Wonder lives in prioritizing purposeful play, movement and exploration.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS

Full day Pre-Junior Kindergarten (age 3), Junior Kindergarten (age 4), and Kindergarten (age 5).

At the heart of each day is rich classroom time, where our experienced and caring educators guide children through hands-on, play-based learning experiences that support key areas of development. This includes early literacy and numeracy, social-emotional learning, and the growth of both fine and gross motor skills.

Students also participate in weekly specialist-led sessions that spark creativity and curiosity across a variety of subjects:

  • French language learning for preschoolers
  • Music and movement
  • Physical education and gross motor development
  • Library and early literacy exploration
  • Visual arts and creative expression
  • Drama and imaginative play
  • Outdoor education and nature based play
Three children painting with red paint at a tree-stump table outdoors, using an ice-cube tray as a palette
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BOOK A TOUR

Inquire or schedule a tour to learn more!

Little Learners, Big Possibilities

A young River Valley School student in uniform smiles at the camera while holding a magnifying glass up to one eye.

As experts in early childhood education, we believe that a strong foundation begins with purposeful exploration, play, creativity, and meaningful connection. Our early learning programs are carefully balanced to offer engaging academic learning and unstructured play—helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

We nurture our youngest learners to actively explore and make sense of the world around them by prioritizing hands-on discovery and inquiry-based education. Our highly qualified early years educators deliver adaptive, play-based experiences that support cognitive, social, and emotional growth—laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to elementary school and beyond.

Preschool FAQ

Our full-day programs run Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

For added flexibility, optional before and after care is available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The school year runs from September to June, with Spring Break camps offered to support families during school holidays.

Our Early Learning classes are intentionally small to ensure each child receives personalized attention, meaningful connection, and responsive care. We maintain an 8:1 student-to-educator ratio in Pre-Junior Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten, and a 10:1 ratio in Kindergarten.

Yes, children must be fully toilet trained before starting in our Early Learning Program.

Yes, Pre-Junior Kindergarten (3 year old) students have a scheduled afternoon nap or quiet time each day.

Yes, families provide their child’s nut-free lunch and snacks daily. An optional Healthy Hunger lunch program is also available for convenient ordering from local vendors.

Children spend time outside every day, engaging in both structured outdoor learning and unstructured play. Students participate in daily recess and often take learning activities or additional body breaks outside throughout the day. Our natural play spaces and Outdoor Education program help foster a deep connection with nature and support physical, social, and emotional development.

Yes, students wear a preschool-specific uniform. You can find full details here: Uniform Guidelines

Childcare Affordability Grants & Subsidies

Child Care Affordability Funding

River Valley School participates in Alberta’s Child Care Affordability Grant, helping make our full-time Pre-JK and Junior Kindergarten programs more accessible for families.

Families enrolled in these programs currently pay a flat parent fee of $326.25 per month, equivalent to an average of approximately $15 per day. This reduced fee applies automatically—families do not need to apply or provide income information.

RVS offers full-time Pre-JK and Junior Kindergarten programming only, with children registered for more than 100 hours per month.

The current federal-provincial childcare agreement has been extended through March 31, 2027. We will keep families informed of any changes to funding or fees beyond that date.

Learn more about Alberta’s childcare affordability funding

To learn more about our tuition and fees, please click HERE