Yuba River Charter School

Yuba River Charter School invites families to explore our public, Waldorf-guided TK–8 program where students are supported to engage their minds, enliven their imagination, and deepen their love of learning at every stage of development.

Interested in learning more about our school and how the enrollment process works? We invite families to join us for a Parent Information Meeting, where you’ll learn about our educational approach, daily rhythms, grade-level programs, and how to apply for the 2026–2027 school year.

Last chance to attend a Parent Information Meeting before the TK/Kindergarten deadline:
• Virtual on March 31 at 5:00 PM

Now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. Applications are only available at Parent Information Meetings.
• TK/Kindergarten deadline: April 1
• 1st–8th grade deadline: May 10

RSVP at yubariverschool.org/PIM
Questions? Contact [email protected]

Less than two weeks remain until the application deadline! Little Creek Preschool welcomes children ages 2-3 into a nurturing, home-like environment where they can explore, play, and grow. Our program includes circle time and stories, rhythm-building activities, plenty of outdoor play, and simple, natural toys that spark imagination.

Interested in learning more?
Join us for a Parent Information Meeting:

• On-site on February 27 or March 3
• Virtual on March 7

For more details or to sign up, visit www.yubariverschool.org/LittleCreek

TONIGHT!

Join us for an evening of most excellent theater as Yuba River Charter School’s 8th-grade students present "Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Musical Adventure", packed with time travel, humor, and high-energy musical numbers! Originally written by Jacquelynn Kolenko, the script was reworked by the 8th grade class into something entirely their own. Directed by 8th-grade student Harrison Reischman, with support from Jacquelynn Kolenko and class teacher Elliot Calloway, this production is truly of the 8th grade and by the 8th grade!

Performances will take place in the YRCS Assembly Room on February 4 and 5 at 6 PM.

Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Be excellent to each other—and don’t miss this totally triumphant show!

Join us for an evening of most excellent theater as Yuba River Charter School’s 8th-grade students present "Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Musical Adventure", packed with time travel, humor, and high-energy musical numbers! Originally written by Jacquelynn Kolenko, the script was reworked by the 8th grade class into something entirely their own. Directed by 8th-grade student Harrison Reischman, with support from Jacquelynn Kolenko and class teacher Elliot Calloway, this production is truly of the 8th grade and by the 8th grade!

Performances will take place in the YRCS Assembly Room on February 4 and 5 at 6 PM.

Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Be excellent to each other—and don’t miss this totally triumphant show!

Little Creek Preschool welcomes children ages 2-3 into a nurturing, home-like environment where they can explore, play, and grow. Our program includes circle time and stories, rhythm-building activities, plenty of outdoor play, and simple, natural toys that spark imagination.

Interested in learning more?

Join us for a Parent Information Meeting on:
• On-site on February 3, February 17, or March 3
• Virtual on March 7

For more details or to sign up, visit www.yubariverschool.org/LittleCreek

Yuba River Charter School invites families to explore our public, Waldorf-guided TK–8 program where students are supported to engage their minds, enliven their imagination, and deepen their love of learning at every stage of development.

Interested in learning more about our school and how the enrollment process works? We invite families to join us for a Parent Information Meeting, where you’ll learn about our educational approach, daily rhythms, grade-level programs, and how to apply for the 2026–2027 school year.

Join us for a Parent Information Meeting:
• On-site on February 24 or March 24 at 9:00 AM
• Virtual on February 10, March 10, or March 31 at 5:00 PM

Now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year! Applications are only available at Parent Information Meetings.

• TK/Kindergarten deadline: April 1
• 1st–8th grade deadline: May 10

RSVP at yubariverschool.org/PIM

Questions? Contact [email protected]

An extra festive lunch today at YRCS was provided by the amazing Community Roots School Food Services Agency! We are so grateful for the thought and care Community Roots puts into feeding Nevada County students every day.

Community Roots is deeply committed to nourishing kids and community by sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible, preparing meals fresh from scratch whenever possible, and building seasonal menus that reflect local harvests. They hold themselves to a high standard, always striving to go beyond “good enough” and exceed federal nutrition guidelines, because our students deserve excellent food.

