Dear Families and Friends of the Riverstone International School Community,
Riverstone is a vibrant school community composed of its students and their families, alumni, teachers, staff, coaches, and all those dedicated to our school’s mission. We are deeply appreciative of the collective commitment and individual strengths that each member contributes to the support of our students’ growth and the education that they receive.
The Riverstone school community thrives due to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, the active engagement of the Parent Association, and the daily dedication exhibited by our coaches and activity leaders. From cheering at athletics events, or asking critical questions at exhibitions and art shows, our community creates a school environment where our students are known, supported, and challenged in their learning. Our community’s commitment to making Riverstone a great school is highlighted by the variety of our school events and traditions. These include the Fall Carnival, the International Holiday Market, Around the World Day, the Boarding House Pinning Ceremony, our middle and high school dances, Merci Lunches, the Variety Show, Graduation, the Auction Gala, and our Annual Fund.
Within this Annual Report, we invite you to explore the many ways in which Riverstone International School, supported by the generosity of our community’s philanthropy, excels in providing an outstanding education. We are deeply grateful for your active engagement in our community, as your investment in Riverstone ensures the continuation of our tradition of excellence in personalized education. Your dedication strengthens our community and will sustain the Riverstone experience for all current and future Riverstone students.
Warm regards,
John Gasparini Head of School Riverstone International School
It has been my honor to be Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Riverstone International School for the 2023-2024 school year. This year has been an exciting one with lots of changes and growth.
As a Board, we were excited to welcome John Gasparini and his family, Elizabeth, Coco, and Elias, to Boise and to our campus to serve as our Head of School. We, as a Board, spent much of last year thinking about what we wanted in a Head of School, and John met and exceeded all of those requirements. He very much embodied our Five Pillars - Academic Excellence, Outdoor Education, Leadership by Example. International Understanding and Community Service. His vast experience overseas and in other International Baccalaureate schools allows Riverstone the opportunity to bring some of these best practices to Boise which benefits our school, our community, our teachers, and of course our students. I believe the community has already seen the benefit of this expertise whether it is enhancing academic processes in the Middle and High School or plans to grow the pre-school and pre-K playgrounds. His influence can already be strongly felt across the campus.
As we look forward to next year, the Board has some large goals ahead of us. We will be embarking on our Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 and will be looking to our entire community (teachers, students, and parents) to participate in that process. This process will include helping to set the vision and expectations for the school over the next five-year period. We are also evaluating smaller facility enhancements including upgrading the biology labs, a cafeteria, the outdoor classroom, and the aforementioned preschool and pre-K playground. We will also be looking at an overall master plan for the facilities to align with the school’s strategic plan. It will be a very busy year and we hope that all of you will participate.
It really has been a privilege to work with the amazing group of people at Riverstone. I want to thank everyone who has volunteered their time over the last year whether on the Board, through the PA or just picking up a piece of trash in the parking lot. Thank you all so much for everything that you do to make this school incredible, and I look forward to continuing the journey with all of you in the years to come.
Molly Otter Chairman Riverstone International School
Total Students:
New enrolled (2023-24): 86
Instagram: 1.7K Followers Applications received (2023-24):
Total Posts:
Youtube: 502 Subscribers, 1.4K views this year 99 Employees
Facebook: 1.1K Likes, 1.2K Followers
Our student and staff representation spans over 40 countries.
We are truly global citizens.
Afghanistan
Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
Congo
Costa Rica
Cuba
Czech R.
Ethiopia
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guatemala
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Moldova
Netherlands
Norway
Philippines
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Scotland
Singapore
South
South
Spain
Sri
Taiwan
Ukraine
England
Vietnam
Venezuela
Wales
Thank you to all the Riverstone International School Volunteers!
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who generously dedicated their time and effort to Riverstone International School throughout the year.
Your unwavering support has enriched our community and contributed immensely to our shared vision of fostering excellence in education.
Faculty and Staff
Our gratitude goes out to the exceptional faculty and staff at Riverstone International School for their dedication to nurturing and empowering our students. Your commitment to excellence is instrumental in shaping the incredible Riverstone Community we value.
Students
Thank you to all the students who have contributed to organizing and executing Riverstone’s events throughout the year!
Parents Association
The Parents’ Associations aims to create this sense of belonging by embracing new families into the fold, hosting fundraisers, organizing community events, interweaving international culture within all we do, supporting our teachers and faculty, and reaching out to the Boise community as a whole. They have organized many Riverstone events, including Around the World Day, Holi Festival, International Holiday Market, Fall Festival, Book Fairs, Merci Lunches, and many more.
Our Mission
Riverstone International School inspires courageous journeys of academic and personal exploration that enable our students to lead purposeful lives.
The Five Pillars provide the basis for everything we do. Using these pillars as guides, we create pathways for our students to explore academically and personally. These explorations help students develop a greater understanding of who they are and the mindset to find purpose in their lives
Academic Excellence
Every student arrives with knowledge, strengths, and needs, and will be challenged and supported accordingly. By creating a shared expectation between students and the school to strive for personal growth and academic excellence, we help students become independent thinkers whose curiosity, creativity, and commitment bring life-long success.
Community and Service
We are a diverse community that challenges and supports one another while learning, sharing, exploring, and serving together. Our passions, interests, and cultures combine to create a connected community that supports the mission of the school, and our local and global communities.
Leadership by Example
We value leadership. Students develop into leaders by influencing those around them through the examples
Elementary School
A Year To Celebrate
Leadership By Example
• Enhancement of our Elementary Student Council Program in grades 3-5
• New Elementary Curriculum Leads appointed in Math, Literacy, and Science - ROI is focused curriculum alignment from Preschool through Middle School
• “Around the World Day” country displays for each elementary classroom
• Lunar New Year events and celebrations to complement Mandarin language learning and promote cultural connectivity
• Integration of language, literature, music and art from around the world into Units of Inquiry
Community and Service
• Increased After School Activity offerings, including Lego Bus, Skyhawks Academy, Little Tennis, iCode, and more
• Appointment of an Auxiliary Programming Coordinator with oversight of Camps, After School Activities, and Before and After Care STEAM-based Otter Camps over Spring and Summer breaks
• Increased experiential learning opportunities with a focus on Unit of Inquiry related field trips
• Expansion of the Elementary School Library
• Alignment of the literacy approach throughout the elementary school
Outdoor Education
• Outdoor Education Professional Development with entire ES faculty & staff
• Outdoor Education curriculum for Preschool - included several nature walks to Barber Park, Foothills Learning Center, and Shakespeare Park
Middle School
A Year To Celebrate
Leadership
By Example
• Creation of the Middle School Student Council with a focus on community initiatives, social events, and celebrations.
• Student planned and run Middle School dances
• Student-designed and run Adventure Race for the Middle and High School
• Grade 8 Boarders as a part the international Middle School community
• International and domestic travel opportunities to Costa Rica and Washington D.C.
Community and Service
Increased community connections for Wednesday programming:
• Zoo Boise
• Local jazz musicians (Jazz improvisation)
• Anne Frank and Wasmuth center
• Idaho Kombucha
• Boise Parks & Recreation - Alta Harris Park
• New Middle School Schedule with more math and language classes
• Expanded elective options for all MS students
• Faculty and Students developed growth goals
• Regular academic expositions to better share student work
• Middle and High School syllabi for every class, normed grading practices, late policies by subject
• National History Day: 4 students advanced to State, 2 to Nationals
Academic Excellence
High School
A Year To Celebrate
Leadership
By Example
• Offered Student Council as a full elective course for the first time creating the largest class in the High School.
• Implemented Senior Speeches during High School Assemblies to share advice, stories, and gratitude to the High School community.
• The HS Student Council held bi-monthly international dinners for our dorm students
Community and Service
International Understanding
• Enhanced the Advisory Program that focuses on community service, “work or play,” and college planning.
• Increased the number of student-initiated clubs to 18, with four competing regionally and/or attending national conferences.
• Significantly increased course choice for all High School students
• Quarterly Academic Tracking and Success Plans were created for every student in grades 11 and 12.
• Newly appointed Middle and High School Department Chairs developed syllabi for every class, normed grading practices, late policies by subject
Riverstone International School Riverstone International School
The sports that we offer
students in MS/HS turning out for athletics
RIS High School
Swim, Volleyball, Womens’ Basketball, Mens’ Basketball, and Mixed Ultimate Frisbee
RIS Middle School
Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball, Track & Field, and Idaho Rugby
RIS ES (on campus)
Rugby, Flag Football, Y Basketball
Varsity Sports (Outside of Riverstone)
Wrestling, lacrosse, soccer, road biking, dance, gymnastics, track and field, taekwondo, fencing, cross-country running, and tennis
High School Scholar Athletes
44 of our 54 athletes had GPAs of 3.5 or better
33 of our 54 athletes had GPAs of 3.75 or better
Total average of 3.71
90% Varsity Volleyball
girls carried GPAs of 3.8 and above
Riverstone Athletics
50% of High School students turned out for varsity and junior varsity sports
High School Swimming: 6
High School Volleyball: 12
High School Girls Basketball: 10
High School Boys Basketball: 25
High School Mixed Ultimate Frisbee: 13
Middle School Cross Country: 11
93% of Middle School students turned out for Middle School sports with Riverstone Teams
Middle School Volleyball: 15
Middle School Girls Basketball: 14
Middle School Boys Basketball: 10
Middle School Track & Field: 16
Wellness
• Designated counseling center to support student social and emotional wellbeing
• Restorative Practice training provided to key school personnel to promote community and respectful classrooms
• New documentation system (CPOMS) implemented for improved student wellness tracking
• Improved visibility and outreach resulting in increased number of student and parents seeking support through the counseling department
• Increased number of classroom wellness lessons for Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 5, and Middle School
Camps & International Travel
Objective: To provide a diverse range of engaging and educational after-school activities that support the holistic development of Riverstone’s elementary students. These activities aim to foster creativity, enhance social skills, and promote physical well-being, while creating a safe and inclusive environment where students can explore their interests, build confidence, and develop a love for learning beyond the regular school day.
International Travel Destinations
Middle School
Washington DC
Colorado
San Francisco
High School
Italy
Costa Rica
Taiwan
East Coast College Trip
Five Grade 10-11 students chose to independently study abroad in Israel, the Philippines, and Spain
Favorite residential student activities:
Dinner at The Warehouse Food Hall, floating on the Boise River, visiting the Green Acres Food Truck Park, and walking and biking on The Greenbelt.
Popular Trips:
Ice Skating at the Grove, Greystone Hot Springs, White Water Rafting on the Payette River, Top Golf, and Idaho Steelheads games.
Riverstone House
Located just 7 miles from the school, our downtown Boise dorm offers convenient access to the city’s vibrant core. It’s within walking distance of Boise’s award-winning Greenbelt and the scenic Boise River.
The strong sense of community is reflected in frequent dinners with local families and participation in numerous local festivals and celebrations.
22 boarding students
4 adult residential team members
10 countries represented in the 2023-24 school year
716 boba drinks consumed by boarding students
Riverstone House will feature a completely renovated second floor for 2024-25!
Outdoor Education at Riverstone International School plays an integral part in helping create the whole student. Our program leads to self-discovery and character-building through challenging outdoor experiences. Trips are conducted throughout the year and vary by grade level.
Outdoor Education at Riverstone Outdoor Education Program Mission:
“As an extension of the classroom, Riverstone’s Outdoor Education Program aims to facilitate personal growth, outdoor skills, and environmental responsibility through meaningful outdoor experiences.”
All learning outcomes, as a product of spending time in the outdoors with Riverstone, are an important part of being a student. Each learning outcome will, not only, contribute to students’ growth in the outdoors, but also can be transferred to each day spent at Riverstone and beyond. These transferable outcomes contribute to the development of Riverstone Students as they are led by Riverstone’s Guiding Principles as well.
Outdoor Skills
Outdoor Education Learning Outcomes
Having competent and reliable outdoor skills is essential to running any expedition in the outdoors. From backcountry cooking to map reading and from downhill skiing to rock climbing, these skills will be essential to the development of an outdoor enthusiast. Other skills learned in outdoor education contribute to students making healthy lifestyle choices. Students need to be in good physical condition and nutrition their bodies in order to exert themselves on outdoor trips.
Leadership Development
Leadership is an important aspect of outdoor education. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills such as judgement and decision making, risk management, communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own leadership style through observations of trip leaders over the years. Learning the variety of leadership styles will assist in creating great leaders.
Environmental Stewardship
Riverstone follows the 7 principles of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. By following these guidelines, we ensure our students leave the areas in which we hike, bike, ski, and climb, are all left in a way in which others can enjoy. Teaching environmental stewardship instills a sense of place in students, allowing them to cherish our wild places and care for them and their future.
Community Building
We strategically put the whole school out on outdoor trips the first few weeks of school. This creates an
Community Service
Orange bag recycling program continued
Elementary School Student Council was restarted
Elementary School Green Team was started
80 Ponderosa Pines, sage brush and numerous trees were planted throughout the school year.
Plants and bare-root trees were donated by the Treasure Valley Pollinator Project and planted across campus.
Finacial Overview
$8,703,851 FINANCIAL AID PAGE
Inspiration: Lycee SF - https://anyflip.com/pjxf/ndtf/ pages 20-21
For the 2023-24 school year, the total aid to families exceeded $1,100,000
Riverstone values an inclusive community and allocated $1.1M in financial aid to our families.
Scholarships offered at RIS 23-24: Malone Family Foundation (11) , Alexandra Frizzell Memorial Scholarship (1) , Boarding Merit Scholarship (XXX)
(indicates # or recipients)
The percentage of RIS students who received financial support in the 2023-24 school year: 28%
The Amount Donated in 2023/2024: $384,685
Program Enrichment
We are committed to continuously enhancing our programming and curriculum by integrating the latest resources and tools. Your generous donations will support us in achieving this goal.
Campus Renewal
Donations support Riverstone’s operating costs. Our tuition only covers a portion of the cost to educate a student. Your contributions will directly benefit students, faculty, staff, programs and operations
Operating Budget
The Riverstone campus has undergone remarkable growth since its humble beginnings. As we continue to progress, we are dedicated to identifying areas for improvement in each building throughout the school.
A Culture of Philanthropy: Every Gift Matters
This year our community came together to attend
Riverstone’s Fall Halloween Auction Gala
The creativity and enthusiasm that every person brought to their costumes transformed the evening into a spectacular celebration filled with laughter, joy, dancing, and a remarkable display of generosity.
Your generosity raised $220,000 with $64,400 for this year’s Fund A Need. With this money the High School Biology labs were refurbished and an Outdoor Classroom space was built.
This community and your unwavering commitment to Riverstone enables us to provide an exceptional educational experience.
A special thank you goes out to this year’s auction chairs, Kathy Rowan and Molly Otter. Your tireless efforts were instrumental in making this year’s gala a success. A special shoutout to Alisha and Renae Hill for their outstanding work in curating and framing the extraordinary art pieces provided by our students and art teachers and to our entire auction committee, your selfless commitment to supporting the auction this fall is what makes these events possible.
Finally, we must thank our art teachers for their tireless dedication in creating unique art pieces and our faculty and staff for generously donating special teacher experiences for our silent auction, which significantly boosted the funds raised for Riverstone students.
