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.
KNOW MORE
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.
At the heart of Design for Change is a global community of educators creating meaningful impact. Kiran recently met Shirrine Khudari, founder of Alef School of Nature in Amman and pioneer of Jordan's first I CAN school, to celebrate shared visions for student-led change.
Our students' submission, The Lifeline, has just won First Prize in the All Other Media category (ages 10–12) at The Water We Want Youth Award, hosted by the Global Network of Water Museums!. Out of entries from all over India, they were selected in the Top 6, and went on to secure the top global spot.
A massive congratulations to our incredible young changemakers: Anahat, Meethi, Harleen, Maryam, Samaira, Ishaani, Tanush, Veerrudra, Tamanna, and Jeesha.
This is a proud moment for all of us at aProCh and Riverside. It is a direct reflection of our belief in children as true protagonists—when given the platform, their empathy and creativity can truly move the world.
Thank you to the dedicated mentors who guided them through this journey. Let’s keep cheering our children on to change the world!
We are delighted to celebrate Ms. Deepa Avashia's recognition with the Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan National Principals Award at the Education Excellence Conclave 2026, honouring her outstanding contribution to education and leadership.
We are proud to share that Kiran Bir Sethi, Founder and Director of The Riverside School, has been invited to join the jury panel for the India’s Best Design Awards 2026.
A globally recognized educator, designer, and changemaker, Kiran Bir Sethi has consistently championed the power of empathy, design thinking, and student-led learning through her work at Riverside. Her inclusion on this prestigious jury reflects her continued contribution to shaping innovative and meaningful learning experiences.
At Riverside, we believe design is not just about aesthetics — it is about creating impact, solving real-world problems, and nurturing human-centered thinking. This recognition further strengthens our commitment to fostering creativity, purpose, and innovation in education.
Over the past few days in Singapore, Kiran, along with Priti - engaged with inspiring leaders and educators from around the world in conversations centered on purposeful leadership, resilience, and the future of education.
From an intimate gathering of 50 leaders reflecting on the “North Star” of leadership, to participating in the BOLD Fellowship alongside 12 pioneering schools challenging traditional models of education, the experience was filled with deep learning, sharing, and reaffirmation.
A powerful reminder that inspired leaders create inspired school systems — and that meaningful change grows through community, courage, and collaboration.
"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
