River Valley Charter School in Newburyport

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) data from Massachusetts Department of Education, and using 2025 MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering (MCAS STE) Tests data from Massachusetts Department of Education.
Student Growth	8/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student Growth - MA MCAS data from Massachusetts Department of Education.

Posted: February 7, 2025

RVCS has been a very positive experience for our family! Weve been part of the school since our oldest started kindergarten, and now we have a 4th grader and a 1st grader who are both thriving. The sense of community here is wonderfulour kids have friends of all ages across the school and it feels like being part of a big family. The Montessori-inspired curriculum allows for independence while providing meaningful structure and guidance, and the emphasis on experiential and project-based learning makes education engaging and impactful.
We especially love the focus on peace-building and place-based education, which teaches our kids to be thoughtful and connected members of their community and to have time outside engaging in the natural environment. The specials programs (PE, music, engineering, art) are outstanding, with warm and talented teachers who make learning fun. RVCS values the whole child, and it shows. Our kids are very different from each other, and both have grown into confident learners who love school. We are very happy with RVCS!

Posted: February 7, 2025

Posted: January 20, 2025

Students at RVCS are encouraged to follow their passions while making sure they are also covering the necessities. Students are developed as independent learners who learn skills that are the building blocks of their future. The community at RVCS is deeply engaged and supportive.

Posted: January 20, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2024

RVCS is an amazing place of learning that manages to merge the challenging and very different concepts of a true Montessori education while maintaining the requirements of being a public charter school. This is something I truly did not appreciate when first starting at this school, but now that our daughter has been there from Kinderhaus through 8th grade I've witnessed it firsthand. She has developed and maintained a true passion for learning through a system of instructors that truly follow the child and let them blossom and grow as fast as their minds dream.

Posted: October 8, 2024

Posted: September 8, 2024

River Valley Charter School and Montessori philosophy has been a great fit for our child. I have witnessed them move from Kinderhaus through 6th grade here. As they enter middle school, I am confident in their ability to navigate social dynamics and academic challenges, including public speaking (this is an amazing and integral part of the Montessori curriculum), music (violin, marimbas and ukulele), art, math and reading. Montessori tools in classrooms have been excellent for building solid foundations in math and reading. The place-based education program that takes classes to a local farm one day a week was such a gift, reinforcing lessons in history, science and writing with real world experience - with an excellent educator leading. Same can be said for the field trips. From MIT workshops to Chewonki overnights in Maine - excellent opportunities at every age. Two teachers per classroom is something you don't see in every public school setting.

Beyond academics, the mixed age classroom has gifted our child with opportunities I didn't realize would be so important to fostering a loving, empathetic person and have provided chances for leadership and responsibility that I never had in school.

Over the years I have connected with the administration for various reasons needing support. I am grateful for the responses I have received in those moments. Our experience has been one of support and transparency.

And because the Parent Association includes all parents, PA events seem well-supported, with community-wide attendance, from playground meet ups to dances, a beautiful solstice event last year and a truly top-notch parent-run Garden Club. Great sense of community to plug into. RVCS has provided a well-rounded education, grounded in historical, cultural and natural resources of the Merrimack Valley, that challenges my child to pursue their interests while adhering to state requirements. It's an incredible feat.

Posted: September 8, 2024

Posted: August 23, 2024

I can't say enough great things about RVCS; the community, educators and of course the students! We have two children that have been at RVCS for 6 and 5 years. The experiences they are granted from having two teachers in each classroom to placed based learning classrooms provides a a variety of prepared learning environments. The child lead learning structure has provide confidence, resilience and perseverance in our children. We could not be happier with our decision to send our kids to River Valley Charter School where Montessori education is made public.

Posted: August 23, 2024

Posted: July 20, 2024

River Valley Charter School offers students and parents a community of learning for all capabilities. It is a welcoming environment and the students are mindful, respectful and kind. Our son has thoroughly enjoyed his experience at the school.

Posted: July 20, 2024

Posted: July 17, 2024

We came to River Valley two years ago when our oldest was entering 2nd grade and immediately were blown away by the intentionality that the community of staff brings to each day of learning. We love the supportive environment, place based learning, and student led approach. Staff are approachable and receptive whenever we have questions, ideas, or concerns.

Posted: July 17, 2024

I have been an RVCS parent for going on 5 years now and it has been an overall positive experience. I love the Montessori environment and RVCS holds a standard to both that and the state standards. I appreciate the flexibility that the environment offers and the school is a very community oriented and welcoming place. It is clear that the schools has high expectations for their students.

Posted: July 17, 2024

We love RVCS! We love sending our children to a Montessori school where they are responsible for MA state curriculum but also are free to explore topics which interest them. They are engaged in their learning and are responsible citizens in and out of the classroom. We love that they are taught the reasoning behind why we do math the way we do in addition to being taught problem solving.

