Riverbend School

39 Eliot St

Natick, MA 01760

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 20, 2023

From the moment we set foot on campus, Riverbend has been a transformative experience for our 12 year old and our entire family. We came to Riverbend looking for something very different from a traditional public school experience, and we are so grateful to have found it. I am a teacher in a traditional public school, and though not terribly knowledgeable about Montessori education when we started, I have become a champion of it. Our son went from refusing to go to his old school to eagerly anticipating every day at Riverbend. When school ended, he was sad, and has mentioned multiple times this summer that he can’t wait to go back. How many 12 year olds feel this way about middle school? We have seen his confidence, curiosity and love of learning rebound, and he is thriving. The small classes and nurturing student-teacher relationships have made a huge difference for him. He can follow his curiosity and is being challenged at a high level, yet there is also plenty of room for him to breathe and just be a kid. The school community values kindness. Though we transitioned to Riverbend mid-year, we were immediately embraced by the community–students, teachers, staff, and other parents. The love that everyone has for learning and one another is palpable. We feel so lucky to have found our way here.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2020

We feel so fortunate to have our children in grades 4 and 6 at Riverbend. They both have attended the school since age 3 and we were hooked from the beginning. Every single day, their confidence, empathy, curiosity and independence grows. They are extremely academically driven due to their education at school and, as parents, we feel they are set up to conquer whatever they want in the future while never forgetting anyone around them. Every student is raised to be a leader at Riverbend in their own way. What I am most proud of, though, is that this environment is not competitive or exclusive. Socially, kids are accepted, joyful and interesting. This year with COVID, the school is doing amazing things to keep kids safely learning in-person school. When they need to do "distance learning", the experience is still very enriching, personalized and rigorous. The teachers are 200% behind their students and should be commended for their passions adn professionalism.
Submitted by teacher on August 14, 2020

As a teacher and a parent we where very disappointment with the school community and leadership. The lack of respect, diversity and communication is an issue that nobody address.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2020

I hear a lot of parents trying to figure out what school will be next year, so I wanted to write a review to recommend Riverbend! I have had two very different kids go through Lower El and Upper El, and they have been happy and engaged in their work ever since we changed schools into Riverbend about five years ago. My kids have been challenged in the subjects in which they have strengths and given extra help in the subjects that are harder for them, and I love that this is done in a subtle way, as Montessori is all about small group or 1-1 instruction. Comparing notes with friends whose kids are at other public and private schools, my impression is that Riverbend did a much better job with online learning last spring. My kids had a set schedule of around three Zoom calls every day, and most calls had about 5 students on them, though one teacher decided to do shorter calls with only 1 or 2 students at a time. I could hear the teachers and all of the kids talking back and forth with each other, which is a lot better than watching a video or listening to a long lecture over video. The teachers did a great job of getting all of the kids to actively participate, offer thoughts, ask questions, etc. I think that one of the reasons this worked so well is that the teachers and the kids already had such strong relationships. That is the beauty of Montessori school - every teacher knows every student so well because they work 1-1 with the students so often. The students all know each other because there are so many collaborative projects. I feel very lucky that we found Riverbend several years ago, because it made my kids love school again, and I feel even luckier now in the midst of the pandemic. I can't imagine a safer school for in person - the rooms are huge with lots of windows, every (already very small) division is in a separate building, they are changing to a lot of outdoor classes, etc. And if the state closes even private schools at some point, at least I know that the online learning will be in small groups with teachers who know and love my kids. I definitely feel lucky right now and just wanted to share in case it helps someone find a good match for them as well.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2019

We are very pleased and have seen a huge change in our children with a love of learning.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2019

I can’t say enough about the wonderful experience we have had at the Riverbend School. We currently have three children attending the school; one at the Children’s House and two at the Upper School. The teachers are fantastic. They are warm, nurturing and incredible educators. They truly know your children and their style of learning. The kids learn how to become independent students and thinkers. We feel so lucky that we have this wonderful gem of a school in our community.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2019

Our family has been part of the Riverbend community since the fall of 2017. Our daughter transferred in the first grade from another Montessori school and thanks to the amazing teachers, staff and students at this school, her transition was not only seamless but she felt part of a beautiful family from day one. The smile on her face when I picked her up that first day said everything. The community of parents was equally as welcoming to our family and we have formed many friendships at this sweet school. The academics are excellent and certainly live up to Riverbend’s impressive reputation. Children are happy learners at Riverbend and it shows through their impressive work ethic, supportive friendships and extreme school pride. We are lucky to have some of the best teachers anyone could ask for and the working relationship between them and the students is like something I have never seen before. We feel very lucky to have made the decision to become part of this community.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2018

