Riverside Elementary School overlooks the Boise River and Greenbelt in southeast Boise. With the abundance of wildlife and vegetation along the Greenbelt and river, Riverside’s teachers take advantage of our location to utilize these resources as an environmental teaching tool.

On Riverside’s front yard, visitors can see the Bown House, built in 1879. Riverside School enjoys a unique relationship with the Bown House which is a living museum dedicated to preserving our heritage for Idaho’s children. Riverside is the only school in Idaho to have a site of this nature on its school grounds where fourth grade students from around the valley are invited to visit during the school year. 

Riverside is home to approximately 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Riverside School also houses many special programs for school-aged children. Our school community provides students with educational opportunities to excel in academics, extra curricular activities, and community service. Beyond the classroom, students have an opportunity to participate in before school Spanish classes for kindergarten – 6th, an after school Chess Club for students in kindergarten – 6th grades, and an after school “Young Rembrandt’s” art program that facilitates all children, 6th grade band, 5th – 6th grade orchestra, 5th - 6th grade choir, as well as basketball and track for 5th - 6th grade students.

In addition to the educational opportunities, students at Riverside participate in numerous community projects. For several years, students have contributed to the local food bank, Boise’s Ronald McDonald House, and the Women’s Crisis Center. Our students have been involved in charitable efforts to raise funds for the Anne Frank Memorial and more recently for hurricane victims in Louisiana. In 2004, Channel 7 Television selected Riverside’s students as “7’s Heroes” for raising funds to purchase books and school supplies for a school in Haiti.

Volunteers are an integral part of Riverside School, and it’s not uncommon to see groups of children working with a parent in and outside of the classroom. Parents also assist teachers with compiling educational materials, copying, and preparing for learning activities. Additionally, Riverside has an active Art Moms and Dads Program that presents lessons which coincide with the Boise School District art curriculum. The Riverside Staff appreciates the amount of time and assistance that our parents dedicate to our school, and recognize the significant difference that volunteers contribute to the education of Riverside’s students.

Riverside owes its success to students, staff, parents, and community support. The commitment to excellence in education is clear. The focus of the educational experience at Riverside School extends beyond academics to include fine arts, sports, and community service. The school promotes the development of individual self-esteem and consideration of others. The Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Values Statement of the school define the character of Riverside School and our learning community.

Riverside Mission Statement

“Caring to Learn…Learning to Care”

The Riverside community provides a rich, diverse learning environment where we feel good about ourselves, act responsibly, are safe and appreciated and are challenged to be our very best in all ways.