John D. Hardy Elementary School

Riverbend is an amazing place. It is a kind, welcoming school that provides a deep dive education. The physical campus is beautiful with the outdoor space playing an integral role in the school day. The teaching staff is excellent and your child is truly seen and known. We have seen so much growth in our child since coming to Riverbend. It is an approach that fosters focus, collaboration and intellectual curiosity. The kids are excited to go in the morning, come home tired and happy at the end of the day, independently take ownership for homework and projects. The mixed-aged groups have been an added benefit, with younger kids learning from and modeling older kids and older kids having a chance to be role models and mentors. Really can’t say enough good things.

Seven years in, and I can say without hesitation that Riverbend has been the best choice we've made as a family. The clearest proof? My kids actually want to be there — no Sunday-night dread, no dragging feet on Monday mornings. What Riverbend gets right is its emphasis on relationships, meaningful academics, and authentic responsibility. The multi-age classroom model is central to this: older kids mentor younger ones, teachers loop with students across multiple years, and the result is a depth of understanding about each child that's rare. Watching my kids lead assemblies, run service projects, attend Model UN, and spend a full year on a self-chosen research project, I see what happens when agency and curiosity drive learning.I'm also grateful for leadership that knows every family while strategically positioning the school for the future.Montessori is over a century old, but it may be perfectly suited to this moment. In a world reshaped by AI, the qualities that matter most — curiosity, creativity, self-direction, empathy, deep engagement — are exactly what Riverbend cultivates. This school is a gem.

I’ve worked in several schools, but what stands out here is the passion. Students are ambitious, parents are engaged, and the faculty team is dedicated. The culture is about growth — for students and for teachers. It’s inspiring to be part of a place that is building something unique.