https://riverfarmforestschool.org/home-mentor daily 1.0 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1597802059734-SQ8ZU3B2XP0OIIK4U2J1/pexels-valiphotos-589802.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1bb788bd-50e2-4828-88bb-aa2e4fb1d5ba/IMG_5196.jpg Home - WHERE ROOTS RUN DEEP AND BRANCHES REACH HIGH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1764957627051-AZO5HZBZC09RCRQTKKDU/River%2BFarm%2BBubble%2BRun.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1762277445127-S9YSEMJJLRNWKAC8SU1N/River+Farm+Leaf.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1762277441638-SU1AHTHRKLRD6S0X42XH/River+Farm+Group.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/a1502fe9-20ba-4d33-902a-ccfe2fa9a927/IMG_5176.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/3a50d986-fb97-4e9d-b69d-a0b93eafd992/River+Farm+Insect+Case.JPEG Home - At River Farm Forest School, we combine a joy of learning, the strength of community, and first-hand experiences in nature to develop compassionate, resilient, and curious children who thrive in an ever-changing world. With small class sizes and mixed-age classrooms, we ignite a love for learning that is grounded in the individual needs of our students, empowering each child to reach their full potential as problem solvers, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. We cultivate a diverse and inclusive community where self-awareness and the bridging of different backgrounds and cultures produces a collaborative, empathetic, and respectful environment where students and ideas thrive. We also love being outside! We immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of the outdoors, fostering a connection to the natural world and its transformative powers. This foundation in nature provides a constant source of inspiration, resilience, and adaptability. Our K-8 graduates emerge confident and creative, approaching challenges with ingenuity and unafraid to explore new ideas. They’re resilient and empathetic leaders who understand the interconnectedness of our world and act with compassion and integrity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/7fb062c8-c2a8-473d-a586-a12791b9da14/River+Farm+Playground.JPEG Home - Our Values Child-centered learning: We build our curriculum around each child’s curiosity, strengths, and developmental needs, so learning feels personal, meaningful, and joyful. Self-awareness and multiple perspectives: Students are encouraged to understand themselves and others, learning to see the world through different lenses with empathy and respect. Experiential learning through civic engagement: Children connect classroom learning to real-life issues by participating in hands-on projects that help their community and build a sense of responsibility. Nature-based education: Outdoor learning is woven into every day, helping students build resilience, wonder, and a deep connection to the natural world. Diversity, equity, and inclusion: We celebrate each child’s unique identity and work to create a school community where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. Transparency and trust: As a cooperative school, we prioritize open communication and shared decision-making between families, teachers, and staff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1962486a-a11a-4bfb-a29a-164ff7dffb5d/IMG_5155.jpg Home - Find out more about what makes River Farm Forest School different https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/ed36d157-37aa-4b39-92e2-cb9c8ba24afe/IMG_3685.jpg Home - Ready to join us? Apply now. https://riverfarmforestschool.org/staff daily 0.75 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/8aaa8d77-a3eb-4a20-b64f-aa60b985577b/DSC_0814-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff - Stacy Clark Director Upper Elementary Teacher Bachelor’s and Master’s in Anthropology stacy@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/b5275a37-b270-452f-9a4e-6bf73c51a979/2210120196.JPG Our Staff - Ashley Mack Assistant Director Learning Specialist Master’s in Education ashley@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1d1eac6a-3465-4249-b9f7-fcd507026438/DSC_0820-02.jpeg Our Staff - Andrea Kantrovich Kindergarten Teacher Bachelor’s in Speech Communication Studies & Master’s in Humanities Certified Yoga Instructor andrea@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/a814aca3-04e9-4cef-8531-bc3d3feca82a/Blissplo-9339.jpg Our Staff - Erin Arras Lower Elementary Teacher Bachelor’s and Master’s in Psychology erin@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/4227a825-7c1d-4d36-ad31-50c76274dcb4/KatyRRFFS.jpg Our Staff - Katy Ribadulla First Grade Teacher Nature Teacher Bachelor’s in Elementary Educational Studies katy@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/c1709a8d-750d-4767-898f-6ec1ab705d8d/IMG_5962.jpeg Our Staff - Brad Khaner Middle School Teacher Bachelor’s in Education brad@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/171bb5a8-54b3-4283-b646-dc95e16c6a15/795632a7-0c29-485e-9de4-5c7e495069ef.png Our Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://riverfarmforestschool.org/our-impact-mojave daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/new-index-2 daily 0.75 2025-11-05 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/admissions daily 0.75 2026-03-12 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/resources daily 0.75 2025-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1597718691392-1P8QLSNYR59JEJZ8PIS7/DSC_0024.jpg Suggested Reading https://riverfarmforestschool.org/apply daily 0.75 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1597802059734-SQ8ZU3B2XP0OIIK4U2J1/pexels-valiphotos-589802.jpg Application https://riverfarmforestschool.org/contact daily 0.75 2025-11-06 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/volunteer-mojave daily 0.75 2022-10-01 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/contact-us-mojave daily 0.75 2022-10-01 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/our-staff-old-20221122 daily 0.75 2022-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/23b35b09-b296-43fc-a2fe-7ff091772c41/DSC_1099-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff Old 20221122 - Ricardo Padilla Head of School & Lower Elementary Teacher BS in Business Management & AMS Certified in Early Childhood Education ricardo@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/438ddfa6-42a9-4c49-b7e0-ad898d5ae855/DSC_0968-01-02+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff