ADMISSIONS
What is involved in the admissions process at River Valley School? When is the deadline, and what are the requirements? How does it compare to other schools? How should you factor these into your decision?
Page Contents
Facts and analysis
VISITING THE SCHOOL
River Valley School will host its next open house on October 2, 2025.
An open house includes a campus tour and meetings with teachers, staff, and students. Hosting open houses is a typical practice among schools.
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Upcoming events schedule
Event name Date RSVP Fall Open House Oct 2, 2025 RSVP Fall Open House
River Valley School Open House
RSVP- Oct 2, 2025
- 12:00 am to 12:00 am
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River Valley School3127 Bowwood Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T3B 2E7
Join us for an exclusive look at River Valley School’s Pre-JK, JK, and Kindergarten programs in action.
What happens in these early years lasts a lifetime. At River Valley School, we believe childhood should be protected, celebrated, and filled with wonder.
From Preschool through Grade 6, our programs are intentionally designed to nurture curious minds and compassionate hearts. We help children grow into confident, creative learners — ready to take on the world, wherever it may lead.
More than just a school, River Valley becomes an extension of your family. A place where your child is truly known, deeply supported, and encouraged to be exactly who they are.
Register for our Fall Open House and experience how we partner with families to build a strong foundation — academically, socially, and emotionally — during these all-important years.
2026 Enrolment Deadline Feb 1, 2026 Learn More 2026 Enrolment Deadline
River Valley School Application Deadline
Apply Early for 2026 Entry
While our application deadline is flexible, we strongly encourage families to apply before February 1, 2026, as admission offers will begin shortly after. Early applications ensure your child is considered during our first round of decisions. -
Why it matters
A school visit offers a firsthand look at the environment, culture, and daily life of the school. It provides an opportunity to ask questions, observe interactions, and verify your expectations directly. It's a vital part of an informed choice.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
River Valley School offers rolling admissions.
See the deadline distribution for all other schools we cover below.
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Application deadline by enrollment type(s)
Month River Valley School Other schools Rolling admissions Fixed deadline Rolling admissions September Day admissions 0% 88% of all other schools have rolling admissions October Less than 1% November 2% December 7% January 1% February 2% March 2% April 1% May 1% June Less than 1% July 0% August 1% -
Why it matters
The admissions timeline helps you plan and prepare for key milestones, including school visits, application submission, and acceptance notifications.
ENTRY GRADES
The highest number of new enrollment openings include Grade(s) PS, JK and SK.
The highest number of openings across all other schools we cover include Grade(s) PS, JK and SK (for the same grades offered at River Valley School).
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Breakdown by grade
Entry grade Number of openings available: Day River Valley School Average of all other schools Preschool 0 - 32 24 JK 5 - 10 16 SK 5 - 10 10 Gr. 1 1 - 3 10 Gr. 2 1 - 3 8 Gr. 3 2 - 5 8 Gr. 4 2 - 5 9 Gr. 5 2 - 5 9 Gr. 6 2 - 5 9 -
Why it matters
Popular entry grades may offer more opportunities for peer integration and more extensive orientation programs at the school. Applying to these grades may increase the chances of admission and support a smoother social and academic transition for the student.
ACCEPTANCE RATE
90% of all applications are accepted.
Acceptance rate at River Valley School is typical of the schools we cover.
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Breakdown by grade
Grade Acceptance rate: Day River Valley School Average of all other schools Preschool 90% 39% JK 90% 42% SK 90% 36% Gr. 1 90% 40% Gr. 2 90% 37% Gr. 3 90% 36% Gr. 4 90% 36% Gr. 5 90% 36% Gr. 6 90% 36% -
What River Valley School says it looks for in students
At River Valley School, we’re looking for curious, engaged learners and families who value a well-rounded, child-centred approach to education. We don’t require academic testing as part of the admissions process. Instead, we focus on understanding each child as a whole — their interests, learning style, and readiness to grow.
We believe all children are capable, and that success comes from being supported, challenged, and truly known. The students who thrive here are naturally curious, open to trying new things, and eager to connect with others. They flourish in an environment that values creativity, compassion, and hands-on exploration.
Ultimately, the most important factor in our admissions process is finding the right fit — a mutual connection between school and family that supports each child’s journey to become their best self. -
Why it matters
A school's acceptance rate gives you an indication of how competitive the admissions process is. Understanding this can help you set expectations and make strategic decisions about where to apply. Please note that the acceptance rates provided here are approximate.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The admissions process may require an interview.
See grade-by-grade admissions requirements at River Valley School and how they compare with other schools.
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Breakdown by grade
Grade Required by River Valley School % of schools requiring Interview SSAT SSAT (out of province) Entrance exam Entrance essay Preschool - - - - Interview: 18% JK - - - - Interview: 35%, Exam: 4% SK - - - - Interview: 35%, Exam: 5% Gr. 1 - - - - Interview: 51%, Exam: 16%, Essay: 2% Gr. 2 - - - - Interview: 52%, Exam: 19%, Essay: 2% Gr. 3 - - - - Interview: 53%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 21%, Essay: 2% Gr. 4 - - - - Interview: 55%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 23%, Essay: 3% Gr. 5 - - - - Interview: 57%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 25%, Essay: 5% Gr. 6 - - - - Interview: 60%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 26%, Essay: 7% -
What River Valley School says about the application process
Application fee: $150
Registration fee: $5,000
Deposit: N/A
Description:Families are first encouraged to book-a-tour with our Director of Enrolment, walk through our facilities, discuss our program and fees, ask questions, but most importantly help us learn more about your child and their needs. Interested Parents/Guardians are then asked to fill out our online application form and submit all required application documentation. We do not test for entrance.
In addition to the online application form, the following is required prior to an admission decision:
- $150 non-refundable application fee will be payable online, or drop off a cheque/cash to the admissions office.
- A copy of the student’s birth certificate, citizenship, or permanent residence card (if applicable)
- A copy of the final report card of last school year and most recent report card (when available)
- A copy of the student’s psycho-educational evaluations and/or assessments related to the students emotional, behavioral, medical or learning needs (if applicable)
*In most cases, once a good fit has been determined, our Admissions team will reach out to schedule a family interview or Admissions Play-date before finalizing enrolment.
*Children entering our Early Learning programs must be toilet-trained.
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Why it matters
Understanding admission requirements is crucial as you assess your fit with a school and the likelihood of acceptance. These requirements often reflect the school's educational priorities.
