Rivendell Preschool

- Gowanus
277 Third Avenue, Brooklyn 11215, NY
See Map | Get Directions - www.rivendellnyc.org
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Description
Located in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Rivendell Preschool is an enriched Montessori program for children ages 2-5 enhanced by a wide range of opportunities for joyful work and play. Our inclusive community is known for its warmth and welcoming nature, and we know that learning to respect the similarities and differences with in a wide range of friends and families has lasting benefits for everyone!
Visit Rivendell for an in-person tour of our beautiful classrooms, rooftop play yard and backyard Growing Connections greenhouse. See for your self how the early childhood years are celebrated by families and staff!
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Reviews (34)
Preschool Recommendation - Rivendell School
When we were navigating our preschool decision in fall 2021, we looked at a number of the schools near us in Park Slope. We voraciously read all of the PSP reviews of schools to get a better understanding of what might be the best fit for us. We ended up deciding on Rivendell School on 3rd Ave and President, even though it was a somewhat farther commute for us, and it has been a truly wonderful experience, so we wanted to share our experience to help everyone else who is trying (and will be trying) to decide what is right for them. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, even if it is many years from now! Parent reviews In choosing Rivendell, we were deeply swayed by the quality of parents’ reviews of the school. They were substantive and detailed, and talked at length about how well the teachers know the students and how engaged they are, which really stood out versus other preschools we considered. This is exactly what we found - our older son has truly blossomed in the last 3 years because of that level of engagement by the teachers and administration, and a community that is warm and very supportive of one another. Our younger son just started in the last few weeks, but he is already loving it. Teacher engagement Engagement is driven by the qualities of the teachers, who are warm, very present and clearly love working at the school. But it is also driven by the student-teacher ratio - in the four classrooms we have been in across our two sons, that ratio has been between 2.5 and 4 children to 1 teacher, not including the specialists who sit 1:1 with the children who need special support (usually 20-25% of the class). It’s clear why everyone knows our sons so well - it’s the sheer amount of time that they are able to spend and engage with them. Both our sons have built a number of strong relationships. Our older son in his 3rd year is close to everyone at school, including regularly stopping by the admin office to chit-chat on his way out. It brings out in both of them joy, confidence, and engagement. Inclusion It is clear that Rivendell is an excellent school choice for those with children who need special support - while we do not have direct experience with this ourselves, we know many families who speak very highly of Rivendell and the support they receive both in the classroom and with the various specialists, as well as navigating life after Rivendell. We were very drawn to the mission of inclusion of the school, whereby classrooms combine typically developing kids and ones requiring some assistance, in a way that all kids benefit. Still, we were not sure what inclusive classrooms would feel like in practice - we were looking for schools early in the COVID days, and no in-person tours were possible. Now in our third year at the school, this experience has been consistently excellent. We find that Rivendell has fostered in both our sons, who are typically developing, empathy and kindness. They take it for granted that some friends have special needs, some friends look different, some friends have different family traditions, and that we are all equals in the school community. This comes from the school but also comes from the families. When we speak to other Rivendell alumni families, they often still see it in their children long after graduating from Rivendell, so they and we believe this early exposure has a lasting impact. Community Rivendell is a school built on the ideas of inclusion, empathy, and a supportive community, and attracts families who strongly value them. We are currently in the Kindergarten application process for our eldest, and Katy Hill, the school’s amazing director, offered to put us in touch with Rivendell alumni families at each of the schools we were interested in. We specifically asked to speak with parents with slightly older children as well to get a longer term view on some of the schools, so we were speaking with parents who had been away from Rivendell for 5-10 years. These families still felt deeply connected to Rivendell and were very helpful to us as we asked the many questions we had about their experiences at their schools. They still spoke very highly of Rivendell and Katy, and it shows the quality of connection that the school has been able to build. We are very close with many families we have met at Rivendell. Initially, we saw them at school events and birthday parties, but these relationships have also extended beyond that, through play dates and informal playground meet-ups. We see many of them in the neighborhood regularly, and it’s heartwarming to see how close our sons are to his favorite friends from preschool. In short We have friends at a number of