Riverside Preparatory Academy

2001 Riverside Drive

Gainesville, GA 30501

63 Reviews

School District
Grade

7-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on September 30, 2020

I love it here. I have been here for three years now. I am currently serving as a squad leader in Alpha Company. The faculty and staff here could not be any better. They care so much about us. I love it here so much that I am going to go to the United States Military Academy after graduation.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2019

My son attended this school for 7 and 8th. I decided to put him back in 9th grade and what a big mistake. 7th and 8th grade were amazing so I'm not sure what happened this year. Without going into all the details, they decided to dismiss my son a month before the end the end of the semester not taking into consideration no other school will allow him to start so late in the year and because they dismissed him before finals so he didn't earn a single credit for the 2 1/2 months he was there. They dismissed him because he expressed his dislike in the school but there are white rich kids bringing drugs into the school and yet they are still there. I paid for the whole year and they didn't even give me a full refund knowing I'm a single parent with 2 other children. When I advised them of the situation they put my son in and how if he goes to public school he's pretty much going to be sitting in class for nothing, they didn't even care. Public school is what got my son at Riverside in the first place, they knew he had already failed 6th grade and now they set him up for failure, sending him off to public school further behind than he's ever been. There best interest is not in the students but in money for themselves
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2017

My son has gone here since 9th grade. He failed every class in his publics 8th grade year because he refused to do any work, but they passed him anyway. I sent him to riverside for 9th grade and by 10th grade he had all A's and B's and is a much more considerate person and he has direction. I think this is an amazing school for ALL boys, it's something they really need at this age.
Submitted by other on May 26, 2017

I am a real alumna, a not parent. I have been to this public, private and this military school. Overall this is the worst one. I'll start out with the good in the school. The academics and diversity are the best qualities. The academics are above average, not spectacular. But the diversity is great. Many people from different countries and states. But that's about it. Now let me get to bad by starting out saying I graduate very recently, with 2 years. An I would like to say and I'm not trying to be disrespectful to other reviews but a lot of these parents that have writer these reviews are very blind and it's not totally there fault. The school has many problem that they keep in house and try there best not to let it go public . They have drug and bullying problems on a weekly bases. They also can not control the other students. Also many teachers continually quit because they can't handle them. I know a lot of student that have been kicked out because of drug problems, probably between 20 to 50 in a two year span. I AM NOT exaggerating. When people walk on campus for a tour. They constantly tell you all these that aren't necessarily false but aren't necessarily true. They also leave out info. My first year all the new students got together and were like "yeah they told us the same thing during out tour but where is it". No where to be found and out parents weren't listening. We told them they lie to us. Also some other things that are important to note the bathroom are kept up. For instance there are no stall doors, and a lot of shower heads don't work. The school is replacing any of it. Also the food is absolutely terrible. Sometimes not even fully cooked. Sometime they put military activities before learning. For instance, putting a parade practice before school. Then you are already tired before even going to school. Once again I am REAL aluma and these are real problems. Don't be blind. And if you decide to send your Child here and he come home tell you the same thing. Believe him and know someone else told you the same thing.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2016

Being the parent of an intelligent child that had horrible grades and no motivation was heart breaking, wondering how much he would struggle through his entire life with no direction or purpose. His lowest grade at RMA is higher than what his highest grade was in public school. The relief of a better life for our son and the pride to see him accomplish what we always saw in him is more than I could ever express. Today he walks proudly, speaks with a stronger voice, and has purpose in his life with a plan for his future. Riverside will be the turning point in our son's life, down a path that would never been available in public school. I can say with great conviction, Parker will achieve great things because of Riverside Military Academy.
Submitted by principal on May 12, 2016

Riverside Military Academy, established in 1907, is a college preparatory boarding and day private school for young men in grades 7-12. The Academy's diverse Corps of Cadets is represented by 530 cadets from 27 countries.The Academy offers a positive, challenging, and structured environment that stresses hard work in the classroom and on the athletic field. The curriculum, structure, and activities are designed around the way boys learn with hands-on activities and shorter class periods. A student/teacher ratio of 15:1 provides each cadet with individual attention that enables success in the classroom and in life. Riverside promotes the growth of leadership skills and character development. The Academy has been recognized as an Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction for over 80 years. Riverside also offers a fun four week summer school program which includes adventure activities and an enhanced focus on ESL and cultural immersion opportunities for international students. The school's beautiful 206 acre campus in Gainesville, Georgia is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Academy is just one hour north of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Please visit www.riversidemilitary.com or call 1.877.692.2338 for more information.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2015

