River Gate Elementary

15340 Smith Road

School District

Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 18, 2023

Rivergate is WONDERFUL. I love the diversity and how many kids are native Spanish speakers, my child has gotten such an amazing early education. I’m 100% sure that’s why their test scores are not through the roof because the teachers work so hard to meet every student where they need to be met. The principal Ms. Johns is SUCH a special kind of person. With 800 kids she knows my child by name and always goes out of her way to say hello to both her and to me.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2021

Moved here a year ago, I had great expectations for this school. BOY WAS I WRONG. Had zero problems enrolling all 3 of my children (one being my step son who we have partcial custody of) Beginning of the year was wonderful until my kids teacher found out I was a step mother then communication broke down, almost zero to none actually. She told me she couldn't legally speak to me about my child but the proceeds to tell my other children's details to the birth mom of my step son (which I heard from here because out of our families I handle school so she was confused as well why it was a issue) Then the teacher called me a b$%^@ over text message due to a misunderstanding on her part about glasses. So I decided to change my kids teachers to try and just push the situation to the side. This is where I thought the school year would make a recovery. NOPE. They were very unfair with my children not communicating at all with me at all about their school work or progress. Stating very harming statements towards my children 9 and 10 at the time about how their parents didn't care about them or their education which again was pushed to the side. So now we're here last 2 weeks of school and my son comes home to tell me he was dragged by his hair across the room during testing. The school again didn't seem to want to investigate but 100% dismiss my concerns on a aggressive teacher. So I had to remove all 3 of my children due to not being safe. She is still teaching this being the last week of school. I have contacted so many people and it seems like this county dosnt care about their students. I would not recommend r9vergate elementary or Cms schools. Protect your children and go else where.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2019

I would rate the school a 9
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2019

My son attended RGES from K-5. We just received a notice about “cap and gown” pictures and I began to tear up. We’ve had an amazing 6 years at Rivergate and I’m so happy and satisfied with all the experiences it has brought to my son and our family. As other reviewers have mentioned: amazing staff, dedicated PTA, and a place that makes you feel like family. Not to mention the diversity is superb! Even when there were concerns (whether it be school work or grades or another kid teasing my kid), it was always immediately addressed and I always felt I could be heard. Overall super happy with our Elementary school experience!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2017

Excellent faculty and staff, they're dedicated and are very knowledgeable. They give students an amazing opportunity for enrichment in class and through extra curricular activities before and after school. Such incredible teachers and principal who care so much about their students. They feel like a second family.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2017

All 3 of my kids have gone there and my daughter is in the 3rd grade there now. Great school. A lot of parent involvement and the staff is amazing.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2016

I couldn't be more pleased with this school! The population is diverse, the children are taught to be respectful (and they are very!) and good citizens, the principal, staff and teachers are extremely involved, caring, and loving and there are a lot of extra activities and events that bring everyone together. Thank you Mrs Odom and RGES!
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2016

We have truly loved this school. Of course, no school is perfect, but overall we have been so pleased to have our children enrolled at River Gate! Ms. Odom, the principal is AMAZING! I have no doubt, she is a HUGE reason this school functions as well as it does! She cares about each and every student, and really listens to the parents. The staff emphasizes the importance of not only academics, but also character! The school has tons of specials offered (music, Spanish, technology, art, PE, and more)! The student population is diverse, which you wont get in FM. At the end of the day, for this CMS school we are glad we've been a part of it! I just wish the Middle & High School would be able to follow suit!
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2011

My children have been at River Gate since it opened, and they have had a wonderful experience with caring teachers and excellent leadership. The school is new, safe, clean, and focuses strongly on making thoughtful and consistent use of the techonology availble. This technology consists of data projectors and classroom computers in every room. Some classrooms have SMARTboards as well. Students at River Gate receive a quality education that focuses on building character and attaining real-world problem solving skills to prepare them for their future careers.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2011

This is a fairly new school. My children attended River Gate for the two years that it has been open. We have enjoyed being a part of the River Gate family! My children's teachers were the best they have had. Ms. Canzoneri, the guidance counselor at River Gate Elementary, was a God-send in helping my child who required special guidance. She went above and beyond. This school is great because of the teachers, the quality of education, and wonderful parent involvement. It will be very interesting to see how much greater the school can become now that a new principal is joining River Gate!