A Student Centered Approach To Learning
Through Microschooling and Private Tutoring
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A MICROSCHOOL?
A microschool is an educational environment that operates on a much smaller level serving anywhere from 5-150 students. It is a learning environment where scholars come to learn and grow. Scholars receive individualized instruction and are provided with materials at their level. Mircoschools are truly student-centered, and due to their small size, are able to meet their student's specific academic needs. Think of this as a modern twist on the classic one room schoolhouse.
WHY HAVE MIXED-AGE CLASSES?
We believe in creating real world experiences in the most authentic ways possible. By having mixed aged classes, this teaches our scholars how to learn from and work with their peers, as we do in the real world. Older students can often mentor younger scholars by reinforcing their own understanding of concepts while helping others. Younger students will benefit from having the guidance and support of other students, which in turn will foster a collaborative and supportive sense of school community. Mixed aged classrooms also promote social and emotional development as scholars will learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with others. These skills and experiences help develop empathy, tolerance, and respect for others.
ARE YOU ACCREDITED?
Yes! Riverside Educational Services is extremely pleased and proud to announce that Riverside Academy is officially Fully Accredited for Grades K–6 by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC)! Riverside Academy's accreditation status extends through June 2029, and is a testimony to the dedicated faculty, staff, and other stakeholders
committed to high-quality learning and well-being for all students through a continuous
improvement process.
Riverside Academy would also like to thank the accreditation visiting committee for their
perspectives throughout the visit based on the WASC criteria. The visiting committee report
noted the following areas of strength exhibited within our school community:
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The school aligns its instructional practices, operational structures, and decision-makingprocesses with its mission of providing personalized, student-centered learning experiences.
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Students learn at individualized levels based on readiness and ability, allowing fordifferentiated instruction, appropriate academic challenge, and steady progress over time.
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The school has cultivated a strong sense of community where students feel known,supported, safe, and connected through meaningful relationships and mixed-age learning experiences.
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Students participate in hands-on projects, field trips, service learning, and community-based experiences that promote engagement and connect learning to authentic real-world applications.
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The school maintains consistent communication and collaborative relationships withfamilies through regular updates, conferences, check-ins, and opportunities for parentinvolvement and feedback.
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The school maintains a physically and emotionally safe environment where students are encouraged to take academic and social risks, develop confidence, and build positive peerrelationships.
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Students are provided meaningful opportunities for self-directed learning, goal setting,choice in learning activities, and shared responsibility for the school community and learning environment.
The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC),
a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the
United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of
State. WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, especially in California, Hawaii, Guam,
Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Accreditation is a collaborative
self-reflection and evaluation of all aspects of the school’s program and its impact on student
learning and well-being based on the WASC research-based criteria. Furthermore, accreditation
is a certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning and well-
being that is committed to continuous improvement.
WASC accreditation demonstrates:
• the school is substantially accomplishing its stated purposes and
functions identified as appropriate for an institution of its type, and
• the school is meeting an acceptable level of quality in accordance
with the WASC criteria adopted by the Accrediting Commission
DO YOU ACCEPT STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
Yes. We will be able to serve students with mild/moderate disabilities. If your child has an IEP, we
will look over this with you and let parents decide if they think our program is appropriate for their child. Additionally, if your child does have an IEP or ISP, your family may qualify for the Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA), which provides funds that we can accept for tuition. To see if you qualify for these funds, please visit: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-education-scholarship-account-program
WHAT IS THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS LIKE?
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Schedule a tour & pick up our Handbook and Contract.
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Submit Enrollment Form: Fill out, sign, and submit form to be reviewed for acceptance.
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Potential Follow-Up: Before acceptance, a follow up interview may be scheduled as needed.
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Secure Spot with a Deposit: Within 10 days of accepted enrollment, deposit is submitted to secure a spot.
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