preschools in the area who have had positive experiences, but it is telling that they are, in general, not as close to their schools. It has been our experience that Rivendell brings something more, in the level of engagement of the teachers and how close they are to the children and to the school; in the warmth and strength of the school community; and in the values of kindness and empathy and inclusion fostered in the classrooms. *** I wanted to add some logistical information since I got a question about it in a private message. Rivendell is a not-for-profit preschool (not a daycare facility), offering the equivalent of a 2s, 3s, and 4s program across 4 classrooms that are grouped roughly by age, with Montessori-inspired school programming in the morning and early afternoon hours. There is a variety of schedules offered (mornings only, partial weeks), and they also provide additional services like Early Bird (starting at 8 AM), Late Bird, and Later Bird (until 5:30 PM) to provide support to families who need full-day coverage. There is more detail on their website, and I have found that if I needed something more bespoke, they have been more than willing to accommodate. There is a lovely roof space that the children use for outdoor time with a climbing gym, wooden blocks, and small tricycles as well as a greenhouse in the backyard where children participate in the Growing Connections program and garden, learn about plants and compost, and tend to the pet snails in small groups. They have three "special" sessions per week with three different teachers: music, gardening, and art. In art, they are exposed to different art techniques each week and do projects that exercise their fine motor skills.Re: Preschool Recommendation - Rivendell School
Our child, who is currently in kindergarten, just finished attending Rivendell for 3's and 4's. We had such a wonderful few years at the school, and are happy to chat with anyone who is considering it for preschool! Vivian and George did a great job describing the program, but something I would like to add is that we are very impressed by how prepared our child is for kindergarten. The school focuses a lot on social and emotional skills, and our child is definitely bringing all of their knowledge from preschool into their current "big" school. Initially we were drawn to the half day options and Montessori inspired curriculum, but came away with so much more in terms of strong relationships with other families, teachers, and the school administration. We were also very inspired by the success of the inclusion program and the way it celebrates differences in all of us. Again, feel free to reach out to us if you'd like to know more about our specific experience.Review from the Spring 2024 Early Education Survey
Review: We absolutely love Rivendell, and feel so lucky to have landed in this program for preschool! First and foremost, the teachers are incredible. I have never encountered a more kind, respectful and supportive group of early childhood educators. They truly listen to children and meet them where they are in terms of learning and personality. Director Katy Hill is also a wonderful wealth of knowledge regarding early childhood care. I feel absolute confidence that my child is well cared for each and every day at the school. We also appreciate that the school offers half days, and found the program to be very accommodating to our needs in terms of creating a hybrid schedule. The facilities are clean, safe, and well maintained. The Growing Connections program is a gem--we like that our child spends time in a greenhouse among plants every week. Finally, the parent community is very involved overall, and we've made many friends through the school. Rivendell lives out its values of inclusivity everyday and celebrates the differences in all of us. We have so much gratitude to the program for supporting our child for the last few years! Amenities: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has an outdoor greenhouse and rooftop playgroundReview from the Spring 2024 Early Education Survey
Review: My child has been at Rivendell since joining the 2's program and is now graduating out at age 4. The last 3 years at the school have been so wonderfully supportive and has had such a profound impact on him. He has really blossomed in a gentle learning environment with excellent teachers who are easily reachable any time we have questions or concerns. The school also does an amazing job creating a sense of community among everyone who goes to school or works there. The rooftop play area and the greenhouse are particularly special places that my son absolutely loves. Amenities: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hours What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? I wouldn't change anything!Review from the Spring 2023 Early Education Survey
Review: Rivendell is an absolute gem of a program, and I would 10/10 recommend the quality of care, the nurturing environment, the excellent facilities, the Montessori curriculum, and the philosophy of inclusion, which is put into practice in such a caring and meaningful way. I do have to give the fairly large caveat that it is a challenging school to make work if you have a household where all the adults work unless you have a nanny. There is a long phase in process every year (not just your first year at the school), there are more teacher training days than at other schools (probably one reason their staff works so collaboratively and everything always runs so smoothly - but still something parents should be prepared for), and the latest pick up is 5pm (I am eternally grateful that they offer care from 2:30-5, even though only a handful of people ever sign up for it, and the aftercare team is absolutely wonderful as well). Amenities: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hours, provides snacks What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? late pickup until 6, camps during winter/spring breakNursery school recommendation - Rivendell School
