Frequently Asked Questions
There’s so much to learn about Riverbend School! This FAQ page addresses frequently asked questions about our Natick Montessori school and our admissions process. Please email us at admissions@rvbs.org if you have additional questions that aren’t answered here.
Montessori School FAQ
What is a Montessori school?
A Montessori school features hand-on learning in multi-age classrooms. Based on the Montessori Method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this educational model has been successful for over 100 years. In the toddler, preschool, and kindergarten years, learning focuses on all five senses, and students develop concentration, motivation, practical life skills, and a love of learning. At the elementary and middle school levels, students develop independence, confidence, and collaboration skills as they master complex ideas and time management.
What’s the difference between Montessori and traditional schools?
Unlike the traditional model, where all students are expected to move through the same lesson at the same time, Montessori teachers carefully guide each child’s learning journey. This allows students to progress through a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum according to their readiness and individual growth. Instead of rigid classroom layouts, our classrooms feature flexible learning spaces in mixed-age environments. By prioritizing active exploration over rote memorization, the Montessori method nurtures the intrinsic motivation and critical thinking skills children need to thrive.
What are the benefits of a Montessori school?
Montessori schools have several unique benefits. Multi-age classrooms help students to develop strong social skills as well as leadership and mentoring skills. The individualized learning approach allows each student to learn on their own timeline, advancing more quickly in some areas while taking their time in others. The classroom environment is designed to foster independence and self-discipline starting with the youngest students, and hands-on Montessori materials help students to learn concepts more deeply.
Why choose private school vs. public school?
The small class sizes and individualized attention of independent private schools like Riverbend are very beneficial during a child’s formative years. Teachers get to know the students so well, allowing them to closely monitor milestones like fine motor skills, emotional regulation, and literacy skills. Public schools are bound by state-mandated curricula and standardized testing, while private schools have more flexibility as they don’t need to “teach to the test.” Private schools tend to be mission-driven, with families sharing unique values and tight-knit communities.
What does a typical day in a Montessori classroom look like at Riverbend?
In Children’s House, our Toddler and Primary students enjoy hands-on activities that support rapid brain development. They spend lots of time outdoors, and their days are filled with art, music, and nature education. In our Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School programs, students engage in a rich and rigorous course of study in math, science, history, geography, literacy, and the arts during extended daily work periods that foster independence and cultivate a genuine joy in learning. Multi-age classrooms and flexible learning spaces provide a dynamic experience where no two days are exactly the same!
Riverbend School FAQ
Where is Riverbend School located?
Our beautiful 5-acre campus is located at 33 Eliot Street in South Natick, Massachusetts. We proudly serve families from across the Boston Metrowest area, including Natick, Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Framingham, Sherborn, and Wayland, and many other towns.
What are Riverbend’s school hours? Do you offer before and after school care?
Our school day runs from 8:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with staggered drop-off and pick-up times by program level. We know our families have busy schedules, so Riverbend offers flexible extended day options. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. and concluding at 5:45 p.m., these options include before school care, after care, and a variety of after school athletic programs and enrichment classes.
Does Riverbend have a summer camp in Natick?
Yes, Riverbend is home to a popular summer adventure camp for elementary students as well as an engaging summer program for preschool-age children and toddlers on our Natick campus. Our summer camp programs run from mid-June through mid-August, and they’re open to students from any school, not just Riverbend. We have campers from Natick as well as many towns throughout the Boston area, including Wellesley, Dover, Sherborn, Framingham, Wayland, and many others.
Is lunch served at Riverbend?
Families supply lunch, a refillable water bottle, and a snack each day. We currently offer two lunch options available for purchase. Monday through Thursday, our local Roche Brothers grocery store provides school lunches. There are a variety of options, such as sandwiches, salads, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and sushi. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. On Fridays, we offer Pizza Friday, with gluten-free pizza available.
Do you offer transportation?
Riverbend has a mini-bus that we use to transport students to athletic events, field trips, and our South Natick nature campus throughout the year. We currently do not provide transportation to and from school, but we often connect families from the same town or neighborhood so they may coordinate carpooling.
Admissions FAQ
When are applications due?
December 1st is our priority application deadline for children ages 18 months through 4 years in our pre-kindergarten Children’s House programs. February 1st is our priority application deadline for kindergarten through middle school (ages 5 through 8th grade). Beyond these dates, we accept applications on a rolling basis as space allows for each program level.
How much does tuition cost to attend Riverbend?
For students in kindergarten through 8th grade, we offer Individualized Family Tuition, which ranges from $5,000 to $39,900 per year (2026-27). Our Toddler and Pre-K tuition is competitively priced for our five-day program, and varies by program level.
Does Riverbend offer financial aid?
Yes, many of our families with students in kindergarten through 8th grade receive financial assistance through our Individualized Family Tuition. All families are invited to fill out the Clarity application by the priority deadline of February 1st to receive a tuition package that’s customized to your family’s specific financial circumstances.
Do you offer full-day and half-day options?
Most of our programs are full-day programs 5 days a week. We do offer half-day programming for the Toddler program and 3-year-old Primary program on a limited basis, with the day ending at 12:00 or 12:30, respectively. Apply by the priority deadline of December 1 for the best chance of securing a half-day spot for your child.
Can I visit Riverbend?
Absolutely! We welcome families to schedule tours throughout the year. In addition, our Children’s House Open House is Saturday, October 3, 2026 and our Elementary and Middle School Information Night is Thursday, December 10, 2026. We also have many Walk & Talk Wednesday dates for campus tours throughout the fall and winter. Find out more about our admissions events here.
Where do Riverbend graduates typically attend high school and college?
Riverbend graduates step into high school with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of self. They’re prepared not only to meet academic challenges but also to lead with empathy and resilience. Our students receive individualized guidance that helps them identify their goals, understand their learning styles, and explore the many educational opportunities that lie ahead. Riverbend graduates advance to a wide range of high schools and colleges, including independent and public high schools as well as small liberal arts colleges and large universities. See Beyond Riverbend for details.
