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GreatSchools Rating

Riverdale Elementary School

Public | K-8 | 1155 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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Parent involvement

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65 reviews of this school


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Posted May 16, 2012

We moved from New Orleans without knowing a soul up here. Of course we wanted the best for our child, naturally we said "private school". But, then we saw the tuition...I could send my child to LSU for less. So, we looked around at our public school options. Riverdale was absolutely the way to go. K-8th makes an unbelievable difference. I believe it keeps out some of that JrHigh attitude I have witnessed at other facilities we had toured. The teachers Really love what they do! My daughter has never been happier, which is a miracle in it self for a child who "hates" school. My only concern is the new redistricting they are about to do. I hope we don't get zoned out :-(
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 17, 2012

We moved from San Diego in October and this school has been the best !! The teachers are very good and there is a lot of parent involvement. School has a lot of positive reinforcement techniques and the kids are doing better than ever, they love it :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2011

What a great school! We did months of research and communicating with several schools in Germantown before moving here. Riverdale stood out above the rest! We have been so happy! What a great school and staff. Without a doubt the best in the State and being K-8 it is the best!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 13, 2011

Five years ago, I reviewed Riverdale as a mom of an elementary student. But now, I can review the school as a mom to an elementary and middle school student. The middle school grade levels are as impressive as the elementary. My greatest concern five years ago was a lack of extracurricular activities but that has definitely improved over the years with the addition of new sports teams and after school clubs. It is a very friendly, welcoming, neighborhood school with involved parents and a wonderfully experienced yet innovative administration. A powerhouse combination that is so rare in public education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 27, 2010

Excellent schools with the best Principal ever. I cannot say enough good things about Riverdale.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2009

When I came to America, I could give my children (10 and 14 years old, then) to get the flexible and quite excellet education in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2009

Awesome principal, staff, and teachers. Parents are allowed and expected to be involved. Great kids!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2009

Riverdale has great parent involvement in every aspect of the school. The teachers work hard to educate the kids on all aspects
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

It is better than any private school and there are phenomenal teachers, programs, PTSA and extracurricular activities that make this one of the leading schools in the state of Tennessee and probably in the nation.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 28, 2009

We switched from a private school to Riverdale--and we are so very happy. Great teachers, parental involvement and a safe atmosphere! LOVE IT!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 26, 2009

The teachers work hard to educate the kids on developing character as well as academics.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

With a truly exceptional faculty, and very involved family support structure, our children are offered the best opportunity to grow physically, mentally and emotionally!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 16, 2009

The entire staff! They are the best! The many volunteers support the school with their time and talents! A K-8 school is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 16, 2009

Riverdale is a wonderful school! We are blessed with the best teachers, administrators and staff and so many parent volunteers! It is neat to be a part of the Riverdale family! My kids love attending school at Riverdale and are getting a top-notch educational experience!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2009

'K-8'..It's a no brainer-you don't need a PHD to know this is best for children,families & community!! Wake-UP ..BEST SCHOOL
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2009

Great teachers who love the students. They want them to succeed and will work with the parents to give their best effort.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 8, 2009

My son has been a student at Riverdale School since kindergarten. Presently, he is in the sixth grade and I can proudly say that I would not trade our experience at Riverdale for any other school in Memphis. The principal, teachers and staff are all eager to offer support and encouragement to the students and parents. It is hard to imagine, but he will be leaving Riverdale in two years. It does make it easier knowing that he will be well prepared academically to meet the demands of high school. We truly love Riverdale !!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2009

Great principal, great teachers, great students
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2009

Riverdale is the only school in Shelby County that goes thru 8th grade. It has had the same principal for over 25 yrs and he's such a wonderful person. Likewise the teachers are excellent and this filters all the way down to the office personnel and the cleaning and cafeteria staff. It's such a relief to send my son off to school every day knowing he's receiving a top quality education and is safe. Many thanks to everyone at Riverdale!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 6, 2009

Very disappointed in Riverdale. Unfriendly and uncaring is the general mood which is odd since the principal seems like a nice man. Really sad that transfers are almost impossible in the county system.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
60%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 46% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
67%
Science

The state average for Science was 67% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
86%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
36%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
62%
Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
61%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 54% in 2012.

156 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
38%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 57% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
59%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

156 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
78%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

147 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
56%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 56% in 2012.

147 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

147 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 45% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
52%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 46% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
67%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
68%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 37% in 2012.

117 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
46%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 47% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
69%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
81%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students70%
African American46%
Hispanicn/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Students with disabilities58%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students75%
African American62%
Hispanicn/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilities67%

Science

All Students91%
African American81%
Hispanicn/a
White95%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilities75%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students62%
African American44%
Hispanicn/a
White69%
Economically disadvantaged39%
Students with disabilities29%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students69%
African American53%
Hispanicn/a
White78%
Economically disadvantaged39%
Students with disabilities29%

Science

All Students76%
African American59%
Hispanicn/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Students with disabilities43%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students58%
African American25%
Hispanicn/a
White61%
Economically disadvantaged27%
Students with disabilities24%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students74%
African American42%
Hispanicn/a
White79%
Economically disadvantaged46%
Students with disabilities29%

Science

All Students78%
African American50%
Hispanicn/a
White86%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilities38%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students50%
African American39%
Hispanicn/a
White52%
Economically disadvantaged24%
Students with disabilities24%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students75%
African American57%
Hispanicn/a
White78%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Students with disabilities41%

Science

All Students76%
African American43%
Hispanicn/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Students with disabilities53%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students59%
African American25%
Hispanicn/a
White68%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilities31%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students63%
African American32%
Hispanicn/a
White73%
Economically disadvantaged39%
Students with disabilities25%

Science

All Students64%
African American36%
Hispanicn/a
White76%
Economically disadvantaged39%
Students with disabilities25%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students56%
African American36%
Hispanicn/a
White61%
Economically disadvantaged21%
Students with disabilities25%

Reading/Language Arts

All Students80%
African American50%
Hispanicn/a
White87%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilities47%

Science

All Students82%
African American61%
Hispanicn/a
White90%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Students with disabilities50%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 50% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 100% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 96% in 2012.

36 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%
English I

The state average for English I was 99% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students100%
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a

English I

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 69% 68%
Black 19% 25%
Asian/Pacific Islander 9% 2%
Hispanic 3% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 12%N/A50%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Numerous grants

Special education / special needs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Hearing impairments
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Yes
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8 am
School end time
  • 3 pm
School Leader's name
  • David Carlisle
Fax number
  • (901) 759-4520

Programs

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • Yes
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Hearing impairments
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Parent involvement
  • We have so many volunteers for our many and varied school activities. parents tutor, work in the clinic, computer lab, classrooms, etc. this past year, our parent run school auction raised $30,000 for the school. we love our active parents!!
More from this school
  • Visit our website at http://riverdalees.scsk12.org for more school information. Visit our PTSA website at http://www.riverdaleptsa.com
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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What are your chances?

Students typically come from these schools
Kindergarten students come from area preschools.
Other grade level transfers come from other area K-8 schools or from out of the area or even out of state.

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Germantown HS
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

7391 Neshoba Rd
Germantown, TN 38138
Website: Click here
Phone: (901) 756-2300

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