Students work together on cooperative projects and with book partners. Proven Reading and Math Techniques. An innovative phonics-based reading program is used, supplemented by a language arts curriculum of writing, literature and spelling. Math concepts are introduced in small groups using manipulatives and reinforced through practice, always working with concrete first and moving to abstractions. Teaching is done in focused units on a wide range of topics, allowing students to integrate facts into practical knowledge.
Classes explore topics that integrate science, history, geography, language arts, and fine arts.
All students are expected to do quality work, completing and correcting lessons as needed. Rivendell enables children to experience the process of solving academic and social problems by asking questions, formulating answers, testing them in a safe environment and experiencing the results. Children learn to make appropriate choices. Rivendell teachers and parents subscribe to the four basic principles of Discipline with Dignity , by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. The Rivendell Student Conduct Policy is designed to involve each student in the process.