Rivendell School of Northern Colorado in Fort Collins

Posted: November 14, 2025

We couldn't have picked a better learning environment for our two girls (now alum, both were PreK-5). Rivendell provides an excellent balance of rigorous academics and thoughtful social-emotional development. The teachers challenge students to grow through differentiated instruction and robust curriculums, while the staff ensures every child feels safe, seen, and supported.
What sets the school apart is its intentional focus on preparing students for MS, HS, and beyondacademically and socially. Students learn organization, independence, conflict-resolution skills, and how to navigate peer interactions in healthy, age-appropriate ways. We have been extremely impressed with the level of readiness the school fosters on every level, and it now shows with the successes that we're seeing in MS and HS.
We have Rivendell to thank for being an integral part of who our children are today as learners and contributing citizens. This school truly develops the whole child.

Posted: November 14, 2025

My husband found Rivendell online when we decided to relocate to Fort Collins several years ago from out of state and it, honestly, felt a little too good to be true. We wanted a school that perpetuated a JOY for learning while challenging our kids to push beyond their current abilities. We wanted a school that understood the importance of social-emotional learning, was rooted in kindness and partnered with us to help instill confidence in our kids. Since we were coming from out of state, we also wanted a place to start building our community.

Flash forward several years and now our older son is on his third year at Rivendell and our younger son is in his first year. We actually ended up moving our younger son to Rivendell earlier than we intended since he was being bullied at another school and the administrators refused to address the issue. Now that he is at Rivendell the bullying has stopped and he is thriving! We also have developed great friendships with other families at Rivendell - it is at the core of our community.

The administrators, teachers and staff continue to blow the high expectations we had going in out of the water. As we hear about the ups and downs that others have experienced at other schools within Fort Collins, we continue to feel grateful for this gem of a school and that our boys get to have these precious and formative years there.

Posted: November 14, 2025

Posted: November 2, 2025

Our son joined in 3rd grade, and the experience has exceeded our expectations. The schools individualized approach and nurturing environment ensure that every child is truly known and supported. His academic independence and confidence have flourished, and his love of learning has grown every year. Were so grateful for the strong foundation this school has provided as he prepares for middle school.

Posted: November 2, 2025

Posted: October 7, 2025

Individualized Learning and Incredible Community!

Rivendell School is more than just a school; it is a genuine extension of our family, and we couldn't be happier with our experience here.

Academically, the blended classroom approach has been great for our children. It allows for truly individualized learning, ensuring that each of our kids receives instruction tailored to their pace and needs. This thoughtful methodology has led to both confidence and continuous growth, and the results speak for themselves when our children are excited to go to school every single morning!

The quality of the teachers and rest of the faculty is truly exceptional. Rivendell is staffed with outstanding teachers and administrative team who truly care deeply about the well-being and development of every student.

This dedication was illustrated recently during a family emergency when Kate and Fallon went above and beyond the call of duty, staying late with our two children until we were able to pick them up. This specific act of kindness and commitment solidified what we already felt: that the staff at Rivendell see our kids not just as students, but as part of their community. It is moments like this that make Rivendell feel like an extension of our family and not just another school.

We wholeheartedly recommend Rivendell School to any family looking for a place where academic rigor meets genuine heart.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Posted: October 6, 2025

We have loved our experience art Rivendell. The staff is phenomenal and I truly feel our children are getting the best education possible. As a parent I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful community atmosphere that I do not think we would have found anywhere else.

Posted: October 6, 2025

Posted: June 24, 2025

I have had 4 kids at rivendell, including 1 still there and Rivendell has helped each of my different learners THRIVE. Ive had dyslexic kiddos, gifted kiddos, and an immunocompromised kiddo and they have all loved their experiences. We have experienced almost all of the teachers now in some way and cannot say enough good things about the teachers, support staff and administration. Recommend 10/10 if youre into the whole child approach and kiddos who come out able to advocate for themselves.

Posted: June 24, 2025

Posted: June 8, 2025

Rivendell may work for Pre-K or very advanced, self-directed kids who thrive with minimal instruction and lots of play. But if youre looking for real academics, look elsewhere. Despite promises of individualized instruction, one teacher handles 20+ students alone - no assistants, no small groups. Instruction often means the teacher reading Dragon Masters for 30 minutes. Any learning involves kids sitting alone with workbooks, waiting days for help sometimes. Math has been skipped entirely for weeks. An hour of math might be 15 minutes of worksheet time followed by play. No grades, no progress tracking- just a random end of year report card saying your child is developing. At least three families in one class raised concerns and were told the exact same thing: Youre just not the right fit for Rivendell. Thats their default response to any academic concern. If you value learning and accountability, this school is not it. Ask to see the curriculum and past student work before enrolling. And please, consider other options.

