Riverside Elementary School overlooks the Boise River and
Greenbelt in southeast Boise. With the abundance of wildlife and
vegetation along the Greenbelt and river, Riverside’s teachers take
advantage of our location to utilize these resources as an
environmental teaching tool.
On Riverside’s front yard, visitors can see the Bown House, built in
1879. Riverside School enjoys a unique relationship with the Bown
House which is a living museum dedicated to preserving our heritage for
Idaho’s children. Riverside is the only school in Idaho to have a
site of this nature on its school grounds where fourth grade students
from around the valley are invited to visit during the school
year.
Riverside is home to approximately 600 students in kindergarten through
sixth grade. Riverside School also houses many special programs
for school-aged children. Our school community provides students
with educational opportunities to excel in academics, extra curricular
activities, and community service. Beyond the classroom, students
have an opportunity to participate in before school Spanish classes for
kindergarten – 6th, a lunch time Chess Club for students in 4th – 6th
grades, an after school “Young Rembrandt’s” art program that
facilitates all children, 6th grade band, 5th – 6th grade orchestra, as
well as basketball and track for 5th - 6th grade students.
In addition to the educational opportunities, students at Riverside
participate in numerous community projects. For several years,
students have contributed to the local food bank, Boise’s Ronald
McDonald House, and the Women’s Crisis Center. Our students have
been involved in charitable efforts to raise funds for the Anne Frank
Memorial and more recently for hurricane victims in Louisiana. In
2004, Channel 7 Television selected Riverside’s students as “7’s
Heroes” for raising funds to purchase books and school supplies for a
school in Haiti.
Volunteers are an integral part of Riverside School, and it’s not
uncommon to see groups of children working with a parent in and outside
of the classroom. Parents also assist teachers with compiling
educational materials, copying, and preparing for learning
activities. Additionally, Riverside has an active Art Moms and
Dads Program that presents lessons which coincide with the Boise School
District art curriculum. The Riverside Staff appreciates the
amount of time and assistance that our parents dedicate to our school,
and recognize the significant difference that volunteers contribute to
the education of Riverside’s students.
Riverside owes its success to students, staff, parents, and community
support. The commitment to excellence in education is
clear. The focus of the educational experience at Riverside
School extends beyond academics to include fine arts, sports, and
community service. The school promotes the development of
individual self-esteem and consideration of others. The Mission
Statement, Vision Statement, and Values Statement of the school define
the character of Riverside School and our learning community.
Riverside Mission Statement
“Caring to Learn…Learning to Care”