Riverside Christian Schools

My son went to RCS through graduation from High School, and he has turned out to be a fantastic, capable, highly moral man. He is now at the University of California, and doing quite well. RCS provided a very stable environment where he was able to excel. The sports program was wonderful, and the teachers were caring and supportive. It was worth every penny (and, you can do the math!) to protect our child from the influences in public schools. We will never regret it and will be eternally grateful.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this elementary schoo for three years. Overall it has been a positive experience. The teachers have been loving, caring, and knowledgeable. My area of concern is their philosophy of education. They emphasize through the ABEKA curriculum very low level thinking skills. It is basically recall only. They rarely do science experiments and virtually no hands on learning whatsover. It is read the book, answer the questions. This is not the best way for children to learn. I have very positive things to say about the school and staff in general and my child's character is much more Christ like being here then when in public school. That being said, they need to relook at the curriculum and not just choose curriculum because it is Christian based, but because it engages the learner to think, apply and synthesize information.
—Submitted by a parent

RCS has an excellent elementary school but below average to poor middle school. My kids have attended RCS since kindergarten and the experience at the elementary level was great. The teachers were dedicated and very responsive to the students needs and accessible to the parents. Middle school has not been a good experience. It has been frustrating and a disappointment. Most of the teachers are evasive and difficult to contact. Some classes use old text books that are falling apart. The teachers always seem to be on the move and have little to no time for the parents. Now there are a few teachers that are professional and responsive to their students needs. I found these teachers to be mostly in the 6th grade. The middle school has very strict rules of conduct and they are enforced rigorously by the principal. So there is a sense of discipline and what one would imagine or want in a private school. Aside from that, though, the quality of education that one would expect from a private Christian school is absent.
—Submitted by a parent

The middle school does not really provide Christ-like role modeling in my opinion. It is more a school that educates and adds a little God in the program, instead of a school that is centered on Christ in all ways. The middle school teachers don't pray with the kids on a regular basis, and they seem to allow secular entertainment in the school instead of teaching the kids to, 'Not love the world or the things in the world,' as the bible directs us in John. I want to find a more Christ centered school in town, but there really is no better choice in this area. Very sad, as middle school is the time these kids are really battling the world's influence. This school needs to bring in more true sold-out for Christ teachers, instead of the luke warm believers it has at this time.
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding the 2-2-08 posting, my experience with RCMS has been the complete opposite. I would like to go into all the details, but I am only allowed 150 words. The bottom line is that RCMS has helped us to turn our troubled son completely around. The principal there has shown consistent love for him through Christ. Any discipline has been Christian based and is always geared toward teaching and restoration. He has gone from a failing student with behavorial problems, to an honor student with great citizenship. Personally, I mainly credit the principal for her outstanding leadership. She has made our son feel loved, respected and safe. The academic education he has received is outstanding! He is thriving there. The entire staff works together to provide an incredible environment for learning. I have always had immediate communication, and great results.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, I have a 7th grade daughter and she has great friends and teachers and has had the best priciples since 4th grade. She has been so enriched spiritually and acadimically. I have to move about 45 min away but in no way plan on taking my child out.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for 9 years, starting in preschool, with a wonderful educational, spiritual, emotional ... experience I loved this school! Until... Middle school I am so disappointed the education he has experienced here. And the lack of response and accountability by the principle and staff!! My spirit is deflated and I am disappointed that I have to put my son public next year due the the lack of quality of education that we have/are experiencing now. I will also be sending my kindergartener to public so it won't be such a shock when he has go to public middle school I am so disappointed!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to this school from preschool to 1st grade. I absolutely would not recommend this school. Teachers have little to no compassion if your child is having difficulties. They are very quick to say ADD, instead of finding a way to improve a childs learning. Administration also backs up teachers and do not care about parent concerns. My only regret was not pulling my son out sooner.
—Submitted by a parent

This school says it is a Christian school but they are more concerned with an advanced education than they are a Christian education. I recommend not sending your kids here if they are JUST average. They don't like average.
—Submitted by kim, a parent

The preschool is amazing with a terrific director and loving staff. The elementary school has amazing teachers who care about the students and want each child to be successful.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though I would agree that the pre-school is excellent and the elementary has been a blessing, our son has attended the high school for two years and we are not happy. Discipline is a farce and the new administrator, although a nice man, does not seem to care what the students do.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended RCS for the past seven years. We have found the teachers and administration to be helpful, loving, and caring. My son does have difficulties in some learning areas; however, with an understanding principal and a loving staff he has developed into a fine young man. My daughters attended another local Christian school and had a limited amount of care and concern. However, when I moved my youngest daughter to RCHS several years ago, the care, love, and education was top quality! She graduated from college with honors! I know my son will have the same experience!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended from 'K' almost through the 6th grade. Don't expect help if your child has emotional/behavioral issues. You will not receive it here. Child is now very happy in a public school with better amenities.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with RCS, as my daughter has attended since preschool. Teachers are great and very supportive towards the children and parents. I recommend this school to anyone who wants there child to have a blessed education
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went here for preschool and absolutely loved it! The teachers are very patient and loving. It has truly been a blessing for her to go there. I'm hoping my 3 yr old will be able to go there too!
—Submitted by Felicia Cruz, a parent

Riverside Christian provides a well rounded program involving academics, music, arts, sports and other extracurricular activities which are lacking in many other schools today. The level of teacher and parent involvement is phenomenal. I am thrilled to have my daughter attend this school for the overall balance that Riverside Christian provides.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children enrolled. A junior and a 6th grader. They have been here for four years. The teachers are exceptional, competent people who sincerely love the kids. I am very happy with the quality of the academics, there is a fair amount of sports and such, the security and care for the children is very good. Parents have alot of opportunity to participate, staff is sincerely interested in the student population and love in Christ is always a part of the day. I love each elementary teacher we have had but Mrs. Manning is a real jewel. She is hard but to the great benefit of the children and she really cares about the kids. Great school, growing too fast, lucky to be a part of it.
—Submitted by Monica Sierra, a parent

Excellent quality academic program within a loving, caring Christian environment. The extracurricular activities are plentiful and the parent involvement is extremely high.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended riv christian her kindergarten year. We loved it. Unfortunately, we moved out of the area.
—Submitted by a parent

I was not thrilled with the school. In my opinion it was not a kind and loving environment. Two of my friends and myself all pulled our children out of the school due to the lack of caring by the staff/principal. Our students complained about words/actions by other students that were very inappropriate and did not feel supported by the staff that they approached about these matters.
—Submitted by a parent