In the Elementary School, we strive to bring our mission to life for our preschool through Grade 5 students so that they may have the academic and social-emotional skills needed for success in future learning.
By building upon a child’s natural curiosity and providing a nurturing environment, we believe the key to our students’ growth is knowing each student as an individual.
Helping them develop independence, a willingness to take action, an ability to reflect upon their own learning, and an appreciation for others.
Small Classes and Caring Teachers and Staff Make All The Difference
We have made a very deliberate choice to keep our classes small so that each child will receive individual attention and be exceptionally well-known by their teachers. These nurturing relationships are critical to helping students gain confidence as they explore new topics, connect new information to previously known information, and tackle challenges big and small. Our teachers are the people who will inspire your students willingness to be courageous – whether it’s learning to multiply 7×8, to speak in another language, to strap on nordic skis, or raise a hand and share an opinion. It all takes courage.
By keeping our class size small, our teachers can plan more engaging and hands-on activities for students, more field trips, and take advantage of special teaching opportunities that arise.
Our Elementary School teachers, both primary classroom and specialists for art, music, language, and PE, all have IB training. Collaboration among our primary classroom and specialist teachers ensures that students can see the connections between concepts, other subjects, and the real world.
We are the first school in Idaho authorized to develop our own International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that we meet the true philosophy of the Primary Years Programme, which is to prepare “students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both within and beyond the classroom.” Each year, our teachers and administration reflect upon and refine our curriculum to ensure we are meeting the needs of students. Just as our world and our students are ever-evolving, our teaching practices evolve.
Five Pillars Create Pathways to Exploration
We believe that a well-rounded education leads to a well-rounded individual. The five pillars at Riverstone become the pathways that our students develop their academic and personal skills, as well as connect classroom learning to the greater world: Academic Excellence, Community and Service, Leadership by Example, International Understanding, and Outdoor Education.
The five pillars are an integrated part of the education our students experience and lie at the heart of who we are as an institution. Please read more by perusing the tabs for each pillar so that you can see how your child will grow and develop.
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten start your child’s journey
Being part of a Riverstone’s Elementary School means that Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten are different from most programs for 3 and 4 year old students. Our programs provide an excellent transition to Kindergarten and beyond. We develop the cognitive, social, and emotional well-being of our students while taking advantage of being part of a larger community. The Primary Years Programme curriculum developed by our teachers, Spanish language development, art and music classes taught by specialists, field trips, community assemblies, library time, buddies with older students, and ample space to run and play contribute to an excellent foundation to learning for our youngest students.
Explore the Elementary School
We invite you to explore our Elementary School through our website. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page as well.
Of course, there’s nothing that compares to seeing our students and staff in action. We invite you to attend an open house or inquire about more information or a personal tour here.