SCHOOL HISTORY
The Riverdale School District continues a tradition of a 110-year commitment to personalized, quality education. When expanding beyond its K-8 roots and creating a high school in 1996, the School Board and community based the school on the nationally proven Coalition of Essential Schools model. The student body has grown to the 200's, on the way to a ceiling of 300 students. About one-third of the students are Riverdale residents, with about two-thirds from other districts, most of whom attend on a tuition basis. Many years, we welcome several students from overseas.
With small classes and excellent teachers who get to know each student well, Riverdale offers what many consider the best of independent schools, but within the context of a public school setting.
LOCATION
Riverdale High School enjoys a completely renovated, state-of-the-art facility, with extensive technology infrastructure and a new gym. Long-term plans call for a Performing Arts Center on site. Riverdale High also has an agreement with Lewis & Clark College to use its athletic facilities (Griswold Stadium) for football and lacrosse.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
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 from regular courses. However, honors distinction is available for those students who undertake more and deeper work. 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, biology and ecology, 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, drama, 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 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 higher levels available. 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. Electives include Advanced Experimental Science, Band, Choir, Computer Art, Drama, Mock Trial, Leadership, Movement, 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 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 spring. Teams representing Riverdale have won the Oregon State Championships in Mock Trial and in also Bridge Building (six years in a row), and have performed well at the regional Science Bowl event. A key advantage of Riverdale High is that those who want to participate have the opportunity to do so.
RESULTS
Riverdale High students consistently test among the best in the greater Portland metro area. Our average SAT and ACT scores rank us among the very top of regional public schools. Here are our recent test scores.
