Riverside's Strategic Plan

The foundation for the 2007 RPDS Strategic Plan began in Spring 2004 with the creation of a strategic planning committee. The committee’s initial charge was to examine and articulate the essence and mission of RPDS, to measure its accomplishments over the past 55 years, and to chart a course for the next five years and beyond.

Various focus groups comprised of Faculty, Administration, Board Members, Volunteer Leaders, Parents and Grandparents met to discuss the qualities of RPDS that were important to them.

The focus group discussions addressed five key categories:

A Strategic Vision Statement emerged from these focus group discussions and was approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2004. It offers the Administration, Faculty and Board of Trustees a context of fundamental ideals from which to assess the performance of the school and to help guide the decision-making process. Following the development of the Strategic Vision Statement, the Board of Trustees developed a list of four (4) strategic goals to be achieved over the next five (5) years. The Strategic Goals are: (i) Endowment; (ii) School Size/Enrollment; (iii) Campus Planning and (iv) Church and School Relations.

View 5 Year Strategic Plan »»

Riverside's Strategic Vision Statement

A Sound Academic Program at Riverside Presbyterian Day School should include:

Developmental Learning

  • Time to develop in all areas: academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
  • A developmental program in PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten.
  • A faculty with the ability to adapt instruction to varied learning styles.

Professional Instruction

  • A balanced & challenging academic program that promotes experiential and life long learning.
  • Instruction based on sound educational principles.
  • A cohesive and spiraling curriculum with a plan to monitor transition of subject matter from grade level to grade level.
  • Superior academic instruction including the arts, fitness, technology, Bible, and foreign language.
  • Writing skills emphasized in all grades.
  • Integrating technology.
  • Academic Resource Specialists for all grade levels.
  • Instruction in study skills and organizational skills

Assessment

  • A curriculum measured at a national level.

A Dynamic Academic Program at Riverside Presbyterian Day School is best described as:

  • Materials and curriculum reviewed on a rotating basis.
  • Multi-disciplinary learning experienced in all grade levels.
  • The use of varied learning styles incorporated so that all students are actively engaged in learning.
  • A faculty that is afforded the flexibility to adapt curriculum and methods to meet student needs
  • Individual plans made for professional development.
  • A partnership between administration, faculty, and parents.
  • An environment of Christian principles.
  • Continuing coordination with middle schools.
  • An administrative and faculty review of programs in and outside our local market.

The Core Values and Traditions that must be retained at Riverside Presbyterian Day School are:

  • A partnership with parents in educating their children.
  • An open and accepting environment embracing economic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of the student body and faculty.
  • A Christian based school that continually affirms the teachings of the Christian faith and embraces honesty, respect, and integrity between students, faculty, administration, and parents.
  • A constant effort to be the best value within our market; including need based tuition assistance.
  • Open communication and accountability with parents and the board.
  • An environment that fosters interpersonal relationships.
  • A respect for children’s unique strengths.
  • A recognition of the contributions and accomplishments of our employees and volunteers.
  • A balance of nurture and strong academics in all grade levels.
  • The value of community and school service.
  • RPDS is managed as a mission of Riverside Presbyterian Church.

The key components of a Vibrant Campus and Classroom Environment at Riverside Presbyterian Day School are:

  • An emotionally secure atmosphere which enables students to feel valued while learning.
  • Visual celebrations of childhood that reflect creativity throughout the campus and community.
  • Well maintained and appealing facilities.
  • Involvement by parents in all areas of school life.
  • A professional, positive, and welcoming faculty and staff.
  • Clear behavior expectations that have consequences.
  • An extended day program that provides a variety of age appropriate activities for children in a nurturing setting.
  • The staff's commitment and devotion to the school's mission.
  • Family oriented events and activities held on campus at regular intervals.

The key components of a Secure and Safe Campus are:

  • Playground equipment that is safe and age appropriate.
  • A buddy system in place when students move throughout campus.
  • A visitor access program that is in place and followed.
  • Security cameras monitoring the perimeter of the facilities.
  • Student drop-off and pick-up conducted throughout campus in a safe and secure manner.
  • An emergency procedures plan that is current and within easy access to every staff and faculty member.
  • Students sheltered and protected while on campus.
  • Flashing lights and school crossing signs on major streets surrounding the campus.
  • Student patrols visible during arrival and dismissal.
  • Night lighting on buildings.

View Riverside's 5 Year Strategic Plan »»