Teaching students to be thoughtful in their education, about each other, and for their community.
Our simple but powerful goal is to produce students who know how to use their minds well. “We ask ourselves how can we encourage students, as they engage in their learning, to embrace challenge and complexity, take initiative, consider other perspectives, speculate and experiment, innovate and be bold? It is important that we help them grow academically, psychologically and emotionally to be better prepared to continue their education in the future.�
Imagine a high school where all students receive an exceptional college-preparatory education that is personalized, learner-centered and academically rigorous. A high school that marries core academic disciplines with art, music and experiential learning at every grade level. Where students are encouraged to exchange ideas, engage in discussion, debate opinions and effectively contribute through oral presentation, individual and group projects, and perhaps even teaching a lesson or a whole class!
“In a sense, Riverdale offers a liberal arts education, which is rare at the high school level, particularly at a time when many schools have to cut back on the arts, physical education and co-curriculars.�
Imagine a high school
that focuses first and foremost on the relationship between teacher and student, and the academic disciplines that bring them together. A high school guided by the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools, where students experience a collaborative, smallschool learning environment imbued with a climate of trust, decency and high expectations.
“I love Riverdale because I get to form relationships with my teachers and they want to work with me to ensure that I succeed in my classes.”
“Every teacher and staff member knows my child’s name. We never worry about him falling through the cracks. In part because of this and the quality of the teaching staff, he is getting a first-class education.”
Imagine a high school from which students
graduate with four more credits than the state requires. That’s eight additional classes in the core subjects of English, math, science, history and (yes!) art, plus at least four foreign language courses and a variety of engaging electives. A high school where students take full course loads each year, even during senior year when they complete an intensive Senior Exhibition many compare to a college thesis.
Imagine a high school that offers an Honors Curriculum within each core class section, challenging those who want it, yet not isolating students from each other. In so doing, the school creates an inclusive social fabric as strong as its academic standing. “Riverdale is both small enough and big enough to offer students many avenues for self-expression.�
Imagine a high school
where the college-going culture begins freshman year – and close to 100 percent of its graduates go on to four-year colleges, including some of the most impressive schools in the country. Yet, more importantly, they are happy with their choices and excel once there.
“I am impressed by the level of preparation [my son] had for college … The level of support and feedback enabled him to study complex ideas with confidence.”
“To be exceptional you have to go outside your comfort zone.�
Imagine a high school in
which students are encouraged to try new things and take risks when it comes to learning, so they can explore their passions.
Imagine a high school
in which the the peer culture is focused on academic and personal achievement. Students treat each other with respect – as colleagues and friends.
“Everyone here is very committed to their future.”
“Over the past two years, I have participated in a wide variety of activities … While I’m not a star in tennis, basketball, theater, cross country, jazz band, mock trial, Model United Nations, or any of the activities I do, I have fully enjoyed all of them. I definitely would not have had the chance to pursue all of these at the other schools I attended.”
Imagine a high school that offers a wide variety of activities in which everyone is encouraged to participate rather than spectate. • Athletics • Theater and music • Academic competitions (mock trial, bridge building, robotics, science bowl, and more) • Numerous clubs • Student-led classes • Annual Field Studies
Imagine a high school
where students help govern the school, participating in school-wide meetings, interviewing teacher candidates and reviewing policy issues. A school that links service – at school, in the community and around the world – to learning, requiring 90 service hours to graduate.
“Riverdale’s emphasis on service helps students maintain a broader awareness. By valuing service, Riverdale helps us explore and consider where we might make the most significant contributions – to an even larger community.”
Imagine a public high school so
attractive that two-thirds of its students come from outside its small district boundaries, many paying tuition to attend. A public high school that most resident students choose to attend over local private school options.
That high school is...
Riverdale High School
Why Riverdale? Riverdale offers the best aspects of independent schooling in a public school setting. In addition to the students from our district, we also welcome students from the surrounding communities through transfer and tuition options. Competing very successfully against the Portland-area private schools, Riverdale offers strong academic programs, a personalized approach and the ability for students to participate in a wide range of activities – both in and out of the classroom. We encourage participation in the arts and athletics, and we nurture a passion for personal interests, a habit of critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of civic virtue. At Riverdale, you’ll discover an exciting, energetic place where you will be challenged intellectually and welcomed for who you are. We invite you to explore the Riverdale difference.
Want to know more? Explore enrollment options and steps: www.riverdaleschool.com/options Discover our guiding principles: www.riverdaleschool.com/CES Find student achievement stats: www.riverdaleschool.com/stats View an academic overview and see a typical course sequence: www.riverdaleschool.com/HSacademics Learn about college planning: www.riverdaleschool.com/counseling See where our graduates are now: www.riverdaleschool.com/college Take a look at the sports we offer: www.riverdaleschool.com/athletics Read our stories: www.riverdaleschool.com/riverdalereview Find digital links for all of these by scanning this QR code:
Does Riverdale sound like the place for you? Finding the right fit when it comes to school is very important. That’s why we recommend you try us on for size. q Schedule a Shadow Day
The best way to discover what it’s like to be a Riverdale student is to spend the day shadowing one! While Shadow Days are not required, they are strongly encouraged. You’ll experience classes and school culture in person, to be sure this is the place for you. Parents will also have the opportunity to sit down with Riverdale parents and talk candidly about the school. Visit www.riverdaleschool.com/ShadowDay to schedule. Shadow Days and tours should be scheduled before the enrollment request deadline. The opportunity for visits closes from that deadline until after notifications are sent and commitments are due.
q Ask questions early
Do sports factor into your decision? You might want to talk to our athletic director. Interested in a club? Find out if we have it, or think about starting one yourself. Will the classes be too challenging? Consider talking to our counselor. Confused about the enrollment process? Ask our enrollment coordinator. Find answers to your questions before the enrollment request deadline so you’re prepared to make your decision when you’re notified.
q Complete an enrollment request form
Non-residents will need to complete an enrollment request form by the deadline listed on our website. After the deadline, we will hold our enrollment lottery and notify you of your acceptance or waiting list status.
q Hoping for an inter-district transfer?
You will need to work directly with your home district and follow the steps in their request process. You’ll want to start doing this right away, as most districts do not advertise their transfer lottery timelines. A transfer from your home district does not guarantee entrance to Riverdale. You must still earn a place in our enrollment lottery.
Questions?
Please contact our enrollment coordinator, Hilary Chandler, at 503-262-4847 or hchandler@riverdale.k12.or.us.
Š Canon Wright
9727 SW Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, OR 97219 503-262-4847
www.riverdaleschool.com