Posted: June 8, 2025

Posted: November 10, 2024

We have been very happy with our experience at Rivendell. Our son has been there for the last four years and have appreciated how this school community has helped him to grow. The teachers and staff are simply amazing - showing dedication to the children, their growth, and providing a safe space to learn. They focus on the whole child, making sure that the child is supported in their social/emotional skills and their academics. Children can move at their own pace in their academics and they have an innovative curriculum. This model has been great for our son, as he is really strong in some areas and needs support in others. We love how his teachers support him in learning and celebrate his successes with him, helping him to feel proud of both the learning process and his accomplishments. They have wonderful specials including art, music, Spanish, science, computers, true colors (emotional ed), and physical education. Rivendell is the best choice we have made for our son!

Posted: November 10, 2024

Posted: November 4, 2024

Rivendell is the best school we could ask for. Our son was having issues in public school, and he was not being challenged or engaged in learning. Rivendell changed all that immediately and provided personalized attention and individualized instruction. Every single teacher is engaged and seem truly happy to be there, and that translates into meaningful teaching and engagement from the children. On top of the wonderful day-to-day environment, they also provide a wide array of additional after school programs like chess club, LEGO STEM enrichment, and even some amazing summer camps. We will continue to have our kids enrolled in this school and could not be happier. Thank you for everything, Rivendell!

Posted: November 4, 2024

Posted: April 26, 2023

I have been employed at Rivendell School as an admissions specialist for six years and it is truly incredible seeing the genuine joy of learning students experience each and every day. The teachers are dedicated, passionate, and teach the whole child; considering social-emotional needs, celebrating students' interests and strengths, and encouraging progress while seeing every child for the unique individual that they are.

Posted: April 26, 2023

Posted: July 10, 2020

We haven't hit homework yet, our son starts middle kids/2nd grade in the fall. However through COVID, they've been AMAZING and keeping my son engaged with regularly updated posts, group meetings and individualized 1:1 time with his teacher

Posted: July 10, 2020

small classrooms and a focus on individualized education provides each teacher time to create a personalized relationship with each student.

Posted: July 10, 2020

YES! YES! YES!!, the focus on helping develop social and educational skills. These kids have confidence and emotional intelligence far beyond peers at other schools.

Posted: July 10, 2020

They care about each student and the teachers. Its a small school that wants to do great for our kids!!

Posted: July 10, 2020

That is their focus, meeting the needs of your student, as an individual, and helping them grow. It is AMAZING!!

Posted: July 10, 2020

Not that we've had to deal with it, these kids support each other, but if there are disagreements/conflict, etc. it's addressed immediately

Posted: July 10, 2020

I wish Rivendell was K-12, my son is thriving in this experience!!

Posted: July 6, 2020

I am so grateful that we have discovered Rivendell and all it has to offer. I always feel this is a very safe place to take my child each day. They really do make you feel like family and my daughter feels it too.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Kindergarten no homework. The emphasize reading at home and family time. This fits in with what we believe to be important.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Teachers really get to know the kids, the teaching approach is individualized for my child. I am happy to have all the teachers engage with my child and love that they all know her as an individual.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Very global in their approach to education and topics. Lots of enrichment activities that include learning to be a good person.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Communication is great, consistent and student-centered. I feel like the decisions made are very balanced. Was especially impressed with how they handled COVID-19 this spring.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Yes, each child has their learning plan which is fabulous. Allows kids to progress at their own rate which I have been especially grateful for.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Have not had any bullying experiences. I suspect the intimate environment and the book partners (the younger and older kids get paired up to read together once a week) allows students and teachers to get to know each other in a unique way that is probably not possibe at other schools.

Posted: July 5, 2020

I have a son and daughter who attended Rivendell. They are adults now, but they attribute their ability to study independently and their comfort at talking to their teachers to get help or advocate for themselves to Rivendell. I felt confident that all of the staff cared about my kids, not just their current teacher. If I had questions or concerns I felt comfortable talking to the staff.

Posted: July 5, 2020

Homework is assigned to reinforce skills learned. Teachers are flexible and will work around student's schedules. It is never just busy work.

Posted: July 5, 2020

Teachers collaborate with each other and with parents to best teach their students. They engage in continuing education. They create a relationship with students so that students are comfortable working with their teachers.

Posted: July 5, 2020

Staff teaches and encourages empathy in the students as well as how to solve conflicts effectively. There is a counselor who teaches lessons as well as being available for students having issues.

Posted: July 5, 2020

The director has been a teacher and has the interest of the kids as a first priority. She has shown that she is able to make tough decisions in a fair and kind manner.

Posted: July 5, 2020

The ability to work at their own pace and to understand that people learn at different paces and different ways helped my kids. This was an important lesson as I feel that they were driven to improve for themselves not as a competition.

