Rivermont Collegiate provides an academically rigorous yet nurturing environment where students develop skills and attitudes that provide a valuable foundation for future learning. The School’s mission and philosophy establish that education of the whole child is imperative. Rivermont instructors ensure that each child succeeds intellectually, creatively and in social, physical and emotional spheres. As a college preparatory school, the Lower School’s key focus is to assure each student receives a first-rate primary education with excellent preparation for a successful transition to Middle School and advancing academic endeavors.
ReadinessRivermont’s small class size ensures that each child will receive precious direction and feedback. All students are challenged at developmentally appropriate levels through the use of instructional differentiation techniques. Children who prove more adept than their talented classmates in particular subjects are provided with encouragement and accelerated content, in dimensions of particular interest to her or him.
The School DayRivermont follows a traditional school calendar, with classes beginning in August and ending the first week of June. The Lower School day begins at 8:25 A.M. and ends at 3:30 P.M. As a convenience to our families, the Extended Day Program is available before school, beginning at 7:30 A.M, and ending at 6 P.M. An independent 90 minute reading block is the centerpiece of each day’s schedule, and midmorning and lunch recesses are scheduled to promote concentration during class sessions.
HomeworkRegular, required homework, which complements classroom activities, begins in the primary grades. Homework assignments not only help a student develop responsibility and organization but also give a child time to reflect on the day’s learning and independently apply vital skills. In partnership with parents, teachers strive to meet the needs of every child. Most importantly, active family support and frequent home-school communication ensure that children accomplish their goals.
Home-School CommunicationGrades PS-5 receive formal, anecdotal report cards at each quarter’s conclusion. In addition, parents and teachers conferences twice each year, and parents of students in grades K-2 can expect daily contact with teachers during school arrival/dismissal periods, a weekly class newsletter, and via nightly homework folders. Upper elementary parents receive weekly class newsletters and a packet of corrected student work with teacher comments.
The Importance of Character EducationCharacter education is a unique and essential part of the Rivermont education. Instructors at every level stress character-building and reward students that contribute to a climate of positivity, justice and enthusiasm. The Character Counts program teaches citizenship, trustworthiness, leadership, respect, fairness, caring, honesty, responsibility, and pride. Lower School students sign and abide by the Lower School Honor Code, which governs student behavior and establishes academic standards. Weekly all-school assemblies are scheduled to recognize students’ accomplishments, celebrate diversity and enjoy a sense of community and togetherness.
Extracurricular ProgramsLower School Student Council (LS StuCo) provides numerous opportunities for community service involvement and serves as a constructive social outlet for classmates. Officers and other elected students from Grades Four and Five develop important leadership and administrative abilities. Fourth grade students may choose additional school responsibility as a color-bearer, while fifth graders manage the Lower School daily snack program.
Skillful classroom instructors provide a challenging daily core curriculum that includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and interdisciplinary topics. Discipline-specific instructors are experts in their respective fields and mentor students multiple times weekly in science, foreign language, physical education, library skills, art, music, and technology. Rivermont Collegiate's average student/teacher ratio of 9:1 ensures that each child will receive personal attention.
Students find self-expression through participation in a variety of co-curricular activities such as athletics, Computer Club, Drama Club and National Honor Society.
Parents, summer is an important time to continue your ritual of reading daily with your child. Reading experts note that most young readers lose reading skills during summer downtime, but that needn't be the case. Families can make reading a priority during the summer months, and children will learn that we never take a vacation from learning. Visit local public libraries and choose books together that teach and entertain.