Unlocking a Bright Future: Your Ultimate Guide to River Oak Charter School for the 2025-26 Academic Year

By Talia Cechin

River Oak has been a part of the vibrant Ukiah Valley for 26 years. Every day, we create enriching experiences in music, dance, theater, and stories to inspire a love for learning in our students. As a proud member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, we are a free public school following California’s Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Our teaching methods are inspired by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian educator from the early 20th century. He believed that children learn best through hands-on experiences and a strong academic curriculum that integrates the arts. This approach helps children grow in a well-rounded way.

If you live in Ukiah, you may have noticed some new projects at local elementary schools. Thanks to the Universal Pre-Kindergarten initiative, more public schools are now enrolling younger students to encourage early education, aiming for two years of kindergarten. This aligns with River Oak’s belief that every child benefits from two years of kindergarten.

In response to these changes, River Oak is excited to introduce our new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classroom called ‘Morning Star.’ This cozy space will welcome 10 of our youngest students. Our dedicated teacher, Ms. Amy Jirout, holds Bilingual Credentials and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate, while Ms. Madeline Pool, our Bilingual Classroom Aide, comes with valuable experience from local preschools.

The TK program emphasizes a play-based curriculum, allowing children to learn essential skills in reading, writing, and math through engaging activities. At River Oak, we have embraced this philosophy for years. Steiner emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and social interactions during the critical early years, and our approach reflects that belief.

As we continue to support families in Mendocino County, we invite parents with children turning 4 before September 1, 2025, to consider exploring River Oak. A campus tour can help you see how we can cater to your child’s needs.

We are currently accepting lottery applications until February 27, 2025. You can find applications online at River Oak Charter School. Our school is conveniently located at 555 Leslie Street, next to the Ukiah Senior Center. For more information, feel free to call us at (707) 467-1855 ext. 103.