Since its founding, the private River Valley School (RVS) has focused on creating a warm and supportive learning environment, offering programs tailored to the diverse needs of students, including those with physical or mental disabilities. The school demonstrates that an inclusive educational community can succeed for all stakeholders. It provides educational programs for children aged three through Grade 6. More on calgary1.one
Part of Calgary Montessori School
In 1911, Margaret Potts studied at the Faculty of Education at Durham University in England. One of her professors returned from a symposium in Rome and introduced students to the innovative teaching methods of Italian educator Maria Montessori. In 1914, Margaret and her husband William (also an educator) immigrated to Stettler, Alberta, where they taught at a teacher training college. In 1919, they moved to Calgary and founded the Calgary Montessori School in their three-story home.
Montessori’s method emphasizes developing each child’s individual skills and interests instead of using traditional teaching methods. It focuses on practical knowledge and preparing children for real life.
In 1915, Margaret attended the San Francisco World’s Fair, where she met Maria Montessori. Upon returning to Calgary, she established the Canadian Montessori Association and later completed Montessori training in London. With her certification, Margaret enthusiastically pursued her educational mission.
In 2003, River Valley School began to branch out from the Calgary Montessori School—the oldest continuously operating Montessori school in North America. By 2005, RVS was officially registered, and by 2006, it had become a nonprofit organization, further solidifying its independence.
Innovative Programs
With its roots in Montessori education, RVS initially offered dual-stream programs: a progressive program for children from junior kindergarten through Grade 6 and a Montessori program for Grades 6–12.
In 2013, RVS introduced a nursery program for three-year-olds and the Arrowsmith Program, featuring intensive and gradual cognitive exercises designed to strengthen core cognitive abilities that cause learning difficulties. RVS was the only school in Alberta offering this program. The Arrowsmith methodology is based on research into neuroplasticity, allowing students to achieve targeted neuro-cognitive improvements.
The school soon implemented a formal STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), equipped with a ZSpace augmented reality lab. This innovation required new skills from teachers and administration, setting RVS apart from other Calgary schools.
Moving Away from Montessori
The school’s leadership has always made timely decisions to ensure sound financial management. In 2018, as market conditions shifted and Montessori programs became available in other Calgary schools, RVS transitioned from a dual-stream model to a flexible single-stream model. The school ended its official Montessori program and redirected resources to creating a comprehensive, adaptive, and innovative learning environment based on various pedagogical methods.
In 2019, Carolyn Breland became the school’s principal. With nine years of experience as a vice-principal and elementary school director in Canadian schools, Carolyn brought extensive knowledge and expertise to RVS in both education and administration.
School Campus
In December 2021, the school’s board of directors, principal, and senior leadership announced the acquisition of a new site at 3127 Bowwood Drive NW. This purchase, made possible by generous donors and alumni families, brought the dream of a dedicated school campus to life.
The campus, located along a picturesque riverbank in northwest Calgary, enhances the RVS spirit, improves student achievement, and increases satisfaction among parents, staff, and alumni.
Unique Learning Environment
River Valley School is not a one-size-fits-all institution. It focuses on the individual needs of each child—how they learn, process information, perceive their environment, and interact with peers and themselves.
Inclusivity sets RVS apart from most other schools. Learning occurs in a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere that optimizes each child’s potential, encourages curiosity, fosters a love of learning, and builds confidence.
RVS emphasizes both academic excellence and individual student support, promoting overall well-being. The school accommodates various learning styles, enabling every student to achieve personal success.
The early childhood program is divided into:
- Nursery (3-year-olds)
- Junior Kindergarten (4-year-olds)
- Kindergarten (5-year-olds)
Children participate in daily activities, unstructured play, and sessions with specialists in French, music, physical education, outdoor education, art, and drama, fostering their interests, creativity, and talents.
Elementary school students (Grades 1–6) engage in inquiry-based and project-oriented learning experiences that encourage exploration and creativity. In addition to core subjects, RVS offers specialized programs in art, drama, music, French, physical education, and outdoor education.
Through its STEAM program, the school immerses students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. This approach nurtures entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, and digital literacy from an early age.
Creativity is a central pillar of the school. Students with mental challenges are taught creative processes such as mind mapping, divergent thinking, delaying judgment, risk-taking, self-evaluation, and reflection.
The school draws from various pedagogies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and progressive models. Reggio Emilia, founded by Italian educator Loris Malaguzzi, emphasizes academic achievement, creativity, and student well-being in a supportive and innovative environment.
RVS does not require academic testing as part of its admissions process; instead, students are assessed based on a broad spectrum of experiences, talents, and abilities.