Riverdale High School

I had already registered my daughter at a parochial high school when I got invited to check out Riverdale High School. I thought I should know what I was rejecting so I thought I could at least check it out for myself. It was not what I expected! I was impressed by the quality of the programs, teachers and the facility. I then had my husband tour the campus and then my child. We all liked what we saw. Her first few days were awkward but now she loves it. She has found friends with similiar values and interests and has been positively encouraged by her peers and teachers to do her best to a degree she has not recieved before. I particularly have found the teachers to be excellent. They are there for you if you are interested. There have been IBO graduates in specialty areas and by now I'm sure some have obtained a full IBO degree. The program was initiated in 2006. The quality is there for the taking but your child must have been raised to value education, respect others, and be-self motivated to get the most out of it. I would tell others to check it out for themselves and decide.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had children at Riverdale High School for the last 8 years. It's interesting that while it promotes itself as an IBO school - there have been ZERO IBO graduates while Ehret has had numerous students each year. The school needs a serious overhaul. Teachers have absolutely NO interest in helping students succeed in school or life.
--Submitted by a parent

As a current student of Riverdale, I agree that while it does have its challenges, it is also a great school. The teachers teach to the extent that they can, but it is up to you to ask questions to clarify what you don't understand. The after-school tutoring program can help you if you still don't understand some of the material. When I came to Riverdale my Freshman year, I wanted to hate it. Then, I met some really awesome people and I found that it was impossible to hate a school that cares so much about you and it's also impossible to be in every club.
--Submitted by a student

I attended Riverdale in the early 80's it was a wonderful school. Sadly that is no longer true. While some very good people are still hanging in there- it's not enough. My son is student at RHS. next year he will be in private school. Instead of working towards a better environment, they take a so called zero tolerance policy. Zero tolerance is a lazy persons way of avoiding issues. Bathroom are locked between classes and the 1st & last 15 minutes of class. No exceptions. The school perimeter is now gated as a parent coming in you must be buzzed into the adminstration area. If your teenage is bullied, action is only taken if he/she pushes back, then all are suspended. Which teaches a student that if you want to go to class and stay out of trouble just surrender to bullies. Teacher & Admin seem to fear real troublemakers
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Riverdale High School and I believe that it is an outstanding school. I am a sophomore and have two years left, yet the amount I have learned already and the help and support I get from my teachers has already prepared me enough for college. In fact, I've already received multiple letters from colleges, some who wish to take me for my Junior year. Riverdale has prepared and is preparing me for all challenges I may face in years to come
--Submitted by Dominic Clust, a student

It is a good school if students apply themselves and at this level of education they should be able to do some independent work. This is my son's first year there, I can assure you he is one of those that needs a push. All the teachers are very helpful, to the extent that they can be.
--Submitted by susan, a parent

As a past student at Riverdale High School I can truly say this is the of the best schools you could attend. The challenges poeple say that some of the teacher sometime put them though, in the long run they will only benefit you. The year I spent at Riverdale will be somting I will never forget and hope other student can enjoy it as much or more than I did. -Smiley
--Submitted by a student

As a recent graduate of Riverdale, I can only give thanks to the staff and faculty there. Riverdale is a wonderful. . . family, if you will. Teachers help all students in everyway possible; Not only are they your mentors and guides, they are your instructors. I really do not think that I would have gone half as far in life if it were not for the amazing efforts of those individuals at Riverdale.
--Submitted by Casey Miller, a former student

Riverdale is a wonderful school in that it is highly different from the mainstream. There really is no kind of stereotypical social heirarchy and therefore it's very easy for children to grow and learn at there own pace. It is a school for the independant in the sense that the teachers don't follow typical teaching protocol, they're really more like very good friends who lend a helping hand whenever it's needed.
--Submitted by a student

I am a student at Riverdale High School and I feel that it is a wonderful school. I am currently a sophomore and I love the teachers. Although students are required to do a lot of work on their own, I feel that it prepares us for the 'real world'. -Kourtnee
--Submitted by Kourtnee, a student