About RiverRun

RiverRun follows the educational philosophies and methods of Maria Montessori - practicing the ‘study of life’; implements a whole-child approach that considers the intellectual, physical, creative, and spiritual dimensions of each student; and provides an individualized educational experience.

The traditional Montessori-based curriculum fosters student initiative in the learning experience, features a great deal of hands-on learning materials, leads students to immersion in thematic studies, and focuses on achieving social harmony within its community environment.  Students work research-style, either independently or in small groups.  They move from the concrete to the abstract motivated by their own interests, efforts, and experiences.  Guided as appropriate by the directress, students choose their own activities based on their curiosity, imagination, and level of intellect.

RiverRun students learn about geography, history, language, mathematics, science, music, art, and everyday living.  Physical activity is also an important part of every day. 

RiverRun serves a single elementary classroom of students in grades 1 to 4 in a multi-age environment.  The working Board of Trustees is responsible for the administration and leadership of the school. 

We believe that the family is the first and foremost educator throughout the child’s life and that learning occurs within the context of the family.  A solid connection between RiverRun and our families is important to foster the best educational experience for students.

School days are from 8:50 AM to 3:05 PM per the school calendar.

Following is a typical day at our school:

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
	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

RiverRun strives to function as a community within a community and to actively incorporate the wider community into its routine operations by way of curriculum content, field studies, and community visitors to the school.  Below are lists of 2008-09 community outings and visitors.

2008-09 RiverRun Student Outings
Albany Institute of History and Art   |   Eric Carle Favorites at The Egg  |   New York State Museum   |   Creative Advantage Headquarters   |   Rosa Parks musical at The Egg   |   Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters  at Proctors Theatre   |   Roots and Wisdom Fehr Avenue Neighborhood Garden   |   True Value Hardware   |   Steinmentz Park

2008-09 Community Special Visitors to the RiverRun Classroom
Jack Graber (art illustration)   |   Emily Sederstrand (music/Spanish/French)   |   Nancy Adis (American Sign Language)   |  Katee Rainbow (sewing)   |    Gina Schneider (Tanzanian cultural exchange)

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Key Components of a RiverRun Education     |      Name Origin     |     Location   

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“The elementary child has reached a new level of development.

Before he was interested in things:

working with his hands, learning their names.

Now he is interested mainly in the how and why...

the problem of cause and effect.”
- Maria Montessori