Every day, Community Roots delivers breakfast and lunches packed with care in individual bento boxes to every classroom at Yuba River. We feel lucky to partner with a team that values sustainability, health, and care in every meal!

Celebrating the last school day before Winter Break with a special holiday treat: tamales! This custom for many families from Mexico and Central America bring together some of our favorite activities: making and enjoying food together as a family and community. Adding in the treat of Petit Pot rice pudding as arroz con leche made for a holly jolly cafeteria today!

YRCS Girls Basketball closed out their season in unforgettable fashion last night, winning first place in the Small School Championship with heart, teamwork, and a whole lot of determination. With only 25 girls total in 7th and 8th grade at YRCS, the season began with two small teams. The 8th grade team had eight of the nine 8th grade girls on the roster. The 7th grade team had both 7th graders and 6th graders, with many players stepping onto a school team court for the first time. Week by week, both groups grew in skill and confidence, bringing a competitive spirit that never let up.

Tournament week brought a new twist. With several players from each team, along with 7th grade coach Anita Vernon, having prior commitments, the decision was made to combine the two teams into one larger mixed-grade roster for the small school tournament. Even though they had never played together as a full team before, the girls rallied quickly, played strong all week, and found their rhythm at exactly the right time. Coach Nick Applegate made sure all players saw meaningful court time across the grades, honoring the effort and growth each athlete brought to the team. The championship game itself was packed with energy and emotion. 8th grader Ophelia Cooper led the way in a standout performance against Mt. St. Mary’s, scoring an incredible 26 of the team’s 41 points. In the final minutes, Coach Nick put all five remaining 8th grade players on the court together for their last game as Yuba River students, a moment met with cheers from the stands.

This championship also marked the final game of Coach Nick Applegate’s coaching tenure at YRCS, wrapping up a rewarding five-year run. After the win, he shared with the girls’ parents, “What a great way to finish our season today (and my YRCS girls coaching tenure)! So proud of these girls and the competitive spirit they’ve shown throughout the season. Such a fun group to coach. You all should be proud of the great young people you are raising. They all contributed in their own way to our team’s success, and boy did they finish the season strong!” In a heartfelt gesture, the team surprised Coach Nick with a gift that felt especially fitting. Knowing his love for shoes, they gifted him a special pair of Nikes designed by a patient at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Oregon, a meaningful reminder of the heart behind the game.

Congratulations to our YRCS girls basketball players across 6th, 7th, and 8th grade on an incredible season and a well-earned championship win. And a heartfelt thank you to Coach Nick Applegate for five years of leadership, care, and commitment to our students. What a wonderful way to close this chapter!

YRCS in the news!

Yuba River Charter 8th grade boys overcome adversity to win first-ever volleyball Grand Championship The Yuba River Charter School 8th Grade Boys Volleyball Team made local history this week by capturing the Grand Championship title after an impressive postseason run that showcased teamwork, perseverance,

Our YRCS 8th Grade Boys Volleyball Team made local history this week, capturing the first-ever Grand Championship title after an incredible season of hard work, teamwork, and heart.

The boys entered the postseason as one of the top teams in the area, earning a spot in the Large School bracket before being reassigned to the Small School division. What could have been a disappointment turned into something amazing: the creation of a brand-new Grand Championship game, where the winners of both divisions faced off for the top honor.

After earning the Small School Championship, YRCS went on to defeat Lyman Gilmore, the Large School champions, in a thrilling match that stretched late into the evening last night. Every player gave their all, showing what true teamwork and dedication look like.

With just 27 students in 8th grade and a 10-player roster, every athlete contributed to this incredible victory. Coach Laura Hazelton shared, “The 8th-grade team capped off an outstanding season with a well-earned victory. Their success was years in the making, with many players developing their skills and teamwork since 6th grade. These players have shown trust, support, and dedication to one another, and they’ve grown into not only strong athletes but exceptional teammates. This season, they proved that small schools can be a true force to be reckoned with.”

Congratulations to our Grand Champion YRCS 8th Grade Boys Volleyball Team! Your effort, sportsmanship, and spirit make our whole school proud! 💛💙