Posted: July 17, 2024

Posted: July 10, 2024

I recently visited RVCS as end-of-year culminating projects were shared. Students had clearly worked hard to collect and analyze data and create interesting presentations. Both teachers and students participated in curiosity-driven discussions after the presentations. I observed a stimulating, scaffolded, and safe learning environment for all.

Posted: July 10, 2024

Posted: June 24, 2024

I have been pleased with RVCS in the 3 years (E1: grades 1-2) my child has attended and am looking forward to the fall when they become an E2 (grades 4-6) student. With no Montessori experience, my partner and I were a bit skeptical when we chose the school, but it was the tail-end of COVID and we were intent on giving our child an experience that valued authentic engagement, out-of-the classroom experiences, and a focus on social-emotional learning. We are so grateful we made that choice.
Our child has excelled academically (e.g., receiving extra in-classroom support with early reading has created a voracious reader) and the Montessori materials, though still foreign to my partner and I, make sense and truly help our child learn in a wholistic way. The teachers focus on guiding the child to make their own decisions and the mixed classrooms, which foster a model of the older kids supporting the younger ones, has developed exceptional confidence and a love of learning.

The classrooms are amazing. As a visual person, I was immediately taken by the mellow, engaging vibe- natural lighting, textiles, colors, animals, plants, and lots of spots for the children to work from: tables, sofas, carpeted floors, bean bags- there are no fluorescent, metal, hard classrooms here! My child can sometimes be overwhelmed in loud, busy spaces (me too!) so this environment creates a relaxed and approachable environment in which to learn. There is also a shared commitment to the environment- children have roles and tasks throughout the day/week, whether it's to feed the animals, help with clean-up... the children are active participants.

The teachers and staff are authentically kind. The smaller classrooms and Montessori model allows for my child to connect with various teachers, and it has created a reciprocal respect in the adult/child dynamic. Its so refreshing to see everyone speaking to one another as humans. It seems everyone knows and looks out for the kids (every morning, all the adults- whether theyre my childs teachers or not- greet my child by name). The teachers are there to guide the students and see their individual strengths, challenges, and interests. The 'specials' teachers are also fantastic (particularly amazing art and music teachers IMO, who are somewhat new to the school) and have created fun community engagements and programs that are fun for the kids and parents alike.

All in all, I have nothing but good things to say about RVCS!

Posted: June 24, 2024

Posted: June 18, 2024

As a teacher who has been at the school for 20 years, it's interesting to read the reviews on this site. I would say currently all of the teachers who are at the school are curious, compassionate people who want what's best for every child. (You don't get into teaching if you don't want what's best for children.) In our classroom, on the first day every year, the one thing that I stress to my students more than anything else is the need for us to create a safe space in which to learn. I feel that we all (all the classrooms) spend a lot of time on social/emotional support of all the students. Since covid we have had 2 guidance counselors for 288 students. Overall, what I see as the school's greatest strength is believing in children, believing that they are capable, so much more capable than most adults think, and curious. If children have concerns about kids being mean to them, we put our lessons aside for the moment and talk about it right away. We want to help the child figure out what they want to do about it. I always encourage the children to talk to each other because I want to teach them that it makes you feel empowered to say how you're feeling and the other person needs to hear your voice as well. Our older students are mentors, role models, friends and leaders for our younger students. I would encourage anyone thinking about having their child attend RVCS, first, you should to come observe any day in any classroom. I would encourage you to see more than one level. (The office will set up a visit for you.) You should also definitely to come to see a Celebration of Learning. This is a final presentation that each 8th grade student makes before they graduate. It won't matter whose "COL" you see, it will show you where the kids at RVCS get at the end of their journey in the school. I really wish all incoming parents would see at least one COL. They're all incredible. They're all the child speaking to a panel and an audience about who they are as a learner, what's been hard for them along the way and what they've done that they want to celebrate.

Posted: June 18, 2024

RVCS feels like a true community - Where all voices matter and all member are seen as valuable contributors. RVCS has helped lay the foundation to make my children compassionate human beings, curious and confident learners and given them a wider lens in which they see the world.

Posted: June 18, 2024

The faculty and staff are dedicated and put children above all else. The school has special education teachers and a school nurse who provide those that need it with additional support. Our experience has been positive, and we feel fortunate to be part of such a warm and loving community with high educational standards.

Posted: April 27, 2022

We left this school with two students attending and we left on purpose. All the reviews concerning the bullying, the clueless staff and administration regarding bullying, the ineffective special education, the cliques of both students and parents, and more - all 100% accurate.

This is, in actuality, a school best suited for the wealthier residents of Newburyport and the surrounding towns, especially for those who grew up in the local area who have remained here. If you are not in their social class and income brackets, their educational attainments at liberal colleges, if you are new to town, and if you lack significant leisure time to make up for (IMO) the shortfall of the school's teaching methodology you may have a tough go of it.

We personally witnessed horrific bullying being completely ignored by teachers while on a field trip. We left the school with alacrity due to the bullying of one of our children and the same child being totally left behind on their IEP. The child was parked in a corner and given busy work day after day.

