|
Important Back-to-School Dates
August 17 — Back-to-School Picnic and Dedication
August 19 — First Day of School (K–12)
August 24 — First Day of School (Preschool)
Click here to view the 2026/2027 Activities Calendar
| |
RVC School Day Hours
Preschool - 8:00am - 2:55pm
Elementary (K-4) - 7:50am - 2:55pm
Middle and High (5-12) - 7:50am - 3:10pm
Thursdays will be late start at 8:50am (9:00am for preschool).
Exceptions will be noted in advance.
| |
Introducing The RVC App (formerly HCA app)
Click here to download the River Valley Christian School app
As part of our transition to River Valley, the app store is still processing the name and logo change, so it will temporarily appear as the Harvest Christian Academy app. Rest assured, this is the correct app and will be updated shortly!
After downloading be sure to register for an account so that you can join relevant chats and groups!
Parents: Register as a parent
Students in grades 5-12: Register as a student
If you were previously an HCA family and already have the school app installed, there is nothing more for you to do. You will see the change to River Valley within the app!
| | | |
Back-to-School Picnic and Dedication Service
August 17, 2026
This school year will begin with a Back-to-School Picnic and Dedication Service on August 17.
3:30pm-5:30pm - Meet the teachers, set up locker, drop off supplies
5-6pm - Community Picnic on the lawn (food available for purchase)
6-7pm - Worship and RVC Dedication Service
Join the excitement as we kick off a new school year with food, fellowship, and community! This special evening is a time to come together as a school family and dedicate the year ahead to the Lord, seeking His blessings and guidance for our students, families, faculty, and staff.
| | | | |
RVC 2026 Golf Outing
August 31, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable day on the green at River Valley Christian School's 1st Annual Golf Outing at the exclusive Elgin Country Club! This event promises 18 holes of premier golf, networking with community leaders, and gourmet cuisine. More importantly, your participation supports our athletics department, fostering resilience, integrity, and teamwork in our students. Help us shape future leaders and make a positive impact through Christian education.
Reserve your spot today and be part of our mission!
We look forward to seeing you there for fun and fellowship.
Don’t miss out on the special pricing for Early Bird registration and register today!
| | | |
Summer Playdates (Preschool to Grade 4)
Calling all future Rams! Preschool to Grade 4 families are invited to join us for our summer park playdates at local playgrounds. This is a great opportunity for students and parents to meet new friends and begin building community before school starts!
Join us from 10am–12pm on the following date:
July 23 - Festival Park/Splashpad (132 S Grove Ave, Elgin)
| |
|
Parties in the Park
Come meet your future classmates, teachers, and River Valley families at Parties in the Park! Bring a picnic dinner if you'd like, enjoy time on the playground, and connect with our school community before the new year begins.
Grades 1 & 2: August 4 from 4-6pm
Grades 3 & 4: August 6 from 4-6pm
| |
| | | |
Middle School Summer Reading
Great books have the power to help us better understand ourselves, others, and the world God has created. This summer's reading selections have been chosen to challenge students to think deeply, grow in empathy, and connect with characters facing important choices and challenges. Through reading, students will strengthen their comprehension skills while developing the habits of curiosity, reflection, and thoughtful discussion that are essential to lifelong learning.
All middle school students are expected to complete the following summer reading by the first day of school.
Students Entering Grade 5: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Students Entering Grade 6 - 7 : Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Students Entering Grade 8 : 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin or Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Be on the lookout for an email from your teacher with more information soon. Happy reading, and we look forward to discussing these books together in the fall!
| | | | |
Middle School Meet-up at Epic Air
Incoming 5th–8th grade students are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun at Epic Air!
July 13
3–5 pm
Epic Air – South Elgin
Cost: $15 per student
Epic Air socks are required and may be purchased for an additional $4 if needed.
Parents are welcome to drop off and pick up students at the conclusion of the event.
There will be supervision by our faculty and staff.
| | | | |
8th Grade Washington DC Trip
Attention incoming 8th grade parents:
Don't forget to register for the Washington DC trip before July 1 to take advantage of the early bird discount!
To register for the trip:
1. Go to https://secure.schooltoursofamerica.com/registration/
2. Trip number: B863
3. Travel Dates: 4/22/27-4/24/27
4. You will pay a $99 registration fee.
Final Payments are due February 11, 2027.
| | | | |
Optional Summer Book Club for Incoming 6th & 7th Graders
By popular student request, Mrs. Werneske and Mrs. Kennedy are hosting a Summer Book Club for the joy of reading and discussing great books together!
June 30 | 9–11am
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
August 4 | 9–11am
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Location: Randall Oaks Park, West Dundee (near the zipline playground)
Students may participate in one or both sessions. Please bring your book, a snack, water bottle, and a blanket or towel to sit on. We'll enjoy student-led discussion followed by time on the playground.
Email Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Werneske to sign up!
Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy the park. Please pick up students by 11:00 AM.
| | | | |
High School Summer Reading
Summer reading encourages students to continue developing literacy skills, engage with meaningful ideas, and arrive prepared to participate in rich classroom discussions when school begins.
All high school students are expected to complete the following summer reading by the first day of school.
Students Entering Grades 9-10: The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Students Entering Grades 11-12: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (unless you are enrolling in AP English)
AP Language & Composition: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
AP Literature & Composition: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Be on the lookout for an email with a notetaking template from the English department, which will be coming soon. Happy reading, and we look forward to discussing these books together in the fall!
| | | | Spring Trip to Europe
Students in grades 10–12 are invited to join us March 31 – April 8, 2027 for an incredible trip to Belgium, France, and Switzerland. From historic cities and iconic landmarks to unforgettable cultural experiences, this is a unique opportunity to see the world beyond the classroom.
For more information or to register for the trip, click the link below! | | |
Looking for a fun way to stay active, build skills, and connect with fellow Rams this summer?
Registration is now open for River Valley Athletic Summer Camps for students entering Grades 1–12.
Whether your student is just getting started or looking to sharpen their game, our camps provide
quality instruction, skill development, and plenty of fun in a Christ-centered environment.
| | Thank you to our 2026/2027 Dual Elite Sponsors! | | | | |
