{"id":3369,"date":"2023-02-27T09:24:21","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/?p=3369"},"modified":"2024-11-25T07:40:35","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T14:40:35","slug":"river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/eternal\/river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary-3369","title":{"rendered":"River Valley School: An Inclusive Educational Institution in Calgary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/\">calgary1.one<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a6a439cbb516\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a6a439cbb516\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/eternal\/river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary-3369\/#Part_of_Calgary_Montessori_School\" >Part of Calgary Montessori School<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/eternal\/river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary-3369\/#Innovative_Programs\" >Innovative Programs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/eternal\/river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary-3369\/#Moving_Away_from_Montessori\" >Moving Away from Montessori<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/eternal\/river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary-3369\/#School_Campus\" >School Campus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/eternal\/river-valley-school-an-inclusive-educational-institution-in-calgary-3369\/#Unique_Learning_Environment\" >Unique Learning Environment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Part_of_Calgary_Montessori_School\"><\/span>Part of Calgary Montessori School<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"913\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/1-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/1-3.jpg 913w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/1-3-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/1-3-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/1-3-696x469.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 913px) 100vw, 913px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Montessori&#8217;s method emphasizes developing each child\u2019s individual skills and interests instead of using traditional teaching methods. It focuses on practical knowledge and preparing children for real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1915, Margaret attended the San Francisco World\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2003, River Valley School began to branch out from the Calgary Montessori School\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Innovative_Programs\"><\/span>Innovative Programs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u201312.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moving_Away_from_Montessori\"><\/span>Moving Away from Montessori<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The school\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/2-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/2-3.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/2-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/2-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/2-3-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/2-3-1068x801.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2019, Carolyn Breland became the school\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/3-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/3-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/3-3-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/3-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/3-3-696x696.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"School_Campus\"><\/span>School Campus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In December 2021, the school\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/4-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/4-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/4-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/4-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/4-3-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unique_Learning_Environment\"><\/span>Unique Learning Environment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>River Valley School is not a one-size-fits-all institution. It focuses on the individual needs of each child\u2014how they learn, process information, perceive their environment, and interact with peers and themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inclusivity sets RVS apart from most other schools. Learning occurs in a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere that optimizes each child\u2019s potential, encourages curiosity, fosters a love of learning, and builds confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/5-1.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/5-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/5-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/5-1-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/5-1-1068x801.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The early childhood program is divided into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nursery (3-year-olds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Junior Kindergarten (4-year-olds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kindergarten (5-year-olds)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/11\/6-1068x801.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Elementary school students (Grades 1\u20136) 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":461,"featured_media":3388,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1166],"tags":[2533,2539,2542,2527,2531,2540,2536,2534,2528,2529,2537,2535,2530,2538,2541],"moimportance":[],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[2510],"class_list":{"0":"post-3369","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","8":"tag-arrowsmith-program-alberta","9":"tag-calgary-innovative-schools","10":"tag-calgary-nonprofit-schools","11":"tag-calgary-private-schools","12":"tag-carolyn-breland-rvs","13":"tag-cognitive-development-programs","14":"tag-early-childhood-education-calgary","15":"tag-inclusive-education-calgary","16":"tag-montessori-method-calgary","17":"tag-outdoor-education-calgary","18":"tag-progressive-education-calgary-2","19":"tag-reggio-emilia-approach","20":"tag-river-valley-school-calgary","21":"tag-special-needs-education-calgary","22":"tag-steam-education-calgary","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-c-l"},"modified_by":"Viktorij Voitova","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/461"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3369"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3391,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3369\/revisions\/3391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3369"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3369"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3369"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}