RIVER CHARTER

River Charter is a public charter middle school that is part of the Napa Valley Unified school district, located in Napa, CA with about 391 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. With about 17 teachers, River Charter has a student/teacher ratio of about 23:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

River School (often referred to as River Charter) is a tuition-free, public charter school located in Napa, California, serving students in grades TK–8. The school distinguishes itself through a focus on project-based learning and an integrated, hands-on curriculum that encourages students to connect their academic studies with real-world applications. By prioritizing small class sizes and a personalized approach to education, the school fosters a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, independence, and a strong sense of community responsibility.

The school’s philosophy emphasizes "learning by doing," often utilizing the surrounding Napa Valley environment as a classroom to bring subjects to life. Because it is a charter school, River School maintains a high level of parental involvement and operates with a specific charter mission that allows for more flexibility in its teaching methods compared to traditional district schools. With a commitment to social-emotional growth alongside rigorous academics, the school aims to cultivate lifelong learners who are well-prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond.

For more information, contact River Charter at (707) 253-6813 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.