Posted: July 5, 2020

Not all kids are nice all of the time. Kids are taught the difference between bullying and kids making bad choices. With the small class size and the kids comfort talking to teachers this behavior can be dealt with more effectively.

Posted: December 6, 2019

Our overall school experience at Rivendell has been rewarding enough that were looking forward to sticking with this private school throughout the elementary school years of our children. The primary teachers are great and caring, the the specials teachers are equally as great. We feel that the individualized attention and involvement that our children will get at Rivendell is so worthwhile. Just wish they had middle and high school!

Posted: December 6, 2019

For smaller children, having after school homework isnt in line with what kids need at that age. Ive found that not having homework or having minimal for small children is so much better, and Rivendell is in line with that thinking.

Posted: December 6, 2019

With the way Rivendell is set up for one-on-one and small group teaching, the teachers are better able to be effective for all the students in their classroom.

Posted: December 6, 2019

By encouraging learning and teaching other students with mixed-age classrooms, Rivendell allows children to grow their confidence when talking to students (and faculty). Students themselves are treated with kindness and respect, thereby teaching them how to treat others well.

Posted: December 6, 2019

Small class sizes with a learning approach that is set up for one-on-one teaching allows for very individualized learning opportunities.

Posted: December 6, 2019

With only a small experience with bullying in school, we were able to have support from our teacher to get it under control quickly. Never turned into a major problem for our family.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Our son has flourished at Rivendell. The teachers manage to strike a balance between letting kids learn at their own pace and while still pushing them to do their best. We appreciate the individualized learning plans and the lengthy recess times. We're incredibly grateful to be part of the Rivendell community!

Posted: June 28, 2019

Posted: August 27, 2018

Excellent all-around educational environment, especially for younger children where nurturing and individual attention are important.

Posted: January 27, 2017

The people at Rivendell are what make it so special. They are friendly, warm and welcoming. The teachers meet the kids where they are and nurture their educational and social growth brilliantly. The mixed-age classrooms promote leadership and collaboration among the students. The individualized approach is extremely effective--it ensures the kids are focused on their own progress and has helped me as a parent celebrate each success instead of worrying how my kids compare with their classmates. Bravo.

Posted: January 27, 2017

I think the mixed-age classrooms inspire the older kids to look out for the younger ones.

Posted: January 27, 2017

The individualized approach to education ensures that kids will do well wherever they are. Teachers also recognize that education is more than academics. Sometimes it's necessary to focus on other aspects and the teachers aren't afraid to let up on the gas pedal if necessary.

Posted: January 27, 2017

The teachers are smart, compassionate people who understand what makes the kids tick. They also have a sense of humor.

Posted: January 27, 2017

We came from an out-of-state school that assigned copious worksheets to our kindergarten son. It was exhausting and ineffective. Rivendell eases the kids into the idea and responsibility of homework. What is assigned is strategic and never overwhelming.

Posted: October 4, 2016

Highly qualified teachers with advanced degrees and a love for children's curiosity. They are caring, supportive, and firm, when needed.

Posted: October 4, 2016

homework is age appropriate and never seems overwhelming. It always ties directly into what is taking place in the classroom.

Posted: October 4, 2016

Both my children attend or have attended Rivendell. It is a wonderful school with low student/teacher ratios. The curriculum allows children to learn and excel at their own pace, unlike at many public schools. The teachers are wonderful, caring, masters of their discipline. The breadth of knowledge and activities the children are exposed to help foster a love for learning not always found in public school. The tight-knit community provides a caring and nurturing environment for children. Definitely worth the expense if you value the importance of developing a love for school and learning in your child.

Posted: September 30, 2016

We never thought we'd be in a private elementary school environment for our kids. I cannot say enough positive things about the academic and social positivity happening at this school. Well worth the money! Stellar teachers, principal and caring staff. But most importantly, my kids don't have a ceiling on education - they aren't wasting time waiting for other kids in the class to catch up. They learn at their own pace, that is the individualized part. But I also appreciate they are still allowed to be silly, creative and fun kids! The best of both worlds in my opinion!

Posted: February 1, 2014

Love it love it love it! A recent move to the area brought us to Rivendell and it has been a life-changer for my kids. Small, intimate classes with really smart, caring teachers was just the beginning. The program philosophy of "individualized academic education" allows a child to pursue each subject at a pace that is appropriate to their development instead of trying to shoe-horn all of the kids through the curriculum at the same speed. Kids gain confidence because they are not comparing themselves to others and master a subject before moving on. The program fosters creativity and tolerance. A reasonable price for private education in any case and worth EVERY penny when your kid comes home and says "I love it here!"

Posted: December 1, 2013

Rivendell is an amazing school. The teachers are highly qualified. The ratio of students per teacher is very low...which means much more care, encouragement and academic success! The results from the annual Iowa Tests prove it! Love Rivendell School!

