Riverchase Day School has opened registration for the 2026-27 school year — and current families are urged to reserve their spot soon.
The early registration window for enrolled students and siblings runs through Jan. 22, followed by priority access for alumni, church members and (past Tried-N-True Consignment Sale) volunteers on Jan. 23. Public registration opens Monday, Jan. 27.
Returning families are encouraged to register within their assigned window to secure classroom placement. Classes fill quickly, and placement is based on the child’s age as of Sept. 1.
Founded in 1992 as a ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church, RDS serves children 6 months through kindergarten in a Christian environment where children grow through structured learning and joyful play. Tours are available now for prospective families, with extended care options and a range of age-specific programs.
Director Adam Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and Liberty University graduate, has worked in early childhood education for more than 10 years. He and his family are members of Riverchase United Methodist Church, and he previously led elementary camps at Camp Sumatanga.
“I understand that our children are the future and we hold a great responsibility in preparing them for that,” Smith said.
RDS offers full-day and part-day options. Core hours are 9 a.m-1 p.m., with extended-day coverage available 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for five-day students. Office hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Each classroom is staffed by experienced, caring educators who blend structure, faith and age-appropriate learning. Infants and toddlers are welcomed into safe, nurturing classrooms where routine and connection are emphasized. Two-year-old classes support toilet training and introduce social learning through songs, stories and classroom play.
Three-year-old students build on that foundation with daily exposure to name recognition, numbers, shapes and colors. Weekly “specials” include music, chapel and Happy Feet — a gross motor program held in the school’s gymnasium.
Pre-K students begin learning Spanish and continue their enrichment rotations, with the addition of a monthly nutrition and gardening class led by a registered dietitian. These hands-on lessons take place in a dedicated garden space and teach the basics of healthy food choices and plant care.
The kindergarten program emphasizes readiness for first grade through small-group instruction in math and reading, weekly Spanish and music classes, and curriculum-integrated field trips. All kindergarten teachers are certified by the state of Alabama and focus on both academic and social development in a literacy-rich environment.
To schedule a tour or learn more, visit www.riverchasedayschool.com or call 205-989-8070. The school is located at 1953 Old Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover.
