Middle and
Secondary School
Riverview School is an independent, co-educational, boarding school of international reputation and service, which enrolls approximately 180 students - ages 12 to 20 in its secondary school, and ages 18 to 22 in post-secondary component.
• Offers a caring, structured setting for students with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities scoring within the 70 – 100 IQ range
• Committed to developing student competence and confidence in academic, social and independent living skills encouraging open lines of communication
• Fosters independence and self-determination through the development of independent living skills, social skills and self esteem
• The philosophy of the "whole child" guides the ongoing dialogue between academic and residential staff and ensures that student needs are addressed quickly and comprehensively
ACADEMIC LIFE Thematic, integrated curriculum
• Literature, writing, hands-on history activities, the Arts, field trips and the media are connected to a central theme
• Emphasis on high expectations and research-validated instructional approaches
• Maximum class size is eight students - individualized instruction
• Student teacher ratios in middle school - 4:1, secondary ratios - 8:1.
PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Several times a week the head teacher for each academic team, dormitory coordinator, residential supervisor and advisor meet to discuss specific issues which may assist in the students' transition from classes to the residential program.
• Topics such as homework or peer relationships are shared and specific strategies are developed which ensures that the "philosophy of the whole child"
• Social skills guidance is given to all students by all staff on an ongoing basis during students’ daily lives.
• All secondary school students participate in a comprehensive sexuality education program with an emphasis on human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, society and culture.
TRANSITION PLANNING
Transition planning services offered in the Junior year and Senior years
• Community service, resume writing, interviewing and Senior autobiographies are in the curriculum
• We offer an on-campus post-secondary fair in the fall
• Transition weekend in the spring offers longer term transition options
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
The residential program is designed as thoughtfully and thoroughly as the academic program. When students leave class, they enter another important dimension of their day. Through the residential program, Riverview’s goal is to develop responsible, independent, community-oriented students
• Opportunities to participate in interscholastic sports on a varsity, junior varsity or intramural level with a “no cut” system - sportsmanship and teamwork are reinforced
• Comprehensive after school activity program, including digital photography, fitness, art, music, Key and Go-Green Club, computers, Karate, Zumba and bowling etc.
• Students learn and practice skills related to cooking, comparative shopping, personal hygiene, health, nutrition and fitness, stress management, home maintenance and the planning of independent recreational activities
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The Health Care Center (HCC) is located on the main campus and is staffed seven days per week from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. by a team of nurses and medical assistants. An on-call nurse and medical assistant are scheduled seven nights per week 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.
• Riverview utilizes the services of one pharmacy as the provider for all student medication. The pharmacy provides specially packaged meds which are necessary for the safe administration and inventory of all medication
• Skilled nursing staff assess and treat minor ailments/injuries
• HCC provides students a place to rest, if they are ill - Riverview is accessible to several area hospitals as well as urgent care facilities
• HCC staff are actively involved in teaching students to better understand and advocate for their health and wellness needs
• Students eat a healthy breakfast in the dorms - lunch and dinner are served in the dining room
• Access to healthy foods such as a salad bar, fresh fruit, main entrée, soup and sandwich choices, etc. provide ample, yet healthy access for all
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Riverview is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is approved and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC).
March 2010
