Admission Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome your individual questions and look forward to serving you. Our commitment to each child and family is reflected in our personalized approach during the admission process.
What are Riverside's school hours?
Pre-K3 and Pre-K4: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 Lunch Bunch: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm (Lunch Bunch is a service to Riverside families at no additional cost.)
Kindergarten: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm (beginning in Fall 2010)
Grades 1-6: 8:00 am to 2:50 pm
Early morning supervision is available from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. After school programs are available until 6:00 pm for students registered through the Director of Extended Day.
Do Riverside students attend a chapel service?
Yes. On Thursday mornings, the Riverside family gathers in the sanctuary of Riverside Presbyterian Church to celebrate God’s love in music, verse and lesson. This blend of faith within our academic community provides each student and family an exceptional and loving environment in which to grow and learn.
Do Riverside students wear uniforms?
No. Riverside has developed a specific dress code with the belief that students perform best when dressed neatly and conservatively. The prescribed dress code applies to students in grades 1-6. Pre-K3, Pre-K4 and Kindergarten students should be dressed in neat and comfortable attire that reflects consideration for the active day in our Early Childhood Department.
What middle schools do Riverside graduates attend?
Historically, the majority of RPDS graduates attend either Episcopal High School or The Bolles School. Additional choices may include St. Johns Country Day, Hendricks Day School, Catholic Schools or Duval County magnet programs.
What assessments are used for admission?
Students applying for Pre-K3 are accepted according to dated application with preference offered to siblings, RPC church members and alumni children. Students enrolled in our Pre-K3 program will participate in the same assessment process required for admission to our Pre-K4 program. Pre-K4 and Kindergarten applicants are evaluated individually for overall readiness and maturity necessary for pre-school and Kindergarten learning. Appointments for readiness assessments are scheduled by the Admission Office upon receipt of an application. Applicants for admission to grades 1-6 are evaluated during a full day school visit.
When should applications be submitted?
Applications are accepted two years prior to the preferred start date. Typically, families submit an application early in the fall of the year prior to the start of school. First round acceptances are typically mailed during the third week in February to new students who have completed the full application process. Riverside welcomes applications during spring and summer months and reviews each based upon availability.
What neighborhoods are represented?
Riverside students reside throughout the Jacksonville community and represent many zip codes including our adjoining neighbors in Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and San Marco. Students also commute from locations such as Amelia Island, Mandarin, Baymeadows, Orange Park, and others.
Can parents volunteer on campus?
Yes. Parents are actively involved in many areas of campus life both inside and outside of the classroom. We believe our partnership in educating children is strengthened through parent involvement. Our active Riverside Parents Association offers a wide variety of activities for parents to share their time and talents.
Is financial assistance available?
Riverside offers need-based financial assistance to students accepted for admission. Our admission process is need-blind and a student’s need for financial assistance does not influence admission decisions. Riverside utilizes the services of Independent School Managements’s FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) Program. Parents can access the FAST online application specific for Riverside families provided in our Financial Assistance information.