Old 20221122 - Ashley Mack Upper Elementary Teacher Masters in Education ashley@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/8aaa8d77-a3eb-4a20-b64f-aa60b985577b/DSC_0814-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff Old 20221122 - Stacy Clark Lower Elementary Teacher BS in Anthropology stacy@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1d1eac6a-3465-4249-b9f7-fcd507026438/DSC_0820-02.jpeg Our Staff Old 20221122 - Andrea Kantrovich Kindergarten Teacher BA in Speech Communication Studies & Masters in Humanities. Certified Yoga Instructor. andrea@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/4ad5304d-7b9e-4724-aebd-04a2fc5c85c7/DSC_0954-02+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff Old 20221122 - Shamal Ratnaake Social-Emotional Learning & Art Teacher BA in Fine Arts & Certified Yoga Instructor shamal@riverfarmcooperative.com Shamal was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in a Buddhist monastery where he practiced meditation from the age of three. He arrived in Maryland as a teenager where he continued expanding on his passions for meditation, mindfulness, yoga practice, education, child development, art, and psychology. Before joining the River Farm community, Shamal helped develop a pilot program for 5th graders in the Baltimore City Public School on Art, Mindfulness, and Peace-Building. In partnership with Beyond Conflict, an international peace-building organization, and the Holistic Life Foundation, this program brought together art history, studio art, conflict resolution, neuroscience, and contemplative practices to create a new framework for student social, emotional, and creative development. He also guides clients as a meditation and breath-work therapist in recovery and rehabilitation of the mind and body through yogic breathing. Shamal earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He brings more than seven years of experience teaching children in a variety of disciplines including creative writing, art, meditation, yoga, mindfulness and breath-work. Outside of the classroom and meditation, Shamal is also an accomplished illustrator and designer. He enjoys music, painting, photography, reading, and networking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/828a1cc7-b029-4a1c-b595-531efa7e531b/DSC_1142-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff Old 20221122 - Janeth McKee Spanish Teacher BS in Finance and Banking & Certificates in Spanish Education janeth@riverfarmcooperative.com https://riverfarmforestschool.org/our-staff-copy daily 0.75 2023-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/23b35b09-b296-43fc-a2fe-7ff091772c41/DSC_1099-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff (Copy) - Ricardo Padilla Head of School & Lower Elementary Teacher BS in Business Management & AMS Certified in Early Childhood Education ricardo@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/438ddfa6-42a9-4c49-b7e0-ad898d5ae855/DSC_0968-01-02+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff (Copy) - Ashley Mack Upper Elementary Teacher Masters in Education ashley@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/8aaa8d77-a3eb-4a20-b64f-aa60b985577b/DSC_0814-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff (Copy) - Stacy Clark Lower Elementary Teacher BA, MA in Anthropology stacy@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1d1eac6a-3465-4249-b9f7-fcd507026438/DSC_0820-02.jpeg Our Staff (Copy) - Andrea Kantrovich Kindergarten Teacher BA in Speech Communication Studies & Masters in Humanities. Certified Yoga Instructor. andrea@riverfarmcooperative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/4ad5304d-7b9e-4724-aebd-04a2fc5c85c7/DSC_0954-02+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff (Copy) - Shamal Ratnaake Social-Emotional Learning & Art Teacher BA in Fine Arts & Certified Yoga Instructor shamal@riverfarmcooperative.com Shamal was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in a Buddhist monastery where he practiced meditation from the age of three. He arrived in Maryland as a teenager where he continued expanding on his passions for meditation, mindfulness, yoga practice, education, child development, art, and psychology. Before joining the River Farm community, Shamal helped develop a pilot program for 5th graders in the Baltimore City Public School on Art, Mindfulness, and Peace-Building. In partnership with Beyond Conflict, an international peace-building organization, and the Holistic Life Foundation, this program brought together art history, studio art, conflict resolution, neuroscience, and contemplative practices to create a new framework for student social, emotional, and creative development. He also guides clients as a meditation and breath-work therapist in recovery and rehabilitation of the mind and body through yogic breathing. Shamal earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He brings more than seven years of experience teaching children in a variety of disciplines including creative writing, art, meditation, yoga, mindfulness and breath-work. Outside of the classroom and meditation, Shamal is also an accomplished illustrator and designer. He enjoys music, painting, photography, reading, and networking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/828a1cc7-b029-4a1c-b595-531efa7e531b/DSC_1142-01-01+%281%29.jpeg Our Staff (Copy) - Janeth McKee Spanish Teacher BS in Finance and Banking & Certificates in Spanish Education janeth@riverfarmcooperative.com https://riverfarmforestschool.org/about-us daily 0.75 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/e8ca6662-f505-4637-b4f8-e5fb224bc06a/2209080201.JPG About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/3a50d986-fb97-4e9d-b69d-a0b93eafd992/River+Farm+Insect+Case.JPEG About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/dcb0820a-b984-405c-9ae0-3fab5f0b7b7d/IMG_3703.jpg About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/eefdcdac-11c1-4d94-80b2-9633d77537cb/IMG_2703.jpg About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/1644009204295-U6K24QO68TOLAAO7RZBO/DSC_1228-01.jpeg About Us - Yes, We’re An All-Weather School https://riverfarmforestschool.org/introduction-impact daily 0.75 2025-11-04 https://riverfarmforestschool.org/official-uniform-policy daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53875cc8e4b07a1635437084/5b5a4795-867d-4e82-b08c-aa24bef4d9bd/April+Fools+Day+2026.png Official Uniform Policy