Program Overview

Learn About Our Montessori Programs

Riverbend is a private school in Natick, Massachusetts that offers authentic Montessori programs serving students from preschool through middle school (ages 18 months through 8th grade). Each level addresses the unique needs and strengths of the students in that age group. Our curriculum is carefully designed to provide a specialized learning experience that’s challenging and age appropriate for each student.

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Toddler gardening at Riverbend
18 months to 3 years

Toddler

A homelike environment structured for our youngest students in Children’s House forms a welcoming transition from home to school. Toddlers build independence and forge warm, caring relationships with their teachers and one another. Hands-on sensory activities, gross motor and fine motor activities, movement, music, and circle time lay the foundation for reading, writing, mathematics, and future learning in the years to come at Riverbend. Our toddlers love coming to school!

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Pre-K & Kindergarten

Primary

In the 3-year cycle for students ages 3 to 6, learning becomes more focused as children refine observational skills and master fundamental components of reading, writing, and mathematics. The exploration of the world expands to include other countries, cultures, and the Spanish language. The Kindergarten year features special programming including Forest Fridays, Kindergarten Tea, and trips to the nature property at our satellite campus.

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Primary student at Riverbend
Riverbend students working
Grades 1 to 3

Lower Elementary

Our Lower Elementary program seeks to balance the student’s developing imagination with concrete skills learned through hands-on exploration during 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade. Montessori materials are exceptionally logical and beautifully constructed, enticing the children to learn more and to reach deeper levels of concentration. Dr. Montessori’s “Great Lessons” are the cornerstone lessons of our Lower Elementary classrooms.

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Grades 4 to 6

Upper Elementary

Students find their own pace of learning and challenge themselves in small-group lessons shaped to align with their individual needs. During 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade, concrete explorations lay the foundation for abstract learning. Each year, students take on greater responsibility and independence. In the final year of Upper Elementary, sixth graders have special culminating experiences including a trip to the Montessori Model UN Conference and Sixth Grade Expert Projects.

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Riverbend students with microscope
Middle school student
Grades 7 & 8

Middle School

Our middle school is the culmination of all the skills our students have learned in the preceding years at Riverbend. The 7th grade and 8th grade program serves as a transition to the unique rigors of high school. Our cross-disciplinary curriculum provides foundational skills for academic success, and even the most reserved students become confident leaders as a result of their experience at Riverbend. Our students are exceptionally well-prepared for high school.

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Why Choose a PreK-8th Grade Montessori School?

There are so many advantages to attending a Montessori school like Riverbend from preschool through 8th grade. Students aren’t rushed through the curriculum; they have time and space to learn at their own pace. The small class size and individualized attention allow students to learn deeply while also developing crucial social-emotional skills at each stage of development.

Multiage students at Riverbend
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Find out more about our Montessori School in Natick, MA (Preschool through Middle School)

Our admissions staff would love to work with you as you decide if Riverbend is the right private school for your child! Our hands-on learning environment inspires curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Please reach out to our admissions staff by email at admissions@rvbs.org or fill out an inquiry form. We’d love to hear from you!

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Students at Riverbend