As a part of Dundee Community Schools, we are a credit recovery that follows the Michigan Merit Curriculum.  At Riverside, we take an individualized approach to each student, helping guide them towards a high school diploma.  We follow two guiding principles:

1. Do what’s best for our kids, guiding them towards course completion, and ultimately a high school diploma;

2. Make positive connections with our students and community.

We want our students to become high school graduates, with acceptance into a post-secondary career plan.  

Community Service is an integral component of the Riverside Academy curriculum. Every student is encouraged to give back to the community and opportunities are provided throughout the year to achieve this goal.  Students participate in a variety of community service opportunities, including: volunteering at Santa’s Workshop, Elementary Book Fairs, Dundee Senior Citizen Center, and more.  Graduating seniors are required to participate in 2 hours of service prior to graduation.

Emphasis on post-secondary planning is an important part of the Riverside Academy curriculum.  We bring in guest speakers from different paths, including: military, trade schools, counselors, and business owners.  We also take various field trips to help expose our students to possible careers. 

Students are offered the opportunity to tour Owens Community College (Toledo, OH)  and Monroe County Community College (Monroe, MI) as well as Washtenaw Community College.  Career representatives from ITT Tech, Specs Howard School of Media Arts, and the University of Northwestern Ohio do yearly presentations.

100% of Riverside Academy seniors submitted applications to at least one post-secondary program.

Three Different Modes of Instruction - In-Person, Digital, Virtual

In-Person 

In-Person Students receive individualized instruction from 4 certified teachers, in: Math, English, Social Studies, and Physical Education.  We also have a part-time certified Special Education Teacher that provides teacher-consultant services for our students.  We offer small class sizes that are rarely above 20 students per class.  Students learn at their own pace, with support and goals set by each classroom teacher.  

Digital

At Riverside, we have selected Acellus Gold Online Learning for both our virtual students and digital students.  This system allows our students to learn from certified teachers in subject areas we can’t offer in person.

Virtual

At Riverside, we have selected Acellus Gold Online Learning for both our virtual students and digital students.  This system allows our students to learn from certified teachers in subject areas we can’t offer in person.

Trimesters

Trimesters allow us to build credit recovery into the regular schedule.  We are able to offer more classes throughout the school year so students can recover classes and possibly graduate on time.  By building credit recovery into the normal day, students are able to work or do other things after school.  All school work is done in class, giving students more time to ask the teachers questions and giving teachers more time to focus on the individual student. Summer School is also available giving students extended opportunities to recover credits. We also offer the opportunity to receive school credit for work experience once students have worked a job for more than 60 hours in a trimester. 

Flexible Scheduling

We have the opportunity to modify schedules to offer unique experiences for our students, both for enrichment and support reasons.  We split classes, and provide students more support in the classroom.  We also offer: work-study, dual enrollment, and CTE classes. 

Relationship Building

At Riverside, we feel that building relationships with our students is an important part of students' ability to become successful in school. We offer Life Skills classes focusing on everyday life experiences, current events and career goals. Classes are set up so students have the teachers for multiple classes throughout the day, which builds a stronger relationship between students and staff.  We also participate in activities outside of school to enhance staff and student relations.  

Social Services Networking

We have established partnerships with case managers that assist students with social service needs. The case manager works with students who need help navigating the health and human services network.  We have created relationships with the Michigan Youth Opportunity Program, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and other community social services.