River Farm Forest School
River Farm Forest School (RFFS) is a small, private, cooperative K-8 (kindergarten through middle school) program in Fairfax County near Alexandria, VA. Located at 6744 South Kings Hwy in St. Martin de Porres Episcopal Church, RFFS has access to Franconia District Park and Huntley Meadows. Students and staff spend significant parts of the school day outdoors, integrating the academic curriculum with activities and experiences in nature.
Our Vision
Philosophy
At River Farm Forest School, students have a rich and varied learning experience.
We take deep dives into social studies, science, math, and language arts – including Spanish – based on students’ interests, teachers' knowledge, and topics we encounter during the school year that spark our curiosity. This emergent curriculum approach allows student voices and perspectives to be heard, supporting the development of lifelong learners. Our largest classroom is the forest, which provides many opportunities to study science and nature. The forest also offers endless possibilities for exploring, practicing cooperation and teamwork, and engaging in imaginative play.
Children are unique, and our learning model has no “one size fits all” approach – we strive to meet each student where they are and challenge them to excel.
Our students also have music, art, movement, and social-emotional learning classes, allowing them to express themselves artistically while exposing them to other cultures.
The Cooperative Experience
A cooperative educational model is based on the premise that family involvement is integral to the life of a school. By incorporating parents into the school day, RFFS strengthens family bonds and fosters a true community. To this end, parent involvement is encouraged in the cooperative model and is required at RFFS.