Rivendell is both a certified Montessori school and a school focused on special education and inclusion. What that looks like is that every classroom usually has a mix of kids with different abilities and needs. Classrooms are staffed by multiple teachers, included Montessori teachers, special education itinerant teachers and therapists. It's a fantastic environment for any kid and absolutely amazing if your child happens to need special ed services or physical/occupational or speech therapy. The school even has a therapy gym on site for kids to get their services throughout the day. The main con of the school for many families is that the hours are slightly more limited than many similar nursery schools - drop off begins at 8 and after school goes to 5:00, however, at the request of a few parents (including me) the director is currently working to see if she can staff after school until 5:30. Phase in is also slow, so there are a few extra partial days at the beginning of the year, and like most nursery schools the school year ends two weeks before the public schools (summer school starts one week after the school year ends and runs for 8 weeks). The school offers a variety of schedules (mornings only, partial weeks), class sizes are small and there is a ton of personal attention. Communication from teachers is also excellent. They email to check in, there is a class google photo group, they encourage parents to send in pictures of what the kids did over the weekend and on holidays and they print out the photos and post them in the classrooms. The school has an on-site greenhouse and does a lot of gardening work, and a wonderful roof-top play space, including a large extendible awning that allows them to play outside even on rainy days.Review from the Spring 2022 Early Childhood Education Survey
Location: Park slope Type of facility: Preschool Review: Wonderful caring place. Lots of enrichment activities including a greenhouse, rooftop playground, music class. Teachers and admin are lovely. Building is well cared for. Would happily send my child there all over again. What amenities does the facility have? Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hours Is there anything you would like to add about how the school is handling the pandemic? Very good protocols. Kids are masked inside, every child is rapid tested before the start of the week, and vaccinations will be required in the fall. Communication in cases of exposure was almost immediate.Nursery School reconditions for September 2021
I am not sure if they have any spots, but our children went to Rivendell Preschool and we couldn’t recommend it enough. They have half day options that may work for your family. They have also been very cautious about COVID and have taken as many precautions as possible and managed to stay open (a pod here and there) for most of the school year. It is a gem of a school.Review from the 2020–2021 Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, and K Survey
Review: Rivendell was such a blessing for our child this past year! It was our child's first time in a daycare/preschool setting, and the teachers at Rivendell were so welcoming and helpful in assisting them to transition, which admittedly didn't take very long. The teachers are truly wonderful -- they are caring and patient, and the children love them so much! When it came time for parent-teacher conferences, we were quite surprised at how much thought and preparation went into the conference; the teachers really pay attention to each child's development and learning. We also really enjoyed the "Growing Connections" gardening, music and art programs. The community at Rivendell is also very close-knit, and we really enjoyed getting to know other families and the staff this past year. Facility amenities: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hours What would you change about the program? Nothing Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? Rivendell had good protocol -- because of the pandemic, the children spent more time outside on the roof. The teachers and staff wore masks, and Rivendell basically taught our child to wear a mask for long periods of time. They followed NYS guidance regarding travel and quarantine.Review from the 2020–2021 Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, and K Survey
Review: Rivendell is amazing! My son loves going to school, and talks about his teachers and friends all the time. The teachers are caring and create a very supportive environment. We were nervous since it was the first time we would be sending our son to a preschool/daycare (he has been watched by a nanny/grandparents since he was a baby, and this was also right after months of quarantine when he was only with us), but the teachers were extremely helpful in getting him to acclimate to the new setting. They also have done such a great job of teaching and encouraging the children to do new things (e.g., mask wearing, hand washing, cleaning etc) and their Covid practices seem to have been effective without diminishing teaching. Communication with teachers and the administration is great. We also appreciate the specialists who come in (gardening, art and music) but also like that it's very child directed too. We love Rivendell and highly recommend it! Amenities offered: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hours What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? NothingDaycare options for 2-year-old with EI support
