About RiverRun - Key Components of a RiverRun Education
Montessori Curriculum
The curriculum is a
traditional Montessori one: fostering student initiative in the learning
experience, featuring a great deal of hands-on learning materials, leading
students to immersion in thematic studies, and focusing on achieving social
harmony. Students will work research-style, either independently or in
small groups. They will move from the concrete to the abstract, motivated
by their own interests, efforts, and experiences as they learn about
geography, history, language, mathematics, science, music, art, and everyday
living.
Study of Life
By following the Montessori
approach, RiverRun students experience what is commonly referred to as
an "education for life". Going beyond the basic academic skills, RiverRun's
goal is to help its students develop character and self-esteem, to help its
students learn to ask questions rather than only seek "right" answers, and
to help its students become self-confident, independent thinkers who have a
desire to learn because they have a genuine interest in the world and in
life.
Whole-Child Approach
RiverRun considers the
intellectual, physical, creative, and spiritual dimensions of each student. Students
are encouraged to focus on works they find to be meaningful and
fulfilling, thereby promoting a sense of inner peace and
harmony.
Individualized Education
RiverRun recognizes that
individuals have varying learning styles and developmental timetables.
Under the thoughtful direction of the directress, students' individual
academic needs are respected and accommodated. Students are free to
learn in ways that best suit them. Furthermore, each student learns and
progresses at his or her own individual pace.
Child-Led Learning
RiverRun provides thoughtfully
prepared environments designed to support the students' development of
independence and empowerment. Carefully guided as appropriate by the
directress, students choose their own works based on their curiosity,
imagination, and level of intellect. As a result, students become
active, self-directed learners; independent thinkers; and self-confident
decision-makers.
A Community Within A Community
RiverRun is an active
community in and of itself where students help each other and care for
others, both younger and older; where students work with each other
rather than compete against one another; and where students learn, in a
safe environment, how to be appropriately assertive rather than aggressive.
In addition, the wider community is to be incorporated into RiverRun's
routine operations by way of curriculum content, community visitors, and field
trips.
Respect and Independence
While there are ground rules based on respect for each other and for
the environment, RiverRun students are entrusted with a great deal of
freedom and personal choice. With a schedule that allows large,
uninterrupted blocks of time for problem solving, making connections in
knowledge, and forming creative ideas, students are free to spend as
much time as they like on a particular work. In addition to moving about
the classroom freely and choosing their own work, students make
decisions about whether to work alone or as part of a small group.
Moreover, they are allowed the freedom and independence to direct
their own personal care, using the restroom and eating snack when they
choose rather than at predetermined times.
