Rivermont School - Nova

Rivermont School – NOVA emphasizes individualized, evidence-based instruction for students with autism and emotional disabilities, delivered by licensed professionals in a supportive, structured setting. Their approach integrates academics with behavioral/therapeutic supports (including ABA and Verbal Behavior), aiming to build communication and social skills and help students progress toward successful transitions (e.g., returning to less restrictive settings and preparing for adult life).

Rivermont Schools’ Northern Virginia (NOVA) campus in Lorton enrolls students primarily through an out-of-district placement process that begins with the student’s home public school district (i.e., the district initiates/refers when it identifies a student who may benefit). (rivermontschools.com) After a referral is received, Rivermont reviews documentation (including whether the student has an IEP and relevant educational/medical history and needs) and may observe the student in their current setting; families/districts are typically invited to tour once the referral is being evaluated. (rivermontschools.com) If the IEP team agrees to a Rivermont placement, planning generally includes a district services agreement, an intake IEP meeting to review/modify the IEP for transition, and transportation coordination, followed by enrollment and initial assessments to set support levels. (rivermontschools.com) The school does not publish fixed annual application deadlines or lottery dates; timelines are driven by the referral/IEP process, and general questions can be sent via the Contact Us form/email (they note a 24–48 hour response). (rivermontschools.com) Public waitlist rules and priority categories are not described on Rivermont’s NOVA admissions/enrollment pages; placement decisions are framed around district authorization and IEP team agreement rather than parent-paid, first-come admissions priorities. (rivermontschools.com)