Raising Resilient, Self-Driven Kids: Understanding Executive Function

Executive function refers to a set of internal skills that allow humans to pause, reflect, and direct behavior toward future goals. These skills include self regulation, emotional control, motivation, planning, flexible thinking, and self awareness. Humans are unique in their abi... Read more

The Science of Wonder: Why Nature Matters in Education

"Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes, and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden—in all the places." (Burnett, The Secret Garden, 1911) Read more

Balancing Joy and Rigor: How SRV’s Literacy Approach Defies the National Decline

Across the country, educators are grappling with sobering data about reading achievement. National assessments show that fewer students are reading fluently and confidently than at any point in the past 25 years. National data tells one story, but at The School in Rose Valley, ou... Read more

Emergent Curriculum: Survival Skills

Emergent Curriculum is a child-centered, responsive approach to education, where learning is developed based on children' s interests. Each year, the SRV students vote on an all-school theme, which guides the direction of the emergent curriculum throughout the school-year. For 20... Read more

The Joy of Surprise: A Look at All Day Recess at SRV

At The School in Rose Valley, traditions aren't just events on the calendar, they’re opportunities for connection, growth, and joy. Few school-day traditions capture this better than All Day Recess. On one of the first truly beautiful days of spring, our students are met with a j... Read more

More Than a Performance: The Process Behind the Oldest Group Play

In the final years at SRV, the Oldest Group play is far more than a performance—it's a powerful journey in collaboration, leadership, and self-discovery. Through rehearsals, student-led initiatives, and thoughtful reflection, students learn to work as an ensemble, honor roles, an... Read more

Interview with Paul Rule, Science & Garden Teacher

Paul sat down with Haley Purdy, parent and board member, to talk about his path to SRV and his goals for the science and garden program. Read more

From Lizard Brain to Wizard Brain: Helping Kids Manage Anxiety

Today, children are navigating an increasingly complex landscape of challenges. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the increase of technology, studies show that anxiety has risen in young people, making everyday activities like going to school and making friends more difficult... Read more