THE I CAN MINDSET EQUIPS CHILDREN TO BE AWARE OF THE WORLD AROUND THEM, ENABLED WITH THE SKILLS TO TAKE ACTION, AND EMPOWERED TO DESIGN A MORE DESIRABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE - TODAY!
Since 2001, Riverside has designed, implemented and shared a unique user centered curriculum that is providing schools with an alternative model which focuses on quality of learning AND student well being.
The I CAN approach uses the power of Design Thinking - inviting both children and adults to transform the world through the I CAN Mindset - the power to intentionally design a more compassionate, sustainable and empathetic world.
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We have curated a set of videos that highlight the processes and practices we follow to intentionally build the I Can mindset in every child. You can also visit our YouTube channel for more inspiration!
The Riverside School has never strived to be the best school "IN" the world. Over the years, Riverside has consistently strived to be the best school "FOR" the world. It is towards this goal that Riverside launched initiatives to take the I CAN Mindset to children beyond its ecosystem. Today the impact of Riverside has reached a global stage.
aProCh, a community based initiative was born out of the need for making city spaces more accessible and open for children. To fulfill this vision of aProCh, various initiatives were designed and implemented to create “a Child friendly city” - a city which accords safety to the child.
Design for Change brings the Design Thinking framework of FEEL, IMAGINE, DO, and SHARE ™ (FIDS FOR KIDS) into classrooms. Applying this children as young as 6 years of age are solving day to day problems they face as individuals, as a family, or as a community.
Riverside Learning Center (RLC) takes its inspiration from The Riverside School, which has used the design thinking framework of Feel, Imagine, Do, and Share™ to design processes and practices that are timetabled to build a culture of empowerment.
We are deeply humbled that Riverside School has been awarded the Visionary Institution of the Year, by Didac! This recognition is a celebration of 25 years of believing every child CAN Thank you to our community for trusting our vision and walking with us as we reimagine what education CAN be
We’re delighted to share that Kiran has been honored as Design Guru 2025 by JKL University — a recognition that celebrates her pioneering work in bringing design thinking into education.
Over the past 25 years, this approach has shaped the Riverside model, inspiring schools and educators across the world to place empathy, creativity, and agency at the heart of learning:-)
We’re so proud to see this journey of impact being celebrated in such a meaningful way.
No. 1 school in India — has a lovely ring to it :-)
But more than the rank, this feels like a recognition of 25 years of faith and purpose — from starting Riverside as an act of belief that every child must graduate with the knowledge, skills and attitude to design a just and humane world, to today, where the Riverside experience has become a promise.
What began as the I CAN Approach — on the banks of the iconic Sabarmati, inspired by Gandhiji’s spirit of truth and action — has grown into a global movement. And it’s only because of the extraordinary people who show up every single day to make this happen — teachers, parents, students, and every believer in this dream.
Thank you to Education World for this honour in their Ivy League of Schools — and to the entire Riverside community for making these 25 years a living testament to what faith, love and perseverance can build.
The DFC Taiwan events and celebrations culminated in a wonderful session with parents — sharing the stage with the insightful Dr. Huang and my amazing DFC Taiwan partner, Kate Hsu.
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The event focused on student well-being and brought together educators, experts, and thought leaders to share insights and strategies for nurturing the mental health of young learners.
"Riverside school is outstanding in terms of its philosophy, facilities, faculty, its family and most importantly its students".
Dr Howard GardnerProfessor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard
"Riverside is an apt demonstration that you can design a school system which can achieve academic excellence and puts the needs and well being of each student at the heart of its education.A system which elevates Ethics, Empathy and sets them along with Excellence as critical components. "
Stavros YiannoukaCEO, Wise
" Whenever I hear of Riverside, the biggest message is of 'I CAN'. Thank you for giving me and people around the world this word"
Yaacov HechtCEO, Education Cities
" Your approach for fostering leadership and preparing children to shape a better future has impacted so many lives".
Wendy KoppFounder of Teach for America
"Riverside carries an important message which deserves to be told, shared and repeated, especially in China, where Cultural Value and Visual Success are different. Riverside brings awareness, duty and action towards society."
Jack HsuCEO, IVY Group
"Riverside is one of the best schools I have seen - both in India and abroad. It uses a lot of real-life applications in the work and projects that students do. At Riverside, learning is about fun, about understanding and "Making Learning Visible". Although there is no visible focus on assessment, they do consider assessment as important and use the outcomes for planning."
Sridhar RajgopalanCo-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, Education Initiatives
"It is heartening to be in a school where children know why they are there and why they are being asked to learn things that they are learning. The most important thing for a child to get from school is the habit of being curious and learning, and wanting to use that understanding to make the world a better place."
Dr. Mary Catherine BatesonReflective Guide, Writer and Cultural Anthropologist
