Admissions Philosophy
An inclusive and diverse Preschool–Grade 12 IB school where every student is known, valued, and inspired to grow.
An inclusive and diverse Preschool–Grade 12 IB school where every student is known, valued, and inspired to grow.
Our Philosophy
A Community for Growth
Riverstone International School welcomes students from Preschool through Grade 12 who possess a natural curiosity, a desire for personal growth, and a commitment to contributing to our vibrant community. We believe in the power of a supportive, challenging environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential.
Our admissions process is designed to identify students who will thrive within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and who will benefit from the deep, meaningful relationships fostered in our small classes. We seek to partner with families who value a global perspective and an inclusive, community-focused education.
We aim to make our application process as transparent and welcoming as possible. Detailed checklists, key dates, and grade-specific requirements can be found on our website.
When reviewing applications, we look for alignment between the family’s goals and the school’s mission. We consider a variety of factors to understand the whole student, including:
- Curiosity and Academic Potential: A readiness to engage with the IB curriculum and a growth mindset.
- Character and Motivation: Students who demonstrate kindness, resilience, and a desire to contribute to school life.
- Global Perspective: An openness to different cultures, ideas, and viewpoints.
- Community Alignment: Families who share our values of inquiry, independence, and international understanding.
- Foundational Readiness: We review age-appropriate placement, transfer credits (Grades 9 – 12), and English proficiency for non-native speakers to ensure students are set up for success from day one.
We view every applicant as an individual, and all discussions related to the application process are held in the strictest confidence. Our teams work collaboratively to review each application, and the final admission decision rests with the Director of Enrollment in conjunction with the Division Director. Riverstone’s admissions decisions comply with the school’s Non-Discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.
Accessibility & Financial Aid
We believe that a world-class education should be accessible to students of all socio-economic backgrounds. A diverse student body enriches the learning experience for everyone. We recognize the significant commitment families make when choosing Riverstone, and our tuition assistance program provides an avenue for many to join our community.
- All financial awards offered by Riverstone are grants that do not need to be repaid.
- We use Clarity to process tuition assistance applications. You can find our step-by-step guide and application link here.
Our Learning Environment
One of the keys to our engaging academics and strong student-teacher relationships is the personal attention that only a small class can provide. Our small-by-design approach ensures that every student is seen, heard, and known by their teachers.
- Elementary School (Preschool – Grade 5): We maintain small cohorts (typically 16 – 18 students) to ensure foundational skills are nurtured through individual attention.
- Middle & High School (Grades 6 – 12): Our core classes average fewer than 20 students, allowing for deep inquiry and discussion.
- The Diploma Programme (DP): As the premier provider of DP courses in the region, our upper-level classes are often even smaller, providing a university-seminar style experience.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Riverstone International School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ideologies in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
