community. Despite our growing population, this personalized touch ensures that each child feels seen, valued, and connected. It exemplifies our dedication to creating an environment where relationships flourish and every student is recognized as an individual, reinforcing their sense of belonging and confidence within our school family."
"While many schools claim to focus on the whole child, River Valley truly embodies this philosophy. From the moment students step through our doors, they are immersed in an environment that nurtures not just their academic growth but also their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate curiosity and creativity, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Parents are often pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly academic excellence is integrated with character education and life skills.
Finally, new families are often captivated by the sense of wonder that permeates River Valley School. Our motto, "Wonder Lives Here," is more than just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle. We strive to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and students are inspired to explore, question, and discover. Parents frequently express how refreshing it is to see their children excited about school and eager to learn."
"Since acquiring our riverside campus in 2021, we have made critical improvements to ensure a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students. We have upgraded the air purification and filtration systems and installed new HVAC systems to ensure a healthy and comfortable atmosphere throughout the school. Each classroom is now equipped with interactive boards, enhancing the teaching and learning experience. We have also invested in new student furniture and updated technology to support modern educational needs. Furthermore, we are committed to continuous improvement by consistently hiring qualified staff and teachers, ensuring our students receive the highest quality education possible."
"At River Valley School, our vision for the next five to ten years revolves around a transformative campus redevelopment designed to significantly improve our learning environment. Understanding the vital impact of the learning environment on a child's development, we are dedicated to creating state-of-the-art facilities that align with the needs of modern education. This redevelopment will reflect our exceptional programming and proudly showcase the incredible work we are doing."
Every year our students take part in fantasic theater productions, guided by our experienced Performing Arts Teachers
Students attend art on a weekly basis where they explore the foundations and history of different art styles, movements and mediums.
Within our drama program, students are not only learning acting skills, but building the foundations of communication, improvisation, and confidence.
Welcome to River Valley School!
We offer two new play structures encouraging play, exploration and socialization!
Our Early Learners can enjoy a smaller quieter space suited just for them!
Our school thrives on the strong, authentic relationships between staff and students, fostering an environment where individuality and personal growth are celebrated daily.
Each classroom boasts a full time Teacher and an Educational Assistance. This allows us to personalize the learning experience for each of our students.
Students learn through hands-on, inquiry driven learning experiences.
Our curriculum, activities and group projects are ground in design thinking, which gives students a road map to a) identify a challenge, b) gather information, c) generate ideas, and d) test solutions.
Students become champions of the Design Thinking process and explore 21st-century learning skills such as entrepreneurship, critical thinking and digital literacies like coding, web design and robotics.
Technology is just one of the tools we use to create innovation in our classrooms. Classrooms are equipped with interactive boards to allow them to dive into their learning more deeply. Students in Gr. 2 - 6 have access to our 1:1 iPad program, as well as our "floating" laptop cart.
A warm and welcome place to enter the school!
How people from the school’s community see River Valley School
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Carolyn Breland, Head of School
B.Ed, MA
River Valley School is an innovative and inclusive independent school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student, regardless of age or ability, will flourish academically and socially. Everything we do is grounded in our mission to embrace the unique talents of our students, while curating opportunities for learning and discovery. Our teachers and staff support different learning styles to ensure that every student is capable of achieving their personal best. With close to 15 years of history, River Valley School has created an environment where children feel loved and safe enough to explore to the full breadth of their individual ability. At the same time, RVS students feel encouraged to take on the rigours required to develop the foundational skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in the 21st Century.
As a community, we learn and grow together respecting the values, opinions and beliefs of all. Students, teachers, and administrators work together to create a school where learners feel confident and free to appreciate each other, make good ethical decisions, and take age- and stage appropriate risks, leading to enhanced understanding and broadened inquiry.
RVS students know they are safe to try new things, make mistakes, discover new approaches, and explore innovative ways of seeing, contributing to and changing the world.
I am honoured to be the Head of School at River Valley School, and invite you to visit our campus to learn about our outstanding programs and meet our talented students, teachers and staff. I look forward to meeting you when you visit, and sharing more about what makes our school truly exceptional.
Carolyn Breland
Head of School
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: River Valley School
Next steps to continue your research:
Continue researching River Valley School with OurKids.net, or visit school website.
