About River Valley School
To spark a love of learning in every child through the discovery of their individual best.
River Valley School is an independent institution in Calgary, Alberta, offering early childhood and elementary education from Pre-Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. The school emphasizes a design thinking approach, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills across various subjects.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
Our curriculum, activities and group projects are grounded in design thinking, which gives students a road map toa) identify a challenge, b) gather information, c) generate ideas, and d) test solutions. Both indoors and out, we provide conditions and ways of learning to “stretch” the students’ creative muscles, not only in Music, Art and Drama classes, but in all subjects.
What Makes River Valley School Special
- Personalized education
- Early Childhood
- Elementary
- Outdoor Education
Academics
Curriculum
River Valley School offers Other curriculum, with specializations in Personalized education, Early Childhood, Elementary, Arrowsmith Program, Outdoor Education, STEAM, Coding School Overview, Elementary Program, and Governance.
Academic Environment
Languages of Instruction
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
4 programsClubs & Activities
6 programsCampus & Facilities
River Valley School features a campus with Outdoor play and learning space.
Tuition & Financial Aid
CA$20,750
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Portfolio
Community & Culture
River Valley School cultivates a warm, inquiry-based community centered on celebrating childhood wonder and curiosity. The school emphasizes authentic relationships and a supportive climate where students feel known, safe, and confident to explore and take creative risks. Learning is grounded in design thinking and big ideas across all subjects, with creativity woven throughout music, art, drama, and academics. The school highlights traditions like its Buddy Program and outdoor learning experiences, while acknowledging its location on traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina, Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, Métis Nation, and Treaty 7 communities.
Diversity & Inclusion
River Valley School acknowledges its commitment to a safe, caring, respectful, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff, and community members. The school explicitly recognizes that it operates on the traditional territories of Indigenous nations including the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina, Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and Métis Nation in the Treaty 7 region. However, detailed information about specific diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, programming, or staffing is not prominently featured on the website.
Parent Involvement
The website emphasizes community partnership and family engagement through several channels. Parents are invited to participate in the Annual Fund campaign, with messaging that every family contribution enhances programs and initiatives. The school maintains active social media presence on Instagram and offers regular communication through a school blog and master calendar. Families can attend Open House events and personal tours to experience the school firsthand. However, specific details about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or formal parent organizations are not prominently featured on the website.
Dress Code
Uniform required
Contact River Valley School
Address
3127 Bowwood Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Phone
(403) 246-2275
admissions@rivervalleyschool.ca
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about River Valley School
River Valley School serves students in grades Nursery-6.
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