Welcome
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Our simple but powerful goal is to produce students who know how to use their minds well.
We ask ourselves: How can we encourage students, as they engage in their learning, to embrace challenge and complexity, take initiative, consider other perspectives, speculate and experiment, innovate and be bold? It is important that we help them grow academically, psychologically and emotionally to be better prepared to continue their education in the future.
Located in the Portland metropolitan area, Riverdale offers a unique PreK-12 educational environment that rivals local private schools. Consider it the best aspects of independent schooling in a small, intimate public school setting. In addition to the students from our district, we also welcome students from the surrounding communities through transfer and tuition options.
Learn about us

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Opportunities for enrollment
Students moving into our Portland, Oregon district are welcome to join Riverdale Grade School or Riverdale High School at any point in the school year. Non-resident students seeking the sought-after Riverdale education can take part in our annual enrollment lottery. Requests are accepted September through mid-February for the following school year – similar to Portland area private schools. During that time, we offer several ways to visit our two schools so you can determine if Riverdale is the right fit for you.

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An 'essential' academic program
While aligned with the Common Core Curriculum, what sets Riverdale's PreK-12 academic program apart is our integration of the 10 Common Principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools. We focus on helping students learn to use their minds well, emphasize depth over breadth to instill mastery of subject matter, personalize our teaching for our students and stress high expectations while fostering an ‘unanxious’ environment in which students feel empowered to learn.
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An eye toward college
The college-going culture at Riverdale High School begins freshman year. And upon graduation, our seniors possess the skills, motivation and self-awareness needed to succeed in college and in life. Riverdale graduates continue their academic careers at some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities.

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The arts are at the heart of our school
Riverdale continues to demonstrate its commitment to both visual and performing arts by making art a core academic subject area. Students at Riverdale Grade School and Riverdale High School experience an extensive visual arts curriculum and a strong program for musical expression, along with drama program offerings.
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Campus life for students and parents
Riverdale is an exciting, energetic place where our PreK-12 students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities – both in and out of the classroom. We nurture a passion for personal interests, a habit of critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of civic virtue. From extensive field studies, service learning requirements and student leadership to engaging clubs and academic teams, our students are challenged intellectually and welcomed for who they are. And parents play a big part, too.

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Athletics at Riverdale
Our interscholastic athletics program is an integral part of our students’ experience, reinforcing what they learn in the classroom. Our athletes develop leadership skills, respect for others and tenacity as they work together to achieve a common goal. On average, more than 80 percent of Riverdale’s 5th-12th grade students participate in some form of organized athletics. Go Mavericks! Go Falcons!
Upcoming Events
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Today
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM RHS Winter Concert
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Saturday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM PTC Auction
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February 28, 2019
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7:00 PM - 9:30 PM GS 5th-8th Winter Band Concert
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March 1, 2019
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March 4, 2019
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4:30 PM School Board Work Study
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March 7, 2019
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March 8, 2019
News
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Scholastic writing award winners
We’re so proud of the nine Riverdale middle school students who have received awards or honorable mentions for their writing in the 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
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Girls’ basketball achievements
For the first time, the Riverdale girls’ basketball team is the 3A Lewis & Clark League Champions! Plus, the team has received the Les Schwab Team of the Month award and was nominated for the OSAA Sportsmanship Award.
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2019 school year calendar
Download the year-at-a-glance version and see all the key dates and breaks for 2019-20.
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Division 22 compliance notice
Each year, school districts are required to report to our communities regarding the status of our compliance with the Standards for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools as set out in OAR Chapter 581, Division 22.
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2019 Auction Paddle Raise
Please raise a paddle on Feb. 23 for our students. See what each school is seeking. You can even donate now.
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Riverdale students tackle PSU Honors College coursework
This three-trimester PSU Honors College course not only provides a total of 15 college credits, its content more closely aligns to Riverdale’s desire to focus on diversity, awareness and fostering a greater sense of empathy for differences.
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Brain breaks make a big difference
Have you ever wondered what is happening in your child’s brain when, for example, they have a temper tantrum or get stuck on a negative emotion? Well, they do, too. That’s why our young students are exploring their brains and learning to build more adaptive ways of handling big emotions.
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Tech education program expands at high school
Thanks to the efforts of technology teacher Adam McLain and new funding from Oregon’s Measure 98, Riverdale High School’s technology department is adding more options for students interested in technology careers.
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New PTC grant secured for teacher site visits
Thanks to a generous new grant from the Parent Teacher Club, grade school teachers will have the opportunity to spend a day observing a teacher at another school — or even within Riverdale — for inspiration and to learn new tools.
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Strategic Planning: Setting the course for Riverdale’s future
Four overarching themes emerged during preliminary strategic planning work to shape what Riverdale’s future will look like — innovative educational model, curriculum and instruction, climate and culture, and district stability.