Riverhill School

Blue Ribbon School 2012-2013, unbelievably low student/teacher ratio, innovative, creative, loving instruction with the BEST teachers. . . high SAT scores, very positive environment. . . cannot recommend the school highly enoughj

Riverhill is Outstanding for the Student & the Family! Riverhill is learning and growing educational family. It is the type of educational institution where the faculty, staff, and students are guided by the mission of "providing a child-centered, academic environment whereby we empower our students to become informed, responsible, productive, life-long learners with solid values and positive self-images." The faculty and staff genuinely care for the student and the family. If you are considering an environment that has the right mix of academic rigor, personal accountability, and genuine care for every student, then Riverhill is the place for you!
—Submitted by a parent

January 14, 2013 I have taught preschool, kindergarten, second grade, fourth grade, junior high, high school, and special education. I was the Director of a pre-school . I now teach at the university level in the Elementary /Preschool Education Department and in the Psychology Department. I have known many schools, and know what quality education really is. Before my Grandson entered school, we thoroughly explored what was available. Riverhill School in Florence Alabama was the obvious choice. My Grandson is now in first grade. Preschool, kindergarten, and first grade have been wonderful experiences. The Principal, teachers, and staff as well as the curriculum are the best I ve ever seen. As a matter of fact I often use Riverhill as an example in my Educational Psychology class. Providing my Grandson with the best education possible in a safe, loving, diverse, and creative environment is a priority for our family. Riverhill exemplifies what all schools should be. We are so satisfied and my Grandson loves school. It s a joy to see him so excited about learning. Joanne Stephenson, Ed.D.

My son attended Riverhill from 1st-8th grade and my daughter currently attends Riverhill and is in the 4th grade. When my son transferred to a public school in 9th grade he had a 1/2 credit more than his classmates and many of the books he was required to read in 9th grade he had already read at Riverhill. He was challenged at Riverhill and he has not been as challenged at his current school. My daughter has done well at Riverhill too. The environment at Riverhill is like no other in our area. The teachers, administration and staff are kind, committed and qualified. Riverhill was recongnized by AISA as a Blue Ribbon School for the 2012-2013 school year! Congratulations!!
—Submitted by a parent

Riverhill is a phenomenal school both in terms of it's academic excellence and its nurturing, loving environment which develops students into service-oriented student leaders. As a graduate of an Ivy League school with a school-aged daughter, I had thoroughly researched top schools in California and Mississippi before I returned to my native Florence. I was astonished to find a school of this caliber in such a small town. Riverhill by far surpasses those schools, several of which were ranked among the best in the nation. The loving, caring, unpretentious, family-like environment combined with its academic rigor makes Riverhill a school that is perhaps unparalled anywhere else in the United States.
—Submitted by a parent

Riverhill School is such a wonderful, caring school. The school is K-6 and offers enrichment classes in technology, spanish, art, music, and science. The class sizes are small, allowing each child to get the personal attention needed. The extra activities are wonderful, including many field trips and community service projects. Also, the parents are listened to and encouraged to be a part of the life of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Riverhill is a good school but there are so many cliques and snobby people there. And they need to add A.P. classes or something because I make like my mom says ''amazing' grades without even studying. I mean it is considered to be the best school in florence.
—Submitted by a student

I am a current student at Riverhill, and it's the best school I havew ever been to. The academics are great, and there are tons of awesome extracurricular activity for everyone to pariticipate in.
—Submitted by a student

Riverhill is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me! I will love it until the day that I die!
—Submitted by a former student

My daughter transferred here in the sixth grade and it has been the best decision that I have ever made. She has blossomed and become the very best that she can be. The thing that Riverhill does best is to allow your child to your child. They encourage them to be themselves, whether they are funny, creative, serious or any number of other things. The teachers have been wonderful and we are devastated to have to leave. Perhaps they do not have everything you think you need, extremely competitive sports being the big thing with many, but the warm, caring, happy environment is like nothing I have ever seen. We LOVE this school! Bebe Ray
—Submitted by a parent

The problem I have with this school is inconsistency. You may have a stellar year one year, but a slow year the next. The principal tells you what she thinks you want to hear, versus the truth. Their reading curriculum in the early elementary years is behind public school standards. The art program is more of a craft department. Children are not able to move at their individual pace, which drags down those who are advanced. The middle school is stronger than the elementary. The parental involvement is very high. The student to teacher ratio varies from grade to grade, since there is only one class offered per grade.
—Submitted by a parent

What a great place to be! My daughter transfered to Riverhill in 5th grade from another great school. The staff, principal, children, and parents could not have been any nicer and more helpful. Everyone made my daughter's transition a breeze. The academics here are awesome! My daughter is so excited with all of the new concepts to which she is being introduced. She finds the quaint environment so conducive to furthering her studies. She never wants to miss a day of school because each day brings new surprises and new challenges for her. Most of all, this school offers more of a 'hands on' type of learning. Everything is taught from the 'doing' perspective, rather than simply reading about it! This has made all the difference in the world. I would highly recommend Riverhill to anyone who wants to get that little bit more out of their early education. Thanks!
—Submitted by Jawan Smith, a parent