We did like the teachers in Kindergarten and 1st grade.

Posted: January 19, 2021

River Valley Charter School is provides a pre-eminent public Montessori experience for grade K-8 students. The school provides a multi age, non competitive environment for children to learn with and among a diverse group of learners. The school values the individual while also emphasizing the role the child plays in their community- whether it be the classroom community or the greater Newburyport community.

All children from the Newburyport, Amesbury, Triton and Pentucket school districts are encouraged to apply, regardless of academic or economic status. The school has a fully staffed special education department and provides IEP, 504, English language learning, and financial support (for lunch, fieldtrips, etc), where appropriate. Children are enrolled through a blind, public lottery. Siblings of currently attending students receive enrollment priority.

Posted: May 21, 2019

I haven't witnessed bullying so I don't know how well they deal with it.

Posted: May 21, 2019

They assign a lot of homework and constantly tell us that we don't get enough. My friend at public school says she gets way less homework than us.

Posted: May 21, 2019

A lot of self-reflection and concentration on important characteristics of being a good person.

Posted: May 21, 2019

They have student government and say that leadership is important but we don't really accomplish anything.

Posted: May 21, 2019

Very good, I'm glad a transferred here I think the kids are nicer and it's a better environment than the public school.

Posted: August 27, 2018

Very intense and worrisome bullying and favoritism issue. Some staff is inappropriate.

Posted: August 27, 2018

Assistant principle's approach is very poor, principle mostly goes with what she decides.

Posted: August 27, 2018

This school fosters bullying and favors some students over others

Posted: August 27, 2018

There is very little to no homework, you will need private tutor to supplement what has not been taught or what has been missed.

Posted: August 27, 2018

Some teachers are great others far below average

Posted: August 27, 2018

Bullying at this school is the worst I have ever seen. Teachers turn blind eye to certain groups of children bullying other children. They repeat in mantra style peace studies goals and yet this school is one of the most vicious school environments and "inside club" I have ever seen. Save your child from years of suffering and go somewhere else.

Posted: April 25, 2017

Here is where RVCS truly shines. Kids are really well rounded.

Posted: April 25, 2017

They have a project based learning experience

Posted: April 25, 2017

My husband and I feel so lucky that a school like RVCS exists. This is a place were a kid is not a number, the teachers truly take the time to learn who they are and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Our two children are thriving here in their own way - the have blossomed into amazing kids. We love the administration, they listen and they care. RVCS is an amazing community of students, parents, teachers and staff.

Posted: August 27, 2015

I completely agree with the three most recent reviews. I wish that all who have left the school could get together. An incredible amount of suffering has and I am sure will continue to occur as a result of the administrations's total denial of the bullying problem at the school. I think that Maria Montessori would be horrified to see the disrespect towards children done in her name. Is the "Montessori way" to let bullying thrive because it is not seen? That's the RVCS way.

Posted: May 18, 2015

My daughter attended RVCS from Kindergarten through grade 6. Her Kinderhaus through E-1 experience was very good. But her E-2 experience was absolutely horrific!, especially the last few months. The treatment she received from her two teachers bordered on bullying. She was treated with extreme disrespect and harassed by her teachers on a regular basis. No matter how hard we tried to work through any issues, there was absolutely no desire to resolve the problems and an outright refusal to follow my daughter's 504 plan. The teachers' excuse being "that's not the Montessori way." It was so refreshing when my daughter started 7th grade at a "traditional" public school and the attitude was, "How can we make this work?" I would never recommend this school.

Posted: August 18, 2014

My child entered E2 and was bullied immediately. The child that left the opening for my child left for the same reason. I came to realize Bullying at this school exists because the administration and teachers refuse to see it and address it properly.. Many other parents I met had similar experience , we all agree that the 3 year program contribute to creating a 'pecking order' in the class. Each classroom is it's own island. translating Montessori as they please.This makes moving children around very difficult (if there is a harassment problem).It's easier to ignore it than move children into different classrooms (at least for the teachers and administration). As well, special education is virtually non existent because the teachers and admin. do not back or support the Sped. Dept. I chose to fight the school via the state. The process continues. The State has found the school in violation of State and Federal Bullying Laws. It is now on the school to show a change. I will continue to fight for change concerning Sped. at the school. At this moment, I would just like prospective parents to be aware of these shortcomings. I was not. Now I know and my child paid dearly.

Base	Distance
Pease Air Base	19 mi.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery Maine)	20.4 mi.
Londonderry Armed Forces Reserve Center	27.9 mi.
Hanscom AFB	31.5 mi.
Coast Guard Boston	31.5 mi.
New Boston Air Force Station	38.5 mi.
Fort Devens	41.5 mi.
New Hampshire National Guard Concord	42.1 mi.
Natick Soldier Systems Command	43.1 mi.

River Valley Charter School

Newburyport, MA 01950

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River Valley Charter School

Newburyport, MA 01950

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