Wonder lives in every note, brushstroke, performance, and adventure.

River Valley School values the benefits of cross curricular opportunities to learn. With a robust offering of programs, students are engaged in a variety of experiential, artistic, physical and cultural experiences. And It’s not just that we offer classes in Physical & Outdoor Ed., French, Drama, Music and Art, but we have dedicated specialists in these areas who share their knowledge and experience with the students, starting from age 3!

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS

River Valley School students exploring a snowy woodland during an Outdoor Education lesson, one of them examining a tree trunk.

Outdoor Education

In Outdoor Education, students learn through hands on experiences in and about nature. Lessons take place both on campus and in the wider community, helping students develop environmental stewardship, confidence, resilience, teamwork, and problem solving skills while fostering curiosity and a meaningful connection to the natural world.

A River Valley School student mid-swing with a racquet during a tennis lesson on a blue outdoor court.

Physical Education

Physical Education helps students develop movement skills, confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits that last a lifetime. Through a variety of games, sports, and fitness activities, students build coordination, perseverance, and sportsmanship while discovering the joy of being active in a supportive and inclusive environment.

A teacher kneeling among River Valley School students seated on a classroom carpet during a French lesson.

French Language

Students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing French through engaging, age appropriate learning experiences. Songs, games, stories, and conversation help students develop practical language skills while fostering an appreciation for French language and culture from an early age.

A young River Valley School student playing a wooden xylophone with mallets during a music class.

Music

Music inspires creativity, confidence, and self expression while developing rhythm, vocal skills, musical literacy, and performance experience. Students explore a variety of instruments, styles, and collaborative opportunities that nurture a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.

River Valley School students working with brightly coloured paint and craft materials at a table during a Fine Arts lesson.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts encourages creativity, imagination, and personal expression through a wide range of artistic experiences. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and design while developing artistic techniques, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the creative process.

A class of River Valley School students standing with their arms raised, following a movement activity on the classroom screen during Drama.

Drama

Drama provides students with opportunities to build confidence, communication, creativity, and collaboration through imaginative play and performance. By exploring storytelling, movement, character, and improvisation, students develop presentation skills while learning to express themselves with confidence and empathy.

River Valley School students sitting on the carpet in the school library listening to a teacher, with bookshelves behind them.

Library

The Library is a welcoming space where students discover the joy of reading while building strong research, information literacy, and inquiry skills. Through engaging literature, thoughtful discussion, and guided exploration, students develop a lifelong love of books, curiosity, and the confidence to become independent learners.

A River Valley School student typing on a laptop during class, with a classmate working in the background.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

While not a dedicated specialist class, ICT and STEAM are woven throughout the River Valley learning experience. Students explore technology, coding, engineering, and design through hands on projects that encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. Beginning in Fall 2026, students will also visit our new STEAM Studio, where homeroom classes will learn alongside our STEAM Facilitator through engaging, inquiry based experiences.