OUR MISSION

We are committed to providing a child-centered, academic environment whereby we empower our students to become informed, responsible, productive, life-long learners with solid values and positive self-images. 

OUR BELIEFS

Each member of the Riverhill Community embraces the following for our students:

• Students should develop a positive self-concept and be encouraged in acceptable manners and discipline and strengthening of socialization skills.
• Students should be encouraged to seek answers to questions and to learn new ways of acquiring information.
• Education includes the teaching of computer skills and of the role and benefits of technology in our lives.
• The curriculum which translates Riverhill School's philosophy into reality must e student-centered so that the role of each student is an active one.
• It is important for the school to create an atmosphere that facilitates learning and fosters respect of one's self and the rights of others
• Each child is important and in a constant state of growth and development.

RIVERHILL SCHOOL'S HISTORY

Riverhill School was founded in 1980 by a group of parents whose objective was to provide their children with the very best elementary education available. The school began with fewer than twenty children in kindergarten and first grade. Classes were held at Trinity Episcopal Church for the first two years until a suitable space could be found and made ready. In 1982, Riverhill moved to its present location at the former St. Michael's School in St. Florian. This facility is leased from St. Michael's Church, and the school works closely with the church in sharing some parts of the facility.

Each year Riverhill added another grade and the school grew steadily. By 1985 Kindergarten through sixth grade were offered, completing the elementary school. Eleven years later, in response to the urgings of the parents and students, Riverhill opened its middle school; seventh grade was added in 1996 and eighth grade the following year. These two grades, along with sixth, are housed in a middle school building completed in 1996. The Pre-Kindergarten program was added in 1997. In 2003, the Board of Trustees voted to expand the offerings to include grade nine. Beginning in 2005 the Riverhill program will extend from Pre-Kindergarten through ninth grade.

The school community reflects the great interest that Riverhill parents have in their children's education. They participate in many areas of school life, volunteering their services to the school as well as donating funds to enhance its programs. The Riverhill Annual Giving Program receives the support of more than two-thirds of the Riverhill families, and nearly all participate in one or more of the activities at the school, from helping with field day to volunteering in the school library.

Riverhill School joined the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) in 1997 and received accreditation in 1998. In 2003, Riverhill received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) following the cooperative agreement between the National Council for Private School Accreditation and SACS.

Riverhill has been through many changes in its evolution from two classes held in a borrowed church room to the present elementary and middle school in a multi­-building facility. Through the years, the school has never wavered in its commitment to academic excellence and the encouragement of a life-long love of learning in its students. This commitment is evident in all areas of school life, from the academic classes through the enrichment activities to the many extracurricular opportunities offered to the students.

RIVERHILL SCHOOL'S CREDENTIALS

Alabama Independent School Association (AISA)
Since 1997
www.aisaonline.org

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Since 2003
www.sacs.org

National Council for Private School Accrediation (NCPSA)
Since 2003
www.ncpsa.org

PHILOSOPHY

For twenty-three years, Riverhill School has been committed to providing an educational program that prepares children for high school. As an independent corporation, our staff is dedicated to providing an academically challenging curriculum. Our students’ needs and interests are considered in every decision made.

Our programs and services are matched to the developmental needs of students. Curriculum topics and activities are introduced at the appropriate age. Smooth transitions from one grade to the next are planned each spring as classes “move up” to visit next year’s teachers. Our buddy program enhances the self-esteem of both younger and older students and creates familiarity within the school.

A wide range of co-curricular activities is in place based on student interest and need. Through our student government and other options, older students have an active voice in planning activities. All students are actively encouraged to participate. From Brownies to Scholars Bowl, we are very proud of the numerous opportunities our small school provides. Our parent volunteers enable us to offer a wide variety of activities which increase in number with each grade level.

A positive school climate exists in the school. Teachers, parents, and students are mutually respected. Students build sustained relationships with other students. In grades five through eight, mentor lunch groups, led by staff members, meet twice a month. Caring relationships are built between students and adults. Students at each grade level focus on helping others through our community service programs.

