River School

[Anonymous]

This is one of the things that bothers me the most about this board. People who don't know what they are talking about give unsubstantiated answers. My child goes to the River School. We do live in the neighborhood, but are the minority in that. People come from VA, MD, all over the city. It is an amazing program and the kids thrive. It goes through 3rd. There has been some talk of possible expansion to suit parents' convenience, but they've decided against it on academic reasons even though it would make them some $$. That's just not what RS is about. It's all about the educational experience and what would best suit that. They've made the determination that 4th grade is where a child generally makes the change from "learning to read" and "reading to learn" and that's why that is an academically appropriate cutoff. Hours long? It's a regular school day until 3 for older kids, noon for younger? I don't get it. I guess they have aftercare for older kids but don't all private schools? In fact, though I love the school to death I may wait a year for my second child since it will be better for my family to have both kids in school until 3 and he'd only be slated for 3 mornings til 12 based on his age next year (2 years old). I have have him at school until 3:30 5 days at most of the area montessori schools so I think I will have to do that, sad as it makes me to have him not start school at River. The administration of course would love to keep your kids til 3rd but are very helpful in discussing what other schools your children will do well with and fully supporting outplacement at whatever stage a parent deems appropriate. (ie, do the testing, etc) They really just want the best for the kids. And as for their elementary aged programs, I have been blown away at observing it. It's so different than my public school education. I don't know what it's like at the other prestigious private schools around here, but 2 masters level teachers with no more than 12 kids (that's for all grades), sitting down in small groups having intelligent conversations about world events, etc? No rows of desks, blackboards, etc. Going constantly on field trips and other unique enrichment activities? Seems to me so ideal, those are lucky kids who get to learn in that environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is one of the things that bothers me the most about this board. People who don't know what they are talking about give unsubstantiated answers. My child goes to the River School. We do live in the neighborhood, but are the minority in that. People come from VA, MD, all over the city. It is an amazing program and the kids thrive. It goes through 3rd. There has been some talk of possible expansion to suit parents' convenience, but they've decided against it on academic reasons even though it would make them some $$. That's just not what RS is about. It's all about the educational experience and what would best suit that. They've made the determination that 4th grade is where a child generally makes the change from "learning to read" and "reading to learn" and that's why that is an academically appropriate cutoff. Hours long? It's a regular school day until 3 for older kids, noon for younger? I don't get it. I guess they have aftercare for older kids but don't all private schools? In fact, though I love the school to death I may wait a year for my second child since it will be better for my family to have both kids in school until 3 and he'd only be slated for 3 mornings til 12 based on his age next year (2 years old). I have have him at school until 3:30 5 days at most of the area montessori schools so I think I will have to do that, sad as it makes me to have him not start school at River. The administration of course would love to keep your kids til 3rd but are very helpful in discussing what other schools your children will do well with and fully supporting outplacement at whatever stage a parent deems appropriate. (ie, do the testing, etc) They really just want the best for the kids. And as for their elementary aged programs, I have been blown away at observing it. It's so different than my public school education. I don't know what it's like at the other prestigious private schools around here, but 2 masters level teachers with no more than 12 kids (that's for all grades), sitting down in small groups having intelligent conversations about world events, etc? No rows of desks, blackboards, etc. Going constantly on field trips and other unique enrichment activities? Seems to me so ideal, those are lucky kids who get to learn in that environment.

I agree that it is annoying when people who don’t know what they are talking about give unsubstantiated answers. However, perhaps you missed in my post (18:32) that I also have a child at the River School. I know many families who have been happy there, and I have made many friends among the many wonderful parents who have children at the school. Fortunately, my DC has also been very happy at the school. But I also know a number of parents who have not been so lucky. The River School has lots of nice, highly educated, energetic young teachers (virtually all female). Some are excellent. But others have very little teaching experience (or even experience in caring for children), and an MA cannot make up for that. Most are too young to have children of their own, and a number of them lack the experience and wisdom to recognize and appreciate different learning styles. I also disagree that the school always just wants what’s best for the kids. The administration is rather famously defensive and tone-deaf when parents have brought various concerns to their attention, and while I almost can’t believe I’ve become this cynical, their behavior makes me think that they are less interested in creating a positive learning environment for all of their students than making money. I started out a big fan of the school and have become deeply disillusioned. I sincerely hope the poster above continues to have a good experience at the school.