Charles River School

Charles River School (CRS) has been on the move since its founding in Needham in 1911.

The well-regarded independent school literally moved upriver, to Dover, in 1917. But, more importantly, throughout its history CRS has consistently provided students with a progressive learning environment that educates the whole child.

Serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8, CRS has approximately 170 students and honors the pursuit of academic excellence and the joy of childhood.

It is also a school that, in the words of Head of School Gretchen Larkin, “Delivers 21st century skills such as critical thinking and cultural competency.”

Like any organization, CRS found the need to renew its physical location to provide its students with state-of-the art learning spaces. In particular, the school saw an opportunity to build a new Middle School and science laboratory.

That’s when the school’s Director of Finance, David Riedell, turned to Needham Bank for bridge financing.

“We knew Needham Bank was community-oriented, and they had just opened a branch in Dover. When it came time to move forward on a construction project, Needham Bank was at the top of our list,” said Riedell.

Since partnering with Needham Bank, CRS has constructed a new 13,000 square foot facility on their campus facing Dover Town Center.

“The building completely changed the front of our campus and gave the school a very different feeling,” says Riedell. “People used to be surprised when they saw the interior of our campus because it felt so different from what they saw on Centre Street. Now, the building people see when they drive by is much more representative of the innovative school that CRS is.”

“It was a combination of the right terms and conditions; the convenience of a branch close by; and the fact that they are proactive,” says Riedell. “They come to us saying, ‘What can we do to help you?’”

“At the end of the day, we feel very grateful to have Needham Bank as a partner.”