Posted: October 27, 2013

Rivendell is about mastery-based learning. Giving a grade, good or bad, and moving on to the next topic is not an effective way to determine if a student has mastered the content. With the individualized curriculum offered at Rivendell, each student is moving forward at his/her own pace, and so the teachers have really committed to understanding each student and his/her needs. Grading is not necessary when students have frequent one-on-one check-ins with the teacher and various forms of feedback that all contribute to the student having opportunities to truly master the content at hand. Teachers do not assign letter grades, but students do get their work evaluated frequently and thoroughly. Feedback in the learning process is much more effective than a grade. Opportunities to revisit material are more effective than a low grade or being forced to move to the next topic when a student might not be ready. Rivendell not only has a philosophy of individualized education, but they also have a structure in place to offer it. The school is deeply committed to the philosophy of individualized education, and one can see evidence of it in all aspects of the students' learning experiences.

Posted: June 16, 2013

Yes it is a private school, yes it is expensive and yes it is so completely worth it. My son had already done a private KG the year before he started at Rivendell. He was a year early (started at 4 in KG) and public schools were not going to take him in 1st grade because of age limits (he was too young). I had already been through what happens when he is in a class where he is not challenged enough and was not about to embark on this nightmare again, so Rivendell was the best option for us since it is a completely individualized program. I was skeptical about it until I actually observed it in the classroom. The school is extremely well organized, the teachers are very dedicated and competent and there is very low turnover because everybody loves it there. They also have spanish and german, music, computer science, art and PE. There is a real dialogue between staff and parents (and kids), you work as a team. Class sizes are small, they had 13 kids at the beginning of the year and ended with 16 in my son's class after a few joined mid-year. Kids love this school to and there is a real feeling of community. Don't hesitate if you have your eyes on this school, you won't regret.

Posted: May 9, 2013

Rivendell is a wonderful place for children to be nurtured with a well-rounded education. They are treated with respect by a multi-talented group of educators who deliver a first-rate individualized education. While every child has unique needs, Rivendell is THE place for my child. Very happy there!

Posted: June 3, 2012

WRONG to the last entry. Rivendell does NOT grade assignments. Ask the staff before you enroll.

Posted: June 1, 2012

I am a proud Rivendell parent, and have never seen a teacher NOT provide grades and feedback on anything that our children work on at school. It is important to remember that you can stimulate the minds of our youth but motivation is intrinsic. I think that some parents spend money at a private school, and they might have unrealistic expectations from the educators. I m very pleased with this school!!

Posted: May 31, 2012

This school is not worth the money. They do have an excellent student/teacher ratio and the curriculum is loaded with extras, like German and Spanish, but your child will learn very little of these languages. The basics (math, reading and writing) are mostly self paced or done independently, and NEVER graded, Be careful about this school. It is no better, and sometimes worse, than the public schools in Fort Collins.

Posted: April 29, 2012

Rivendell communicates closely with the public school system in order to assure our students preparedness for middle and high school. Placement tests are administered as well as standardized tests. Parents are given all information and test results for their children. The feedback from the public schools is that our students are well prepared, and better still, personally invested in their educations.

Posted: April 26, 2012

As with any school regardless of Public or Private, it starts with good management (The Principal), and that sets the tone for the culture, and quality of the teachers and learning environment... We have two kids at Rivendell, and if you are looking for the best of the best and can afford the cost of sending your children to a Private school, such as Rivendell, you will be providing your children with the academic foundation they certainly deserve... Rivendell has always kept us informed and been very candid about any behavioral or motivational issues with our children, and we as parents have the responsibility to deal with that... It's our job to be parents!

Posted: March 6, 2012

We have our oldest Son in Rivendell and couldn't be happier with the quality of the education and the wonderful learning environment. Trust me, we spent a great deal of time researching and interviewing the large number of schools in the Fort Collins area. Although there are some good public schools to choose from... Rivendell provides the quality that we were looking for in a private school. The foundation years are so critically important and the staff of seasoned educators at Rivendell met all of our requirements. In fact, all of the Iowa test scores are well above the Standard State scores and kids are more than prepared to handle the testing requirements in the public school system. No worries for those parents having concerns about the test scores. All of the results are also posted on the school's website from 2007 to 2011. We are planning to send our youngest Son to Rivendell as well starting next year. It is well worth the investment!

Rivendell School of Northern Colorado

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Refine Search

National Ad

Rivendell School of Northern Colorado

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Refine Search

National Ad

Email Address *

*We take your personal information very seriously and will never give it to a 3rd party. If you don't enjoy the email series, you can always unsubscribe at anytime.*

We take your personal information very seriously and will never give it to a 3rd party. If you don't enjoy the email series, you can always unsubscribe at anytime.