Wonder Lives in a diverse community; rich with varying perspectives, abilities and journeys
At River Valley School, we offer a variety of learning services designed to support the whole child. We know that the early years are foundational to a child’s development and well-being, and we value early intervention, learning support, and enrichment for all students.
In our classrooms, teachers use a range of strategies including differentiated instruction, personalized learning, and a strong culture of care to ensure every student has what they need to thrive. Instructional Aides support teaching and learning through one-on-one and small-group work, helping us build the strong relationships that are essential to both academic growth and overall well-being.
Please note: While we aim to meet a wide range of learner needs, we are limited by our facilities and expertise. As such, we are unable to provide support for children with medical fragility or severe emotional, behavioural, or oppositional defiance disorders.
Learning Support
For those who require additional support, our Learning Support Team provides an additional pull-out program to work with individuals or small groups in specific areas such as reading, math and social skills. A Speech & Language Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist is also employed to work with our coded students as well as others who benefit from focussed SLP and OT services.
The Arrowsmith Program is an optional remedial program within River Valley School that is geared specifically towards our Grade 2-6 students with identified learning disabilities and/or learning challenges. Our Arrowsmith certified teachers work with students one-on-one through using the science of neuroplasticity to retrain the brain and give students the tools they need to become effective, confident, and self-directed learners.
Enrichment
Our Enrichment Program gives students in Grades 3–6 the opportunity to dive deeper into areas of strength in Math and English Language Arts. In small, supportive groups, students explore big ideas, take intellectual risks, and challenge themselves alongside like-minded peers.
Student recommendations come primarily from classroom teachers, who know their learners best, and we also review psychoeducational reports that highlight areas of giftedness. Participation is always optional, and students who choose not to join continue to be supported through differentiated learning in their regular classroom. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong academic skills in math or language arts and a willingness to stretch their thinking and take on new challenges.
Math Enrichment builds mathematical confidence and curiosity by slowing down, zooming in, and exploring concepts in greater depth. The program emphasizes deep understanding, flexible thinking, and creativity over memorization or speed. Rather than teaching ahead to the next grade level, we uncover the “why” behind mathematical ideas and connect them to meaningful, real-world challenges.
ELA Enrichment nurtures strong writers and communicators through engaging, interest-driven projects that encourage creativity and critical thinking. They explore how language can inform, persuade, and inspire while refining ideas, strengthening their voice, and communicating with clarity and confidence.
Well-Being & Mental Health
Supporting a child’s emotional health is just as important as supporting their academic growth. At River Valley School, we take a proactive, caring approach to well-being, knowing that children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and connected.
Our well-being support includes:
- A relational approach to teaching
- Proactive social-emotional learning
- Collaboration with families
- Access to additional supports when needed
Our goal is to help every child build confidence, develop strong interpersonal skills, and feel a genuine sense of belonging in our school community.
