Academic Overview
Our simple but powerful goal, the first
Coalition principle, is to produce students who know how to use their
minds well.
Riverdale High School has a
college-preparatory focus. The yearly schedule includes three terms;
the daily schedule includes five 70-minute periods. Each term provides
.5 credit for each class, with core courses taken for two terms each
year.
Courses are personally and academically challenging, so we do not
separate honors sections from regular courses. However, honors
distinction is available for those students who undertake more and
deeper work. (see Honors Curriculum)
For students who have already mastered certain subject
areas, individual curriculum options may be arranged. We emphasize
depth over breadth within the curriculum. All students exceed the
Oregon state graduation requirements by 4 credits, in completing the following
28 credit graduation requirements:
- English 4 credits
- Social Science 4 credits
- Science 4 credits
- Mathematics 4 credits
- Art 4 credits
- Foreign Language 2 credits
- Electives 2 credits
- PE/Health/Seminar 1/1/2 credits
ENGLISH: required 4 years
Literacy is developed through an emphasis on reading, writing, and
literature analysis.
MATHEMATICS: required 4 years
Students complete a math sequence that integrates algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, probability, statistics, discrete math and calculus.
Emphasis is placed on mathematical thinking within the context of
problem solving.
SCIENCE: required 4 years
Students complete a science sequence that includes physics, chemistry,
ecology and biology, with a Geology course in the senior year.
SOCIAL SCIENCES: required 4 years
Students complete an integrated social science curriculum that
emphasizes 20th century history. U.S. History is included.
ART: required 4 years
Students are provided with a foundation in the critical, intellectual,
and aesthetic skills necessary for the creative process. In addition,
students come to understand the historical and cultural contexts in
which art is created. Art includes visual art, music, dance, technology
and cinema.
SEMINAR: required 4 years
Students explore health, career education, study skills, and community
service. One year of PE is included in this rotation, and the class
provides .25 credit of health for each of four years. In the senior
year, students draft college essays and then develop their Senior
Exhibition, integrating all disciplines in a major presentation
demonstrating mastery of their chosen subject to a panel of experts,
faculty and students.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES: required 2 years
French and Spanish are offered in classes for years 1, 2, 3 and 4 -
with advanced standing possible. Japanese is currently offered for
credit before school, with all levels blended.
ELECTIVES
Elective courses are one, two or three terms, and available to all
students. This year's electives include Band, Choir, Computer Art,
Drama, Advanced Experimental Science, Leadership, Movement, Mock Trial,
Newspaper, and Yearbook.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A wide range of activities is offered as part of a well-rounded high
school experience. Riverdale
currently fields teams in football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, snowboard, tennis, lacrosse, track and golf. Over 50% of the student body
participates in inter-scholastic sports. Over 35% participate in drama,
band and choir. The students also put on a musical production every year. Teams representing Riverdale have won the Oregon State
Championships
in Mock Trial and also in Bridge Building (six years in a row), as well as the International Bridge Building Contest in 2009, and have performed well at the
regional Science Bowl and Academic Decathlon. A key advantage of Riverdale High is that those
who want to participate have the opportunity to do so.
Current standardized test results are here.
