Overview

River Valley School is an independent Pre-JK–Grade 6 school in northwest Calgary where childhood is cherished, every child is truly known, and learning is deeply personalized.

Rooted in strong relationships and a close-knit community, we create meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, creativity, and character. Our inquiry-based approach encourages students to ask questions, take risks, think critically, and discover their individual best.

With small class sizes, a dedicated Educational Assistant in every classroom, and a full continuum of learning support, enrichment, and gifted programming, we meet students where they are and help them thrive.

Students benefit from rich specialist programming beginning at age 3, including Art, Drama, Music, French Language, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, and Library.

At River Valley School, we value social and character development as much as academic achievement because we believe learning should feel joyful, connected, and full of wonder.

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EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM

River Valley School is accredited by

Alberta Education

Vision

We spark a love of learning in every child through the discovery of their individual best.

Mission

We ignite the natural wonder of childhood by cultivating personal connections and rich opportunities for learning.

Values

We value social and character development as much as academic achievement.

River Valley School FAQs

River Valley School is located at 3127 Bowwood Drive NW in the heart of Calgary’s Bowness community. Our beautiful riverside campus provides an exceptional setting for outdoor learning and exploration while remaining conveniently accessible from many inner-city, northwest, and southwest neighbourhoods, making it an easy commute for families across much of Calgary.

River Valley School offers full-day Pre-Junior Kindergarten (age 3), Junior Kindergarten (age 4), Kindergarten, and Elementary programs through Grade 6.

River Valley School is Calgary’s only independent school dedicated exclusively to children from Pre-Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6. By specializing in these formative years, we create an environment intentionally designed around how young children learn and grow. Every child is truly known, supported, and challenged through strong academics, inquiry-based learning, meaningful relationships, specialist teachers beginning at age three, outdoor education, and dedicated Educational Assistants in every classroom. It’s a personalized approach that helps every student discover their individual best while building the confidence, character, and curiosity to thrive long after they leave River Valley.

River Valley School delivers a strong academic foundation through an inquiry-based, whole-child approach to learning. While play, exploration, and hands-on experiences are important parts of the learning process, they are always purposeful and intentionally designed to deepen understanding and support meaningful academic growth. By encouraging students to ask questions, think critically, solve problems, and make real-world connections, we help them build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

River Valley School is designed for families who want their child to be more than just another student in the classroom. Our families value academic excellence, personalized learning, outdoor exploration, and a community where every child is genuinely known and supported. They believe childhood should be filled with wonder, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to build the confidence and character that prepare children not only for their next school, but for life.

River Valley School maintains intentionally small class sizes to foster strong relationships, personalized instruction, and meaningful connections between students and teachers. Pre-Junior Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten classes have a maximum of 16 students, while Kindergarten through Grade 6 classes have a maximum of 20 students. With dedicated Educational Assistants in every classroom, our average student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 8:1 in Preschool and 10:1 in Kindergarten through Grade 6, ensuring every child is known, supported, and challenged to discover their individual best.

Yes. As an independent school, River Valley School charges tuition to support the exceptional educational experience we provide. Tuition helps fund small class sizes, dedicated Educational Assistants in every classroom, specialist teachers beginning at age three, outdoor education, personalized learning support, and enriching learning opportunities that extend beyond the Alberta curriculum. Current tuition rates and fee information are available on our Tuition & Fees page.

Beginning at age three, students participate in specialist classes including:

  • Music (Age 3+)
  • French (Age 3+)
  • Physical Education (Age 3+)
  • Library (Age 3+)
  • Art (Age 4+)
  • Drama (Age 4+)
  • Outdoor Education (Age 5+)

River Valley School graduates attend many of Calgary’s leading public, separate, independent, and specialized junior high schools. Because our graduates leave with strong academic foundations, confidence, and a love of learning, they are well prepared to succeed in a wide variety of educational settings. Our team works closely with families throughout the transition process to help them find the school that is the best fit for their child.

Students spend time outdoors every day, rain or shine, in every season (weather permitting, down to -20°C). In addition to 30 minutes of outdoor recess, students participate in at least 20 minutes of Daily Physical Activity (DPA), often outdoors. Beyond recess and DPA, classes regularly extend learning outside through Outdoor Education, nature-based inquiry, environmental stewardship, and curriculum-connected experiences on our beautiful riverside campus. We believe meaningful time outdoors enhances academic learning, supports physical and mental well-being, sparks curiosity, and fosters a lifelong connection to the natural world.

Yes. River Valley School offers personalized learning support to help every child reach their individual potential. Our dedicated Learning Support Department works closely with teachers and families to provide supports such as Individual Program Plans (IPPs) where appropriate, enrichment opportunities, and gifted programming. We also partner with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) who work with students on campus each week. While we are not a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS), our small class sizes, Educational Assistants in every classroom, and relationship-based approach allow us to support a wide range of learning needs.

Yes. River Valley School offers Before and After School Care for Preschool through Grade 6 students. Care is available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing families with a safe, engaging, and convenient extension of the school day on our campus. We also offer Fall Break and Spring Break camps, giving families additional childcare options during school breaks.

Yes. River Valley School offers optional bus service for families throughout Calgary. Our routes currently serve many northwest, southwest, and central Calgary neighbourhoods, making it easier for families to access our campus. Bus routes and availability are reviewed each year based on demand.

Still WONDERing about River Valley School? We encourage families to book a tour to experience the wonder for themselves.

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