I just wanted to piggy back on the previous reply and really endorse Rivendell. They are a Montessori school but they follow a hybrid program where a percentage of each class are children with special needs (I would say there are usually 3 or 4 kids per class of 15,16). My son is currently in his second year there and it has been amazing for him. They are directly involved in every child’s needs and work intimately with service providers. There is a sensory gym for OT and PT, and they also have speech therapists on-site. The school works directly with the DOE and various service providers. It really is a wonderful program, for both typical and atypical kids. They have also been great during Covid. They follow all DoH protocols and overhauled the school during the summer to accommodate this strange new pandemic world. I cannot recommend them enough. --Private school advice
Our son went to Rivendell, and it is an amazing and incredibly special place. School leaders and teachers are all very smart and thoughtful and caring. Lots of individualized attention and instruction. And the greenhouse! Our son loved the Growing Connections program. Kids learn about plant and animal life cycles and have lessons in the greenhouse in the backyard. The art and music teachers are awesome. Classroom teachers are all very dedicated and creative and loving. Beautiful facility. Rooftop play area. Let me know if I can answer any questions!Private school advice
We sent our daughter to Rivendell for the 2s program and we loved it. All the teachers are amazing. Everything is so thoughtful and I feel like all of her teachers (1 lead & 2 assistants) really knew my child well. Unfortunately we moved to the other side of town, otherwise we’d definitely return for subsequent years. I cannot say enough good things about Rivendell. Happy to answer any questions.Rivendell Preschool
We sent our daughter to Rivendell 2s program and she/we loved it. The size, Montessori philosophy, gardening, physical space, level of art music and art, and of course, the fantastic teachers and administrators, were all reasons behind our decision to send her to Rivendell versus other local schools. The tuition is definitely higher than some, but I imagine it has a lot to do with the quality of educators and programs they offer? I really can’t speak to that, per se, but it was a great experience for us all around.2019-2020 Year Review
We love Rivendell! Our daughter loves going to school and had a pretty easy transition thanks to all the gentle methods and love her teachers and the school have in place. Our daughter absolutely loves her teachers as well as the director, Katy Hill, who watches the children signed up for after school care. … About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours, Learning Garden … What would you change? Nothing.Review from the 2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool Survey
Rivendell is an incredibly inclusive, warm, nurturing, child-centric place. Both children attended Rivendell and my youngest is in her last year (pre-K). Both my kids are very different kiddos and emerged from Rivendell: empowered, comfortable in their own skin, community minded, creative, thoughtful, kind, and perceptive. At Rivendell, they build their own playground everyday, children’s play is respected and viewed as work. The Montessori approach meant both my kids worked on what they loved most and yet were more than ready for Kindergarten. If you are looking for a place to educate your kid, empower them to be their best self, compassionate, and a community that will embrace you all as a family: look no further! DETAILS: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hoursShout out to Rivendell PreSchool
Our daughter has completed two years at Rivendell and we could not be happier. It is a wonderful, loving community that feels like an extension of our family. They know our daughter and have provided an exceptional learning environment for her to become herself. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Rivendell is located in Gowanus (Carroll and 3rd Ave). Prospective parents can contact shelly.wolf.scott@ rivendellnyc.org. I have no affiliation with the school other than a grateful parent. (Jul 2017)Review for Posting - Rivendell School
The moment you step in the door at Rivendell, a Montessori school serving children ages 2 thru Kindergarten-age, you feel an immediate sense of peace and calm: this is a place where the teachers and staff are grounded in their mission to let kids take the lead and learn as is most natural for them. This school is really a community, where families choose to send their children for their very first school experience - often traveling from all over Brooklyn to do so. I discovered Rivendell when our first daughter was approaching the age 2 year when I wanted to begin sending her to a morning program. The Twos program has 10 students to 3 full-time teachers, for either 2 or 3 mornings a week. Our daughter adored it, and really blossomed from the standpoint of speech, socialization, ability to concentrate on playing/working independently. At age three, she attended a 5-day-per-week program, with two of the days full days (9am-3pm), where there were 22 children to 3 teachers. Again she adored it - and we're sending out second daughter now in her footsteps. School highlights include "Growing Connections", a program featuring a sizable greenhouse on the school campus and regular opportunity to interact with plants/nature; a wonderful music teacher who meets weekly with the classrooms; and a roof-top playground. The school even involves the children in community service activities - regularly throughout the year, they put together packages of food donations for less-fortunate families through a nearby Gowanus charity. As a parent who cares extremely strongly about education, I couldn't recommend this wonderful place any more highly. (Jan 2017)Review submitted via the PSP 2016 PreK Survey