We've been at this school since 2012 and the fit has been great for our two children. Many schools say they teach the whole child but Riverbend backs it up.It's a nurturing environment that promotes kindness among the students. The teachers are outstanding and find a way to make a connection with each student. On the academic side the education has been outstanding. Our daughter graduated two years ago and now attends Boston University Academy where she's thriving, thanks to the preparation she received at Riverbend. Taking the commuter rail into Boston to go to high school could be intimidating, but the confidence and independence she gained in grade school made this an easy transition. Our son, in 8th grade, loves his teachers. When asked what he wants in a high school he said a place where he can have the same kind of relationships with his teachers as he's had at Riverbend. That's a pretty strong endorsement from a middle schooler.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2018

I have been a member of this school community for many years, and I have been thrilled with the new direction the school is going in. The new head of school has shown a great interest in advancing the school in the right direction. Both my children are extremely happy here, and we have seen the benefits of moving them from grade to grade in the same school. Freinds and family members who have come in to see classrooms projects and the Montessori method are always impressed. The school has excellent teachers that go above what is needed to make sure the school atmosphere is ideal for learning for my children. Also this year I have seen a significant push in the development of an afterschool program with many different programs that my kids can choose from. I am a big fan of the active community that makes me as a parents feel connected to what goes on at the school. Both my children love it here.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2018

This school is in freefall. They have had three heads in eighteen months, partly because the board apparently sacked last year's head last August, giving the community two weeks' notice and no explanation. This came after half a dozen teachers left at the end of the preceding school year. This year the middle school has been through three math teachers and a similar number of science teachers after the individual responsible for those subjects quit one Wednesday in the middle of the semester--again, with no explanation; she simply announced she was leaving, and did so. Communication is often unprofessional and gossipy, and the parent who described the overall attitude as "passive aggressive" hit the nail on the head. I should also mention that the school is extremely expensive, meaning that we are paying a lot for some very bad experiences. Yes, many of the classroom teachers are hardworking and dedicated, which is after all their job; but between the staffing chaos, the hostility, and the overall lack of professionalism, I cannot recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2018

I have been a parent at Riverbend for three years, and both of my children are receiving a phenomenal education in the Children's House. The teachers are outstanding and instill a strong sense of community in the students. This is a very special school, and my kids are lucky to go there!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2018

This is our third year at Riverbend with our two children and we couldn't be more thrilled with how our children are thriving. In every interaction we have with the teachers and supporting staff, we are repeatedly amazed by the degree of nurturing, support and thoughtfulness. Our two children are incredibly different learners and have wildly different personalities but the wonderful teachers and flexible curriculum allow both of them to move at their own pace but still master every necessary concept. We truly believe our children would be nowhere close to where they are today academically, emotionally and developmentally without the amazing education they have received at Riverbend.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2018

This is our first year at Riverbend (we have one child in the Children's House and one in Lower Elementary). We couldn't be happier with our experiences here. The teachers are amazing and the overall feeling of the school community is very welcoming. While I understand some parents have been unhappy with the changes in leadership and staff turnover in the past, we only know the current leadership and are very pleased. What is most important to me is that my kids LOVE going to school and I am truly amazed at the content that they are learning.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2017

I have been a parent at this school for the last 6 years and am now part of the staff. This school is a nurturing and supportive environment with wonderful teachers who effectively teach the children. Each child is given what they individually need. The staff also goes above and beyond what is required. I had a teacher stop by at my house on her long day after work to see how my daughter was doing. It brought tears to my eyes as I am an educator and know how hard teachers work. The staff here truly care for the students and their well being while also challenging them to be their best selves and to give back to the community.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2017

My kids have been a part of the Riverbend community for 10 years, and I wouldn't change it for a second. The faculty and staff have been so supportive and caring that they feel like family to me... That said, as one of the other posters pointed out, there has been some turnover in the upper school and yes, the Head of school was forced out by the board of directors... Turnover is something inherent to any business , but the vast majority of it this year was handled beautifully by the Head of school. Before she was forced out. The executive board seemed to forget that delving into operations is an overstep of the charter. Thankfully the staff revolted and forced the executive board to resign. New leadership is being courted, but the most important part of the school, the teachers, remain! We are looking forward to a great school year!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2017

We had a wonderful experience with Riverbend. Our son went to Riverbend for the elementary and the middle school. He gained so much confidence in his learning and became a compassionate person, who can value the different perspectives on how things should be done. Instead of framing himself, he rather explores how he can impact on the community or other people. Everyday he enjoyed going to school and still he wants to visit his school whenever his high school is not in session. It is now when we truly acknowledge the quality of education that our son got from Riverbend, looking at him enjoying his learning and valuing self-paced learning. It is very unique and unsurpassed that the school community is strong enough to operate by the collaborative administrative team, even with the sudden resignation of the newly appointed head of the school. It is amazing to hear how wonderfully the community, including parents, teachers, students and alumni, care about the school and support the school to continue to serve more children. It is highly recommendable school!
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2017

