About Us Founded in 1976, Rivendell School is Fort Collins' oldest private secular school operating as a non-profit organization. The Rivendell philosophy is intended to develop the learning and social skills that will benefit children through the rest of their lives. The Rivendell teaching staff is an energetic and creative group of teachers. Many hold advanced degrees in education and child development. "What I like best about teaching at Rivendell," says Suzanne, Younger Kids teacher, "is the sense of family and community that we have here. All the teachers know all the kids. We do a lot of activities together; we plan together. It's just a very friendly place to be." Rivendell is dedicated to the premise that each child has unique skills, talents and learning styles. A curriculum that is individualized for each child's abilities allows students a better chance for success than a curriculum based on a specific age or grade level. Reading and math curriculum are individually paced with each student progressing through a succession of lessons. Group instruction in other subjects is minimized, enabling students to receive individual attention and develop self-reliance. Rivendell's small class size enables teachers to take the necessary time with each student to develop this curriculum. "Teaching at Rivendell is great for me," comments Seth, Younger Kids teacher, "because we do not feel the need to teach towards the standardized tests which have become so popular today. We can focus more on each individual child. That allows us to put our energy into what's important for them." Rivendell provides a supportive and secure environment for children to learn and grow, fostered by a staff that knows each child and their family by name. Families feel like they are part of a community, not lost in a crowd. "Going to school at Rivendell is great," says John S., a parent, "because it's a small school and there is lots of personal attention. If something goes wrong, the principal calls you and she knows your name and she knows your kids. It makes you feel good about it." Students respect for themselves and others is the core of Rivendell's behavior philosophy and is the foundation of positive self-esteem and learning. Personal responsibility, positive reinforcement and high expectations are key to building self-reliant, independent and resourceful children. Discipline is focused on promoting respect for others both emotionally and physically and is designed to teach, rather than punish. "One of the things that we really feel that makes Rivendell special," remarks Edward S., a parent, "is the fact that, not only does the school emphasize the importance of students being respectful of teachers, but the school shows you a place where the teachers are really respectful of the students as well." Small class size, a high level of academic accomplishment and a nurturing but disciplined environment allow children to develop a love of learning that will carry them through the rest of their lives. This enthusiasm for learning is fostered when each student is challenged at his/her appropriate academic level. Rivendell graduates are self-motivated, organized learners, well equipped to take on the challenges of secondary school and beyond, both academically and socially. "I think the thing that is most exciting," reflects Dee, an Older Kids teacher, "is the ability to teach with a level of creativity that I never imagined possible. I am able to take an idea, learn about it, let my passion take me, along with the kids, on their learning journey." At Rivendell, the focus is on academic excellence and personal challenge, not on test scores. Students work with their teachers and with other students on topics until they have mastered the material. Students do not develop the expectation that they can take a test on material, and then move along whether or not they understand it. At Rivendell, it's ok to be smart but it's also ok to have to spend more time on material to develop true understanding. "At Rivendell, it does not pay to not hand something in because it's always going to be due," says Kathy S., a parent, "and so the kids learn you have to turn it in. That's a learned skill that happens through Rivendell. In public schools, an assignment may be due on Thursday. If Thursday comes and you don't turn it in, you get a zero and the kids get used to taking a zero and moving along, whereas Rivendell has taught them, it has to be in on Thursday, because if it is not, the teacher will say, "Where is it?" on Friday and Monday and Tuesday. It won't go away." Teachers work closely with parents to develop strategies for successful learning. Parent participation, feedback and volunteer activities are essential to Rivendell. Cooperative involvement and participation among students, teachers and parents is strongly encouraged. Classes are organized in four levels; Preschool starts with 3-year-olds; Younger Kids are pre-k through 1st grade; Middle Kids are 2nd and 3rd grades and Older Kids are the 4th through 6th grades. Older students are often paired with younger students in innovative groupings. This provides the opportunity for younger students to learn from older, more experienced students and older students to be role models for the younger students, teaching valuable life skills for both. In addition to regular classroom curriculum, each Rivendell student participates in enrichment programs with specialized teachers in which they learn Spanish, German, Art, Music, Math, PE and Computer Skills. Rivendell provides an onsite extended hours program that is available for all students enrolled at Rivendell. It is designed to provide a safe, fun place for students while accommodating parents' schedules. The program includes free and organized playtime, simple craft projects, study time and snack. The extended hours program is run on scheduled school days, before school from 7 - 8 AM and after school from 3:30 - 6:00 PM. Rivendell School - achieving personal and academic excellence through individualized education.