High School Overview
Our program prepares students with the academic rigor and social-emotional skills needed for success in college and beyond. In a supportive environment where each student is known and valued, students develop independence, initiative, reflection, and an appreciation for others.
Our program prepares students with the academic rigor and social-emotional skills needed for success in college and beyond. In a supportive environment where each student is known and valued, students develop independence, initiative, reflection, and an appreciation for others.
Our Approach
Small classes and caring, experienced staff make all the difference
High School at Riverstone is a time for students to prepare for their next steps while cultivating independence and a strong sense of self. We keep classes intentionally small so each student receives individual attention and is well known by their teachers. These close relationships help students gain confidence as they explore new topics, connect learning to the real world, and tackle challenges big and small. Our teachers inspire students to be courageous—whether designing a biology experiment, having a 10-minute conversation in Spanish, teaching younger students how to choose a campsite, or defending an opinion in class.
Students transition from the final year of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme into the Diploma Programme, learning from IB-trained subject-area specialists. Many of our teachers bring real-world expertise and life experiences into the classroom, enriching student learning.
Small class sizes allow teachers to create engaging, challenging activities that emphasize critical thinking, application, and meaningful feedback beyond traditional tests. Students participate in hands-on projects, community presentations, and field experiences that build skills in independent research, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
The International Bacclaureate Experience
We are the first school in Idaho to offer the IB Diploma Programme. We are committed to ensuring that we meet the true philosophy of the Middle Years Programme, which is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.” The Diploma Programme “aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.” Each year, our teachers and administration reflect upon and refine our curriculum to ensure we are meeting the needs of students. Just as our world and our students are ever-evolving, our teaching practices evolve.
Five pillars create pathways to exploration
We believe that a well-rounded education leads to a well-rounded individual, ready to take advantage of opportunities in a changing world. The five pillars at Riverstone become the pathways that our students develop their academic and personal skills, as well as connect classroom learning to the greater world: Academic Excellence, Community and Service, Leadership by Example, International Understanding, and Outdoor Education.
The five pillars are integrated into the education our students experience and lie at the heart of who we are as an organization. Please read more by perusing the tabs for each pillar so that you can see how your child will be prepared for life following high school.
Building community and connections
The transition to High School can be both exhilarating and unnerving for students as the academic challenges increase and they look forward to college applications and graduation. Students are part of multi-age River Camp Advisory groups that build tradition through fun competitions throughout the year, plan social events, and join athletic and academic teams. Our local students are joined by students from around the world, sitting alongside of them in classrooms as they all seek success in the IB Diploma Programme. Our college counseling program helps students and parents navigate the college application process.
