The regions River Valley School offers busing from are:
Additional notes: We currently have three bus routes that service specific communities within the SW, Central and NW Quadrants of the city. Please note that families outside these areas are welcome to use stops on any of these routes if it is convenient for their purpose. A family discount is available for the second and subsequent children.
"River Valley School is a Pre-JK–Grade 6 school in northwest Calgary serving approximately 315 students in a close-knit, relationship-driven community. At the heart of our school is a deep belief that childhood matters. We intentionally create a learning environment where every child is truly known, supported, and inspired to discover their individual best. Through inquiry-based learning, strong relationships, and rich specialist programming, we spark curiosity, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning."
River Valley School is one of Calgary’s only independent schools exclusively focused on the early years and elementary experience, serving children from age 3 through Grade 6. That intentional focus allows us to deeply understand childhood and create a learning environment where students are truly known, supported, and inspired during these foundational years.
Our approach combines strong academics with inquiry-based learning, hands-on discovery, and meaningful relationships. We believe children learn best when they feel connected, curious, and confident enough to ask questions, take risks, and explore the world around them.
With small class sizes, a dedicated Educational Assistant in every classroom, and a full continuum of support, enrichment, and gifted programming, we are able to meet students where they are and help them discover their individual best.
Students also benefit from rich specialist programming including Outdoor Education, Art, Drama, Music, French Language, Physica
At River Valley School, we have intentionally chosen depth of experience and personalization over rankings and standardization. Rather than designing education around rigid systems or “one-size-fits-all” outcomes, we prioritize relationships, curiosity, and responsive learning experiences that honour the individuality of each child.
This means we sometimes move more slowly and intentionally than larger or more traditional academic models. We place a high value on inquiry, creativity, outdoor education, collaboration, and social-emotional growth alongside academic achievement, which can look different from environments focused primarily on testing, competition, or accelerated pacing alone.
We also intentionally remain a Pre-JK–Grade 6 school. By focusing exclusively on the early and elementary years, we are able to deeply understand childhood development and invest fully in these foundational stages, rather than dividing attention across broader grade ranges.
River Valley School was founded with a deep respect for child-led learning — a philosophy that continues to shape our approach today. In 2003, the school evolved into River Valley School, expanding its vision beyond its early Montessori beginnings to embrace a broader, inquiry-based model rooted in curiosity, creativity, and connection. Under Carolyn Breland’s leadership since 2019, and with the acquisition of our permanent river-front campus in 2021, the school has strengthened its focus on holistic, personalized learning. These milestones reflect our enduring commitment to nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. Today, River Valley School is a thriving, forward-thinking community dedicated exclusively to early childhood and elementary education. Our history of innovation and responsiveness is central to who we are: a school where wonder is celebrated, learning is joyful, and every child is empowered to thrive.
River Valley School is an ideal match for families who value a holistic educational experience, where academic achievement is balanced with social and emotional growth. Our students are naturally curious, compassionate, and creative, excelling in an environment that prioritizes hands-on, engaging learning experiences. We cherish the vibrancy and individuality of childhood, creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages exploration and personal development.
We see education as a collaborative effort between the school and families. We actively engage parents in their child's learning journey through regular communication, workshops, and events. This partnership ensures that families are deeply involved, providing a strong support system that reinforces our shared values and enhances the overall educational experience for our students.
Desire for a Competitive Academic Environment: If a family values competition as crucial for academic success and prefers a culture of competitive rankings, they might find our model less suitable. At River Valley School, we prioritize the joy of learning and personal growth over competition, driven by each child's natural curiosity and wonder.
Preference for Standardized Test Prep: Families that prioritize high standardized test scores and a test-focused curriculum may not align with our philosophy. While we recognize the importance of assessments, standardized testing is not central here. Instead, we use various evaluation methods that celebrate individual growth and development.
Expectation of a Heavy Homework Load: If a family expects substantial homework as essential for academic success, they might find our balanced policies inadequate. We believe learning should extend beyond the classroom without overwhelming students, allowing time for family, play, and personal interests.
Individual Attention: Our small class sizes ensure that each student receives personalized attention, allowing for tailored instruction that meets their unique needs and learning styles.
Balanced Development: We focus on the holistic development of students, integrating academic rigor with social, emotional, and physical growth. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-rounded individuals.
Warm, Welcoming Environment: River Valley School prides itself on creating an nurturing and supportive community where every student feels valued and respected. This sense of belonging is a significant draw for our families.
Engaged Faculty and Staff: Our dedicated and passionate faculty and staff go above and beyond to support each student's journey, including knowing and addressing each child by name.
Student Success: The ultimate outcomes for our students, including academic achievements and personal growth, are a testament to the effectiveness of our educational approach.
River Valley School's image in the public eye has transformed from being a "hidden gem" to a recognized leader in early childhood and elementary education. Our reputation is built on authentic parent testimonials that highlight the distinctive "warm fuzzy" feeling associated with our school. This sentiment is echoed in the dynamic and diverse student population we nurture, fostering an environment where every child thrives. We take immense pride in our students' successes, which reflect our commitment to providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience. Our school's growing prominence is a testament to our dedication to creating a supportive and stimulating community for both students and parents.
At River Valley School, we take immense pride in a seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful practice: nearly every staff member can name and personally address each of our over 300 students. This unique approach, often underappreciated, speaks volumes about our commitment to fostering a close-knit and supportive community. Despite our growing population, this personalized touch ensures that each child feels seen, valued, and connected. It exemplifies our dedication to creating an environment where relationships flourish and every student is recognized as an individual, reinforcing their sense of belonging and confidence within our school family.
While many schools claim to focus on the whole child, River Valley truly embodies this philosophy. From the moment students step through our doors, they are immersed in an environment that nurtures not just their academic growth but also their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate curiosity and creativity, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Parents are often pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly academic excellence is integrated with character education and life skills.
Finally, new families are often captivated by the sense of wonder that permeates River Valley School. Our motto, "Wonder Lives Here," is more than just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle. We strive to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and students are inspired to explore, question, and discover. Parents frequently express how refreshing it is to see their children excited about school and eager to learn.
Since acquiring our riverside campus in 2021, we have made critical improvements to ensure a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students. We have upgraded the air purification and filtration systems and installed new HVAC systems to ensure a healthy and comfortable atmosphere throughout the school. Each classroom is now equipped with interactive boards, enhancing the teaching and learning experience. We have also invested in new student furniture and updated technology to support modern educational needs. Furthermore, we are committed to continuous improvement by consistently hiring qualified staff and teachers, ensuring our students receive the highest quality education possible.
At River Valley School, our vision for the next five to ten years revolves around a transformative campus redevelopment designed to significantly improve our learning environment. Understanding the vital impact of the learning environment on a child's development, we are dedicated to creating state-of-the-art facilities that align with the needs of modern education. This redevelopment will reflect our exceptional programming and proudly showcase the incredible work we are doing.
Hear directly from River Valley School community as they share insights.
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