This school has been a fantastic environment for my children. They are supported and cared for as people. The teachers instil a love of learning that causes them to ask for more homework and do research projects over vacations. They are thriving as learners and as young people.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2017

Sadly, I’m looking at a new school for my 2 kids and came across this review site. Since I was here, I decided to check out the reviews of my kids’ current school and offer my two cents. I’ve been a parent and supporter of this school for several years and would have to agree with one of the other reviewers that I would not recommend this school at this time. For years I have been singing this school’s praises. But something has fundamentally changed about this school in the last year. It all started with the hiring of a new head of school who turned out to be completely ineffective. Not only did she not get to know our community or our children so that she could make effective changes or support or expand on good things that were already in place, but she also quit TWO WEEKS BEFORE SCHOOL OPENED. What kind of professional does that? Before she unceremoniously dumped our school in late August, she was able to drive out so many good teachers – I lost track of how many after about 12 - most of whom were very loved by my and many other kids. Nobody has informed the parents of what is going to happen. Are we supposed to just keep pretending that the HoS quitting is not a big deal? The other recent reviews here don’t even mention it! How can you review a school without mentioning that the school has no leader? I would have thought that with a captive parent audience at Back to School Night we would have been given an update on this but we weren’t. We were talked at by someone on the board about nothing really, instead of being given some concrete details of what’s happening. With no apparent plan in place to replace the head of school to right this wayward ship, we parents are left guessing and I fear for our school’s future. I am also confused about some of the changes that were made to the roles of our administrators. Last year’s Director of Admissions is now our Assistant Head of School and last year’s Director of the Children’s House and also the co-founder of our school got demoted to Director of Admissions. She is the one with all the Montessori background, training, values, etc. How on earth did this happen? IT MAKES NO SENSE! One of the reviewers talked about the backbone of our community being our teachers and I would have to agree. It’s also one of the main reasons I can’t recommend the school right now. More than a dozen teachers left last year and I worry that all of the great teachers who remain will feel the pain of this lack of leadership and direction and seek employment at a more stable school. Where will that put Riverbend then if all of the great teachers leave? I cannot in good conscience recommend this school until the leadership is stabilized, and the exit door for the teachers closes. This is why we are leaving.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2017

When my husband and I first visited this school, the parents were so over the top enthusiastic about how wonderful the place was that we actually asked each other if we had joined a cult... nobody can be that thrilled, right? After just a month there, we knew the praise was indeed justified. My daughter has been at Riverbend for 8 years and I cannot impress how lucky we feel that she has had this as her schooling experience. She was an extremely shy young child when she joined and through the supportive and close-knit environment of the students and teachers there that she now views as her second family, she has blossomed in a way I could not have imagined would happen at any other school. The teachers are caring beyond words and each of them has such a diverse and interesting background they bring to the experience. We love the "follow the child" philosophy of Montessori and my child had many areas where she could easily struggle at other schools to remain challenged. We are never ones to follow a path due to mere complacency, so we have toured many other elite private schools in the area to understand how other schools could satisfy my daughter's challenges. Most schools recommended that for a child to move at their own pace they would separate her to do an independent study or individual lessons... something that we know would make her feel isolated. Riverbend administration and teachers worked together with us each time we came to a crossing point where we needed to assess her path forward. The school stepped up each and every time to meet our child's needs with unique options we couldn't have elsewhere -- options that always made sure my child felt like she "fit" and remained academically challenged at the same time. Every time I am at a school event and see the amazing growth in all the children there in such a positive and supportive environment it is a tad bittersweet since I feel immensely grateful that my daughter is there but a bit of sadness when I think that every other child should be able to have this kind of school experience.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2017

We family is starting its third year in Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary, and we love this school. It was "Back to School" night for parents last night, and it was such a great reminder about how amazing our teachers are that I had to put up a review today. Every teacher has gone above and beyond to help our kids, personalize the learning objectives for our kids, and truly love our kids - worrying about their well-being, their friendships, their emotions. I cannot possibly say enough about the teachers at this school. For our family, school is all about the teachers and whether our kids are loving learning. We don't worry about the leadership changes, though I understand that this is an issue. The classroom teachers have inspired my kids to love learning every day, and the specialist teachers, many of whom are new this year, are bringing such excitement to the day that my concerns about new specialist teachers are now gone. If your kids love to learn, if they love working with other kids to solve problems and research new subjects, and if they want to be challenged to progress at a pace that keeps them engaged and inspired, I highly recommend Riverbend. My kids all love it here!