At the elementary level, students work research-style, either independently or in small groups. They move from the concrete to the abstract, motivated by their own interests, efforts, and experiences as they learn about geography, history, language, mathematics, science, music, art, and everyday living.  As in a traditional Montessori classroom, students are surrounded by concrete materials that enhance and explain what they are studying. The curricular materials are on display and available for students to choose and explore their interests in depth.

Monthly field trips are an important component of a RiverRun education. They enrich classroom experiences, allow students to practice real world skills, and present opportunities to contribute to the community with service projects.

A typical day in our elementary classrooms:

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM    Student Arrival

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM    Morning Meeting -- Overview of the day, sharing time, meditation, and reading aloud

9:15 AM - 12:00 PM    3-hour Dedicated Work Period -- To foster student concentration and in-depth discovery

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM   Recess and Lunch -- Recess is in our outside play area and lunch is in our classrooms

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM     Independent Reading -- Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) time

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM    Students participate in art, music, physical education, yoga, cooking, science projects, and other hands-on activities.

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM   Writers’ Workshop and/or Cultural Lesson -- Students are involved in many kinds of writing activities and lessons, including, but not limited to, journal writing, exploration of poetry, and story writing. Writing is often shared with the class.

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM    Dismissal Activities