Review: Rivendell is a Montessori-based school. My son is currently in the 2s program. The teachers and administrators are incredibly thoughtful and experienced educators. For various reasons, my son ended up attending Rivendell and another very popular science-based school, so we are in the unique position to compare two programs side-by-side. Rivendell is by far more organized from day 1. For example, early on we received pictures of the teachers and each 'friend' in class, so we can easily talk to him at home about school. The transition period is long and very gentle. My son never shed a tear from separation. The same could not be said for the other program. The student:teacher ratio is very low in the 2s class- 10 students to 3 teachers. This makes a huge difference. These people really know what they are doing. I've noticed all 3 teachers are very clear and consistent in reinforcing ideas i.e. always wash hands first thing, and are extremely responsive to the needs to each child. I love it when the teachers tell me specific things they've noticed about my son when I drop off / pick up, which are always spot-on and really speak to their professionalism and experience. My son has become more independent & focused when playing at home, takes pride in his work, and learned a lot of self-help skills. When I occasionally ask him which school he likes better, he always says Rivendell. This school doesn't send kids home with a ton of arts & craft projects or have a variety of "specialists" coming through like other programs- but I'm now convinced at this age, he doesn't need to be hit with a bunch of stimulation and activities. What's more important is to instill independence and a love of learning. We discovered the school by chance talking to another parent at the playground, and hope we can spread the word to others too. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has early morning hours Review submitted via the PSP 2016 PreK SurveyReview submitted via the 2014-2015 daycare/preschool survey
Length of time: 5 half days Child’s Age: 3-4 years Type of facility: Privately run daycare/preschool with multiple classes and teachersThere is little/no parental involvement with the administration or running of the facility. REVIEW: Rivendell is a fantastic school. The class size is small, with at least two teachers plus an aide. The administration knows every child and parent by name. The building is new, bright, and has lots of fun activities. The teachers are very attentive and know the children extremely well. Transition period is gentle and structured. My child has grown so much in a year. Would you recommend? Highly recommend Would you send your child again? AbsolutelyReview from the 2014 Daycare/Preschool Survey
Program: Pre-School Length of Time: 1/2 days MTW Child's Age: 2-3 years Review: This is a modified Montessori program where the administration and teachers really know what they're doing! They are warm, professional, enthusiastic, with wonderful plans for each school day and great structure while also giving the kids lots of freedom to explore and work on whatever they want to work on. We receive frequent emails (every couple weeks) with feedback on our child and invitations to collaborate with the teachers on areas of growth and learning. It's a wonderful community. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot): Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review
Length of Time: Part time M,T,W Child's Age: 2-3 years Review: Rivendell is an adapted Montessori school. This means that they are primarily Montessori based, but have incorporated a few elements that they feel adds to the educational experience of the child. Our son began this past September in their youngest classroom and this school is a gem. An incredibly professional and trained staff create an environment in which our very active son can continue to be his effusive self yet access some meditative states of work and learning. It is an incredibly nurturing place, in which administrative staff greets and says good bye to you, and the caregivers you encounter In the halls are kind. They are thoughtful about everything in this school, from a well planned and communicative transition period to connecting children to nature via the greenhouse. Their playground is comprised of wooden blocks and planks which the children use to create their own structures, slides, ice cream stands, etc., We love the sense of independence they are encouraging in our son and the freedom the schools Montessori approach gives to our son to choose his interests and set the pace for his learning, rather than being told what to do throughout his day. