Riv Alert

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Philosophy

From the beginning, Rivendell School has had a philosophy of addressing each individual child’s academic needs, based on skills rather than the grade-level based expectations of the public school system. Key to Rivendell’s curriculum are:

Through the dedication and skills of our gifted staff, each Rivendell student is:

  • Given a personalized course of instruction that challenges his/her ability;
  • Helped to develop critical thinking skills;
  • Encouraged to meet high expectations at a pace that is developmentally appropriate for each individual;
  • Personally invested in the process of subject mastery;
  • Nurtured within an intentionally multi-cultural, family-style setting that promotes cooperation and respect;
  • Recognized as a valuable individual;
  • Provided with opportunities to strive for her/his personal best;
  • Challenged to view the world community with wonder and excitement through programs in core academics, foreign languages, fine arts, computer sciences, physical education, and cultural awareness;
  • Allowed to grow—academically, socially, and emotionally—within a safe environment that celebrates the experience of childhood.

The individualized process is not a “menu” of choices or a total one-on-one teaching approach.  It is appropriate to understand that individualization means that each child will be given work at his/her learning level and will be allowed to progress at a pace at which the child requires in order to feel both successful and challenged. Reading and math are taught one-on-one and in small groups.  Other topics may involve the whole class, with individual strengths and weaknesses addressed in written work.  The goal is to help children appreciate their different learning styles, while meeting the challenge of honoring the contributions of everyone in the group.  Respect and love for learning fit directly into the vision of the school.