River Charter School

I never had to coach my daughter to do wellonthe standards tests before she came to River school. She attended a 'mixed' elementary school (economica, ethnic) and though the overall scores were state average, my daughter excelled. At River, her scores plummetted the first year. I kept track of her progress second year, noticed that many math standards were not addressed in class and picked up the slack at home. I think part of the reason they can brag about their test scores relative tot he other middle schools is because the population is not representative of the district--there are no English language learners and few free and reduced lunch kids. My daughter loves the school, however, and feels safe their. It would be great if they could provide this and address math standards at the same time.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is wonderful the teachers the princible mrs. inlay and even the vice principle mrs. akiu they are all so fun!!!! im a 6th grader at river school 2008 2009 and it has been great!!! right now we are working on our land scaping in the courtyard. and the sap (sudent advisory panel) has came up with a new way to keep the courtyard clean it started when the school wanted to be able to chew gum but the teachers voted no because they said the court yard was already a mess imagine it with gum so now if your advisorys clean at the end og the day you get paper money.... river has made my 6th grade really fun i suggest that you should send your kid there.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is over the top when i first came to River i was so scared about being popular and making friends, but when i got there everyone was so nice there wasn't really any groups of a kids that would be casted in. Another thing is that River does share a campus and sports with Harvest Middle School. Who just installed a pool! Who Can find out more about River at their website RiverSchool.org
--Submitted by a student

this is the best school ever im in 7th grade and everybody's really nice. i love this school i really dont wanna leave next year. any Q's i can totally answer
--Submitted by a student

This school is over-the-top exceptional. The core values are very important for learning at this difficult age.
--Submitted by a parent

Three short years ago we were facing the challenge of middle school with a boy who was quiet, unsure and insecure in the world. River has been the perfect transition with the smaller school making a big effort to make sure all the grades treat each other equally and with respect. My son felt comfortable very early in 6th grade which allowed his learning to begin. In this area he was held accountable for his work. Assistance was always offered but when his grades suffered the first year, he was to learn from this. When he found out on his last report card before 6th grade summer that he didn't have to go to summer school he learned a big life lesson. Since then he is strong, confident and takes on more interests and endeavors and will never put himself in stress again for not working hard enough.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of an 8th grader and I also have a son who graduated in 2005. I have also been very involved in the school's fundraising endeavors for six years. I would like to say to all prospective parents that nothing comes free and for those who might view the school's focus on parent hours or fundraising as a negative, you need to realize that the enrichment programs offered by the school cost money above and beyond what the State provides. These programs are vitally important to provide a quality, complete educational experience for our children. Because of the support from parents and fundraising, the school is able to offer small class sizes and also performing and visual arts. The most valuable enrichment the school provided to my children was to empower them to make good choices and to understand that they are responsible for their choices.
--Submitted by a parent

I am now a 9th grader, but without River School, I wouldn't have been as inspired to excel in high school. River not only challenged the left side of my brain, but it also encouraged activity on the part of my right hemisphere. Mrs. Inlay has made it one of her many goals to create a safe environment in which one can feel free to excercise their 1st amendment rights and become comfortable with being creative. I have never felt more empowered to speak my mind. I began to appreciate challenges, and I was motivated to create work that I was proud of. It offers great parenting classes because the staff recognizes that at such a difficult age, it's essential for parents to understand, accept and motivate their pre-teens. Overall, I highly recommend this wonderful school..that is if you believe in the importance of education and the grandeur of creativity.
--Submitted by a student

I attended River School for three years. As a college student, I can honestly say that River School has helped me so much throughout my high school and college years. Adolescence is such a difficult time and being in an environment that promotes high self-esteem and self-sufficiency helped me to succeed in later years. I felt like I had a voice. I felt like when I made mistakes, I was given the opportunity to learn from it rather than just being punished. My teachers took the time to get to know me instead of just treating me like another name on the roll sheet. I am so grateful that there is a place where young adolescents can feel safe to express themselves and learn from their mistakes.
--Submitted by a student

I have two children who attended 6-8 grade at River Middle School (one graduating in 2004, the other in 2007). My children are quite different in nature and learning styles. River School was an excellent environment for each of my children in quite different ways. They were each very well prepared for high school academically, socially and emotionally. Through the integrated curriculum, listening groups, oportunities for leadership and responsibility and excellent elective program, they each were able to feel supported, respected and valuable. They entered high school well prepared and able to work well in groups, delegate and share ideas confidently. They were given many leadership opportunities at River and were truly listened to by staff and peers. I am extremely grateful to the school for many reasons and highly recommend this program.
--Submitted by a parent