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? AbsolutelyReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: Length of time: Full time Child's age: 1-2 years Review: This daycare is a GEM! It is run by two amazing, loving caretakers, who are also amazing teachers. It is set in a ground floor of a brownstone, there are 2 playrooms and a nice open kitchen. They keep the group of children small. During "circle time" everyday they sing songs, read in spanish, learn the alphabet and how to count. My 18month old son can count to 4!!! If the weather is nice, they go to the park just around the corner, which is so good for the children. If the weather is not nice, they do art projects (painting drawing and coloring), which they save for the parents to take home. My son started when he was 12 months old and he is now 18 months. I can say with total confidence that he is SO HAPPY THERE! He has blossomed so much. It is not just a loving, safe clean envionment but the caretakers are really teaching and challenging the children- from reading, counting, how to behave, to potty training. Also, they encourage all the parents to get to know one another, so when you go to drop/pick up your child, its a a very homey atmosphere. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year)Program: Length of time: open full time; my son goes M, W, F Child's age: 2-3 yearsReview: This is a small daycare with 2 full-time teachers/owners and one part-time teacher. Sandy and Aise are awesome! They love the kids and truly know their personalities. I often leave my son in one of their arms and pick him up at the end of the day from one of their laps. It's a very easygoing environment, although there is structure throughout the day including circle-time. The ages range from almost 1 until pre-school (3ish). Because of the age range I feel like my son gets to learn how to be careful around babies and yet he also learns the alphabet and reads with the big kids. We've definitely had a few issues with separation anxiety and Sandy and Aise have been great. They know how to easily distract him while also explaining how much mommy loves him and that I will be back later. Aise even called me after I left for work just to let me know that he stopped crying and was having a great time. They have also had no problem working around and being safe regarding my son's allergies which was definitely a concern of mine. I receive basic information about my son's day on a sign-in sheet, however, Sandy and Aise are also available at drop off and pick up to chat about the day's events or any issues.Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year)Program: Length of time: Full day, 3 days a week Child's age: 1-2 yearsReview: We have been thrilled with every element of this program, which specializes in kids 1-3. It is warm, structured, and creative. Our son has thrived and surpassed every milestone under the care of the two owners/directors: figuring out numbers at 18 months, building Legos at 16 months, understanding commands like "please put your shoes on the shoe rack" at 15 months. The children all seem delighted to be there, and many families continue to send their kids for 2 or 3 days a week after they enroll in regular preschool at 2-3,because the children feel so comfortable here.Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year)Program: Length of time: Full time Child's age: 1-2 yearsReview: This daycare is a GEM! It is run by two amazing, loving caretakers, who are also amazing teachers. It is set in a ground floor of a brownstone, there are 2 playrooms and a nice open kitchen. They keep the group of children small. During "circle time" everyday they sing songs, read in spanish, learn the alphabet and how to count. My 18month old son can count to 4!!! If the weather is nice, they go to the park just around the corner, which is so good for the children. If the weather is not nice, they do art projects (painting drawing and coloring), which they save for the parents to take home. My son started when he was 12 months old and he is now 18 months. I can say with total confidence that he is SO HAPPY THERE! He has blossomed so much. It is not just a loving, safe clean envionment but the caretakers are really teaching and challenging the children- from reading, counting, how to behave, to potty training. Also, they encourage all the parents to get to know one another, so when you go to drop/pick up your child, its a a very homey atmosphere.Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year)Program: Classroom 2 Length of time: 5 half days Child's age: 3-4 yearsReview: We had a great year at Rivendell. This was our first school experience. The teachers were great with transition, making it mostly painless for everyone. My child has really thrived in the school, going from very shy and reserved to having lots of friends, talkative and loving going to school. The teachers are wonderful in figuring out each child's development needs and gently working on those areas. Feedback is always available and the teachers reach out to us regularly. All in all, we were very happy with our experience and we will be sending our second child to Rivendell this year.Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: Length of time: Full day, 3 days a week Child's age: 1-2 years Review: We have been thrilled with every element of this program, which specializes in kids 1-3. It is warm, structured, and creative. Our son has thrived and surpassed every milestone under the care of the two owners/directors: figuring out numbers at 18 months, building Legos at 16 months, understanding commands like "please put your shoes on the shoe rack" at 15 months. The children all seem delighted to be there, and many families continue to send their kids for 2 or 3 days a week after they enroll in regular preschool at 2-3,because the children feel so comfortable here. