River’s Edge Montessori leaders and a group of seventh‑grade scholars briefed the Dayton Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 11 about the school’s expansion to include seventh grade and plans to add eighth grade.

Principal Kristen Northcutt told the board the expansion is intended to “deepen our Montessori philosophy” and sustain a PK–8 continuum that preserves continuity for families. She said the school currently has 29 seventh graders, including 19 students who progressed from River’s Edge sixth grade and nine transfers from other Dayton Public Schools. One student moved from Columbus Public Schools, Northcutt said.

Student speakers described the classroom culture they experienced. “We don’t exclude people. We actually motivate each other to do better,” said seventh‑grader Asa Brookshire, who said the smaller class environment helps students receive more individualized attention.

Teachers and staff described how the program blends experiential career exposure with an academic path. Ms. Erickson, a seventh‑grade ELA and math teacher, said early lessons emphasize executive functioning and independence; students complete projects that combine math, STEAM and ELA standards, such as scale‑up haunted‑house designs and a personal‑narrative project.

Board members asked about capacity and curriculum. Board member Walker, who said he voted against adding seventh grade when the plan was approved, asked how non‑River’s Edge students gained access after the district had previously told the board the program would be limited to existing River’s Edge students. Northcutt and Superintendent David Lawrence said interest from families expanded the enrollment pool and that the school plans to keep seventh and eighth graders integrated in shared classroom cycles rather than separating them by grade.

Staff highlighted restorative practices used after two on‑site incidents this year — restorative circles and integrated lessons about language and conflict — and said the approach had helped students reflect on behavior and reduce repeat incidents.

District leaders said the River’s Edge pilot will inform proposals for other schools: the administration plans to submit additional K–8 or K–8‑style proposals to the board after reviewing early indicators. Superintendent Lawrence said the district surveyed parents district‑wide and found substantial interest in extended K–8 models.

What’s next: the board received the presentation and asked for follow‑up data on enrollment trends and classroom resources as the district considers whether to expand similar models elsewhere.