Riverhill has a safe, orderly environment. A new surveillance and alarm system was installed a few years ago. Policy handbooks outline the expected behavior of Riverhill students and staff. Children appreciate being taught procedures which enable them the freedom to be creative and energetic within acceptable boundaries.

Riverhill has a written curriculum for each area of learning that is far more rigorous than any other in our area. It is designed to accomplish the expectation that each student will learn significant content and essential skills to be fully prepared for the next level of schooling. A working copy of the curriculum is in each classroom, continually being revised and updated. Our teachers work closely to ensure an appropriate scope and sequence of content and skills. The Stanford test objectives for each grade level have been correlated with our curriculum. Recently, our curriculum has expanded to include Spanish in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight, Civics and Geography in the seventh grade, and a selection of mathematics courses in grades six through eight.

Teachers have high expectations for all our students. They are eager to learn new strategies for teaching and methods for improving their effectiveness in the classroom. Our board provides funds to further professional training and for educational resources within the school. The teachers use a variety of instructional methods and materials. Hands-on, investigative experiences are created. Technological resources have increased dramatically during the past few years. A system to formally evaluate teachers is in place. Evaluations occur twice a year beginning with a pre-observation conference and ending with a post-observation conference.

Weekly syllabi, class newsletters, conferences, progress reports, report cards, weekly test folders, an outdoor sign, and school-wide newsletters help facilitate the communication of newsworthy items. The development of an interactive web-site a few years ago enhances our communication and has reduced the amount of paper we use. Teachers are now using a computerized grade book and report cards are generated from our school’s data base.

The Stanford Achievement test and the OLSAT School Ability test are given in the spring of each year to students in grades Kindergarten through eight. Our students’ scores reflect a high level of achievement and progress within our school. Each teacher analyzes the class’s test scores. Charts of students’ weak areas and strengths are created. We look for patterns of strengths and weaknesses within our program.

The Riverhill Association of Parents and Staff (RAPS) and our board have raised funds through auctions, festivals, and rummage sales. Funds were used to pay off the debt of the middle school building, update the playground, build a science lab, and purchase a network of computers for the school. In addition, money has been spent on science supplies, physical education equipment, a new roof, and paving the parking lot and driveways. We have tried to eliminate excessive fundraising projects. Our goal has been to turn away from product selling to raising funds through events.

We are faced with several challenges for the upcoming school years. Our local school system has realigned their schools to include ninth grade in their middle school configuration. Riverhill has decided to offer an additional grade for the 2005-2006 school year. Our space on this campus is limited. With healthy enrollment numbers, Riverhill must look for ways to increase the size of our physical space. As a faculty, we have discussed various academic goals including expanding the writing curriculum.

Athletics
Students participate in interscholastic sports through the Florence Independent School League. Riverhill endorses competition in a variety of sports. Teams in basketball, tennis, and soccer are available for both boys and girls. Girls may participate in softball and volleyball. Coaches encourage teamwork and positive relationships among students.

Community Service
Riverhill encourages students in all grades to serve others in the community. Students have created gifts for Meals on Wheels recipients; collected canned goods, stuffed bears, gloves, and mittens; visited nursing homes; gathered and distributed books for those without; worked at the local Special Olympics; and served as volunteers in United Way agencies.

Outdoor Education
The outdoor education program promotes personal growth and develops group cooperation skills in a woodland setting. Through hiking, camping, rappelling, rock climbing, and ropes courses, both faculty and students gain a greater appreciation for the abilities of their teammates. Several days of outdoor activities and interactive decision-making lead to renewal of cooperation back on campus. Students in the 5th grade reap year-long benefits from their experiences.

The Arts
Taking part in drama or music activities helps students develop important skills and encourages self-confidence. Beginning in the early grades, children present puppet shows, poetry readings, skits, musicals, and plays for both student and parent audiences.

Activities Clubs
A changing array of activities is offered to older students. Some students experience the fun of pottery, while others delve into the Science Olympiad competition, practice for math team, engage in board game strategies, or learn a new recipe. Activities vary yearly in response to student and faculty interest.

View our Program Guide