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: Length of time: open full time; my son goes M, W, F Child's age: 2-3 years Review: This is a small daycare with 2 full-time teachers/owners and one part-time teacher. Sandy and Aise are awesome! They love the kids and truly know their personalities. I often leave my son in one of their arms and pick him up at the end of the day from one of their laps. It's a very easygoing environment, although there is structure throughout the day including circle-time. The ages range from almost 1 until pre-school (3ish). Because of the age range I feel like my son gets to learn how to be careful around babies and yet he also learns the alphabet and reads with the big kids. We've definitely had a few issues with separation anxiety and Sandy and Aise have been great. They know how to easily distract him while also explaining how much mommy loves him and that I will be back later. Aise even called me after I left for work just to let me know that he stopped crying and was having a great time. They have also had no problem working around and being safe regarding my son's allergies which was definitely a concern of mine. I receive basic information about my son's day on a sign-in sheet, however, Sandy and Aise are also available at drop off and pick up to chat about the day's events or any issues. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: Classroom 2 Length of time: 5 half days Child's age: 3-4 years Review: We had a great year at Rivendell. This was our first school experience. The teachers were great with transition, making it mostly painless for everyone. My child has really thrived in the school, going from very shy and reserved to having lots of friends, talkative and loving going to school. The teachers are wonderful in figuring out each child's development needs and gently working on those areas. Feedback is always available and the teachers reach out to us regularly. All in all, we were very happy with our experience and we will be sending our second child to Rivendell this year. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend- Recommended by PSP Member without review (March 2013)
(no subject)
Review Date 2012 Length of TIme: 5 days / week until 3PM. half days are also available Child's Age: 4-5 years Review: Rivendell is a unique place. The size of the school means that you tend to know everyone—including parents and teachers classes other than your own. It is a Montessori school that encourages a lot of independent thinking and learning. And a couple of the classrooms are mixed ages. The children describe their activities as "work." I appreciate the calm and the focus of this school. The teachers have been excellent and attentive. Both of my boys thrived here and I have found it to be an extremely supportive community of parents. It's not right for everyone. There can sometimes be a certain rigidity about "how things are done." But I feel both of my kids learned so much about how to interact with others and how to motivate themselves. The schedule -- certain events which require parental participation, days off -- is not always so sensitive to families with 2 working parents. There are a fair number of holidays and a lot of parties, participatory events for which some caregiver really needs to be present. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend(no subject)
Rivendell is a Montessori school that has Kindergartners and is wonderful.Review from PSP Survey, 2010
Name of Program: 5 days/week KID AGE:3-4 years The Rivendell School is a real treasure and I am so grateful that this is where my son is having his first experience of school. This is his second year attending the school. There is a palpable quality of joy from the moment you walk into the school and this carries in the busy hallways, the classrooms, and up on the roof playground. The teachers are gifted educators who create fun and exciting environments for the children to explore both inside and outside their classrooms. I have been impressed by the consistent and genuine respect for each child as a unique individual, and I see it both in the classroom teaching as well as with the approach by administration at Rivendell. There have been so many ways that The Rivendell School has impressed me. It is clear that much thought was put into placing each child in the appropriate classroom, so the end result is that there is a wonderful balance of personalities in the children in my son’s class. The separation process for the beginning of school was gentle and nurturing for both parents and children, and it was remarkable how smoothly it went. The focus was on what was best for each child and his or her start to school. I appreciated how this was not rushed and at the end of the “Phase-In” it was stunning to watch this great pride and self-confidence grow in each of the children as they mastered leaving their parent or caregiver and going into the classroom. The communication between my son’s teachers and the parents has been fabulous, with a lot of effort spent to involve and include parents. It has helped us forge a lovely community within our class and this has continued with birthday parties and play dates. My son has truly blossomed since he started at Rivendell. I can list the big developmental growth in areas of language, and social and emotional maturity, but what I find most significant is how happy he is. He loves going to school each day and that is what makes me the most thrilled about The Rivendell School. Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend