Running River School

We moved to Boulder Valley specifically so our daughter could attend Running River School. We were impressed by its child-centric, individualized and interdisciplinary learning approach, its emphasis on nature, its focus on the whole child, and the low student to teacher ratio. Now in our second year at the school, we can confidently say that it has lived up to our expectations. Our daughter is thriving at the school, and we especially appreciate the ability of the school to meet every child where he or she is, to make them feel confident in themselves, and to engage them in learning.

After thoroughly scouring the entire Front Range, Running River is simply the most amazing school we found. They use a multi-faceted approach to teaching; immersive for most subjects supported by small amounts of rote training as necessary. The exceptional student:teacher ratio, with very individualized learning is what allows this. But the primary reason our two sons are learning and extremely happy here is the sense of acceptance throughout the school, both with teachers and all of the other students. There is time for movement and becoming personally aware that creates great confidence. Prior to coming here our sons were at best neutral, usually very negative, about attending school. Now they are thriving, engaged learners that are honestly excited to be in school every day. It truly surpasses our expectations.

Running River has been a great experience for my two kids. The two most important things I feel a good education needs are academics in a small environment which allows for more child directed learning, and the social emotional piece. With the academics at Running River they are really able to live in a subject and make it a part of the children's lives rather then the old method of memorize and forget. The social emotion aspect is always being addressed, from helping the children to learn mindfulness and how to slow down, to helping them with their relationships with children. Finally, Running River is always trying to improve, looking at progressive ideas and continually evolving to improve the way they teach.

It is difficult to describe all the reasons why this is an amazing school - offering a more well thought out and carefully delivered curriculum than any I could find. At first, because of the casual style and very personal approach, it almost seems like its too kind, too simple, and too enjoyable for the children to be as wonderful academically as it is. I am always shocked to see the quality of work that comes our of each grade and each child. Its truly amazing. My son goes to Running River and he loves learning, loves school, and feels a part of a community where he is valued for his unique talents and challenged to develop new ones. I see it fuel his confidence and his ability TO LEARN. As a PhD myself and an adult educator, I must say that learning how to learn is one of the best gifts a school can give anyone that seeks to surpass life's tests and succeed in any meaningful way... I cannot recommend it highly enough.

An amazing school that engenders a fantastic sense of community! The level of care, love and compassion shown to the students and parents is outstanding.

Our son arrived as a second grader two years ago. He couldn't read and hated school. Fast forward two years, he just finished up third grade reading several grades ahead with great confidence and absolutely loving school. He cried when school finished for the summer.

Our daughter has also had amazing support. She has been given the freedom to fly in subjects where she is strong, and given great support in areas where she needed more help. She has also benefited from strong social/emotional support as she navigates through the tween years.