Riverside Elementary School

Its sad to say this, but I have to agree with the parents below. My neighbors all spoke highly of Riverside, one of them specifically with 2 boys of whom the oldest is now attending UCF and the youngest is currently attending JP Taravella. I bought my house up here because of the wonderful things I heard about this school and I must say, my child's teacher is excellent, however, like the parents below say, the administration is the worst. They could care less about the students and the teachers, you walk in and the first two people you see are 2 ladies that seem to be mad at the world every single day. You walk in there and you say good morning and its like no one heard, then you're leaving and say have a nice day, no response. They are there only to collect their paycheck and nothing else. This has been a sad experience for me but my child only has next school year at Riverside and I will be so thankful when that year is over and he moves to middle school. I would not recommend this school to anyone until I know that they have done a clean sweep of the administration and hire people who cares about our kids and our teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 2nd grade at this school and you can easily tell which teachers are just there for a check! I am so tired of begging a teacher to let me know my child's conduct so I can help! I wish there were more teachers who actually care there is definitely not enough programs or help for children having a hard time learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The whole reason we bought our house a few years ago is because we had heard so many great things about Riverside. Unfortunately, I am HIGHLY disappointed. Not only are the classrooms over crowded despite the state cap of 18, the school leaders would rather pay the fine vs hiring additional teachers. This makes it extremely difficult for the current teachers when they have so many students with no extra help in the classroom. Luckily, parent involvment is high but the administration is TERRIBLE!! They don't support the teachers, they don't support the parents, they seem to only care about their bottom line. The teachers do the best they can considering the circumstance but they're spread out way too thin. Parents are frustrated and seem to have no choice as to what goes on in the school; our only hope is to remain involved for the sake of our kids. Had I known all this before buying this house, I wouldn't have bought my house here. I would have bought a much smaller house in Parkland where the school system is supposedly much better. I think Riverside was GREAT back in the day. My neighbor's children, all my age now, all went to Riverside & they swear by the school. I beg to differ
--Submitted by a parent

I couldn't agree more with the last post. My oldest (in college now) experienced a very different Riverside than the Riverside my youngest now attends. Although there are still great teachers and parental involvement, the Administration has gone steadily downhill. The current administrators make most everything difficult for teachers, parents and, sadly, the kids. There are still a good number of outstanding teachers but you must take the initiative to insure your child is placed with the right one. Be your child's advocate if what you're hearing from an administrator doesn't sound right - it's probably not.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest child is in high school now but we started so many years ago right here at Riverside. Now my youngest is almost done and ready to move on up to middle school. This school is not at all what it used to be. The teachers really are good and the parent involvement is over-the-top. Wonderful parents! Unfortunately, administration has brought this school to it's knees. It's such a shame. I am very happy to be saying goodbye in three more months. I was reading over the reviews and I do have to say that it is very interesting that the week of Dec. 2nd to Dec. 6th, there are five excellent reviews. All the prior reviews are spread out over Aug, Jan., May, April and then Nov. Five in the span of four days? How stupid do you think we are? People don't like to be played for a fool and if this is the kind of thing you have to do to stay in the game, you have bigger problems than you realize. We don't have blinders on, as parents, we see it all very clearly and it isn't pretty.
--Submitted by a parent

My 2 children and my 2 Nieces go to Riverside Elementary. We have all had only the best experience with the most dedicated and amazing teachers. I am an active volunteer in the school so, I see first hand the wonderful way the administration and staff interact with the kids. I am thrilled that my kids go to this school and are getting a quality education in a positive environment. They are learning way above grade level and excelling and feeling confident in all that they accomplish!
--Submitted by a parent

love the school and all it offers, my kids have had a great experince at riverside! super parent involvement
--Submitted by a parent

Riverside is an excellent school. I have 2 chldren that currently attend and a 3rd that will in a few years. Very happy with the teachers my children have had over the years. The staff and administration is wonderful. I have met many great parents who have become friends. The PTO is innovative, current and available. They have so many fresh ideas and are always striving to make the school even better. I volunteer at the school often and see first hand the quality of education my children are recieving. The teachers are always open and honest and make time for any needs you may have. The principle and administration are also very available and recpetive to any needs or concerns. Over all a very happy thriving school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a third time parent of a Riverside student and coulnd't be happier with our choice to move to Coral Springs! The teachers, administration and entire staff are genuinely interested in my child's education as well as utmost safety! I will miss Riverside when we 'move up' to middle school....but the wonderful memories will always remain!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending Riverside for the second consecutive year. Prior to our move to Coral Springs, my son attended two other schools in Broward County for Kindergarten and First Grade. There is no comparison. The staff at Riverside (both teachers and administration) exhibit a dedication to education and a commitment to the school that far exceeds what we experienced in the previous 2 schools. The parent involvement at this school is outstanding and both of my children are thriving here.
--Submitted by a parent