History and Tradition

 

Riverhill School was founded in 1980 by a group of parents whose objective was to provide their children 12513955_1683350588543797_8274683133250636295_owith the very best elementary education possible. The school began with fewer than twenty children in kindergarten and first grade. Classes were held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence for the first two years until a suitable space could be found and made ready to house the school. In 1982, Riverhill moved to its present location at the former St. Michael’s School in St. Florian. The facility is leased from St. Michael’s Church and some areas are still shared with the church. Each year Riverhill added a grade level and the school grew steadily. By 1985, grades kindergarten through six were offered, completing the elementary school. In 1996, Riverhill built the Lester Building which currently houses grades five and six as well as Spanish, Art, and Music. The pre-kindergarten program was added in 1997 and presently includes Pre K2, Pre K3, and Pre K4.

The school community reflects the great interest Riverhill parents have in their children’s education. Parents participate in numerous areas of school life, volunteer their services to the school, and donate funds to enhance the school’s programs. The Riverhill Annual Giving Program receives the support of more than two-thirds of the Riverhill families, and nearly one hundred percent of the families participate in one or more of the activities at the school by helping with Field Day, volunteering in the school library, or simply stopping by to share lunch.

Riverhill School joined the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) in 1997 and received 11043448_10153199049723824_6151332378567383393_oaccreditation 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. After completing the review process, the school received reaffirmation of accreditation in the spring of 2010.

Riverhill has been through many changes in its evolution from two classes held in a borrowed church room to the present pre-school and elementary 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. This commitment is evident in all areas of school life:  academic classes, enrichment activities, and extracurricular opportunities.