Welcome to Rivendell School.
For those of us who call Rivendell home, the word "school" fails to capture what we pray takes place here every day. When I think of school, I often envision mundane tasks, endless homework, tests, and grades. It's seen as the obligatory activity between recess, weekends, and summer break. In contrast, Rivendell is so much more than that. It is a vibrant community consisting of parents, faculty, staff, and students who come together "helping children explore God's world and discover their place in it." Unlike traditional schools, we believe that education is not simply a means to an end, but a deeply human endeavor rooted in our wonder about God, his creation, and ourselves. We strive to work alongside parents, creating an environment where each student is truly seen and known, where they discover the interconnectedness of God's creation, where they engage in a multi-faceted approach to learning, and where they experience the love of God through the tangible presence of Christ within our community.
J.R.R. Tolkien beautifully portrayed Rivendell as the "Last Homely House," a haven where weary travelers could find solace and ready themselves for the trials, dangers, and wonders still ahead. It was a place where lasting friendships were forged. In our pursuit of this task, our aim is to ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity which will spark a life-long pursuit to read, write, and think well. We provide a robust and challenging curriculum that encourages students to engage with the world's realities in light of God's sovereignty and power and by calling them to seek what is true, good, and beautiful all around them.
Thank you for expressing interest in our community. We serve K-8 students in Arlington, Virginia. I encourage you to explore our distinctives and articles on our website. Should you have any questions or want to schedule a visit, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We have so much to show and offer, and if you visit, I would be delighted to meet you and share what makes Rivendell such a unique and special place.
- Chris Sibben, Head of School
