Frequently Asked Questions

What is RiverRun?
RiverRun is a small non-public, non-denominational school in Schenectady, New York that opened in Fall 2008.  RiverRun practices the educational philosophies of Maria Montessori - providing individualized education, community classrooms, a holistic approach to learning, and a focus on achieving social harmony.

Where is RiverRun located?
RiverRun is located at 1840 Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady.  Click here for directions and click here for background information about the location.

What age children ARE served?
RiverRun serves children in grades 1 to 4 in a multi-age learning environment.  Enrollment growth is planned conservatively.  Each year, the school will grow by adding an elementary grade up to 6th grade.  Long range plans may include the addition of a middle school program. 

What makes RiverRun different?
Click here to read about the key components of a RiverRun education and here to read about the key differences between a Montessori and a typical public elementary school.

What does a typical day at riverrun look like?

8:35 AM -   8:50 AM	Student Arrival
8:50 AM -   9:00 AM	Morning Meeting
	overview of the day and sharing time
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM	3-hour Uninterrupted Work Period
	fosters student concentration and in-depth discovery
12:00 PM -   1:00 PM	Recess and Lunch
	recess in our outside play area and then lunch in our classroom
1:00 PM -   2:00 PM	Studio Time
	students participate in enrichment activities such as cooking, gardening, Spanish, science projects, yoga, book binding, still life drawing, dioramas, physical activities, and American Sign Language
2:00 PM -   2:45 PM	Writing Block / Focus Groups
	students are involved in many kinds of writing activities and lessons including but not limited to journal writing, exploration of poetry, and free choice
2:45 PM -   3:00 PM	Read Aloud
3:05 PM -   3:15 PM	Dismissal

Who overseeS RiverRun?
RiverRun is overseen by a working Board of Trustees.  RiverRun has received a provisional educational charter from New York State's Board of Regents and reports to New York State Education Department's Office of Nonpublic Schools.

What is the tuition?
Tuition for the 2010-11 school year is $6,250 for a family's first child.  Discounts are given for multiple children enrolling at the same time.  As RiverRun is a community, cooperative venture and to help keep tuition affordable, families are asked to contribute at least 20 volunteer hours to the school each year.

ARE the teaching staff certified?
The teaching staff are carefully selected to ensure a good match to our unique learning approach and to ensure a high quality program for all students. 

What IS the school's schedule?
RiverRun operates on a September-June schedule.  Click here for the full school calendar in PDF format.

School days are from 8:50 AM to 3:05 PM.

How ARE students graded/evaluated?
RiverRun students do not take typical tests or receive typical graded report cards.  Rather, students build portfolios, which are qualitatively evaluated by the students themselves as well as by the directress.   In addition, the directress keeps a journal for each student and will provide parents with bi-annual oral and written evaluations of their children that focus on discussions of strengths and weaknesses in order to appropriately modify the child’s educational plan. 

Is RiverRun an outreach of any of the existing Montessori primary schools in the area?
No.  While it is our intent to work cooperatively with the existing Montessori primary schools in the area, RiverRun is its own independent entity.  Enrollment history in or connection to one area Montessori primary school over another will not result in special admissions preference. 

How do I apply?
An application (in PDF format) can be downloaded here.  Alternatively, application materials will be mailed upon request.

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