The tac officers are amazing. The teachers are amazing. That being said, the students aren't well supervised and there is way too much free time. Violence and bullying above "normal boy behavior" is ignored and serious crimes go unreported. This school would get five stars except for the poor leadership at the top.
Submitted by other on February 12, 2015

My nephew attends this school and I am utterly appalled by the dismal quality of the education but especially by the lack of trust between the faculty and the students. Email correspondence from student accounts is intercepted, read, and sent to parents. This is a "military style" school, not a school run by the military, where staff have better things to do than play games. The only reason students get A's is because the classes are lower than those of comparable classes in public and regular private schools. It is a way to pay (and it is not cheap) for good grades. Don't send your son here if you want him to get an education or be prepared for college!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

We have experienced first hand how RMA can change a boys life. Each and every staff member goes above and beyond. Our son cant stop telling us how amazing his teachers are and how much he enjoys learning again. He is far and above his typical peers in the public school sector. His achievements have far exceeded what we could have ever imagined. It is the best decision our family has ever made.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2014

I sent my oldest son to Riverside for his Jr year in the fall of 2012. He is very bright but lacked the self discipline, focus, and drive to succeed. He just graduated, with self confidence, more self discipline, and the drive to get him where he wants to go. During his two years, he has developed personal relationships with fellow cadets, teachers and staff that have built him up, and encouraged him to reach his personal potential. His younger brother, having seen the transformation with his older brother expressed an interest in attending Riverside. He has jus completed his Jr year at Riverside. The one thing he will tell you, is that it is great to be in a classroom where you can feel that the teacher not only wants to be there, but also wants the student to learn and succeed. As a parent I will say that the environment is developmental. It teaches boys to respect boundaries, and work within them, and that tough love is just that, love. Every staff member has every boy's best interest at heart. It amazes me how in tune the staff is to each individual boy. My younger son says it is great to be in a classroom where the teacher wants to teach, and see students succeed.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

My son, a graduate of RMA 2004 was enrolled at RMA in 10th grade, he came from a local high school that was too large, the classrooms were too crowded and after a month into the school year the teachers had no clue who he was as we found out when we made an appt to speak to them about his "C" grades. That same day he was taken out to come to RMA, the only person upset was his football coach. The first few months were hard for him and me but we made it through it knowing that he was where he needed to be to be able to have a head start after graduation. His grades came up from C's to A's almost immediately and he was still active in football and almost every other sport offered at RMA, he was also wrestling state champ 2013 and made Hall County's premier sport players and was also invited and played in Hawaii with several other elite players around the country and never missed a stride in his academics. Because of his high grades he was a member of RMA's Horton Society and also Who's Who and was accepted easily accepted into 3 colleges, he is now working on his higher degree while working full time, married and being a new father. I thank RMA with its wonderful teachers and staff!!
Submitted by teacher on April 29, 2014

My seniors are currently studying Kant's essay, "What is Enlightenment?" In that essay, he describes some of the key relationships between guidance, freedom, sound judgment and a sound society. At Riverside, we take our role as temporary guardians very seriously, and in our approach to education, we model the importance of balancing the freedom of expression with structure and self-discipline. We do not tell cadets what to think; rather, we show them how to think while giving them resources to extend what they know and what they can accomplish. Many schools do this, but I know of no other school where the entire community is invested in constant improvement. From the care of our facilities, to the design and execution of our academic program, to the administration of the school, we are always modeling that union between order, creativity, courage and determination that is necessary to growth.
Submitted by other on April 29, 2014

Riverside has unparalleled facilities, but most importantly, has unparalleled faculty and staff who are completely devoted to the mission of developing young men of competence, character, and commitment. The school is incredibly diverse and at last count the boys come from 25 countries and 30 states. Its proximity to Atlanta makes it a convenient option for non-regional and international boarding students. The teachers, TACs, Commandant, coaches, and staff are truly exceptional people who care for each cadet. The classes are small and the results are impressive. They have a 100% college acceptance rate and Riverside cadets garner millions in College scholarships and grants. Their acceptance rate into top-tier universities and military academies is very high, and the unique nature of the military environment helps boys to stay engaged, involved, and having fun. Riverside is a GREAT place for boys. I highly recommend it to anyone I meet.
Submitted by teacher on April 29, 2014

Riverside Military Academy is a great place to work-- teachers are well-supported by school leadership. I am happy to be here.
Submitted by other on April 29, 2014

Riverside Military Academy is a wonderful environment for teenage boys to grow into responsible young men.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

My son has had a wonderful experience at Riverside. The TAC officers, teachers and coaches are all very encouraging. He has excelled academically and in extra-curricular activities. He has made some good friends and has enjoyed leadership opportunities. I highly recommend RMA!!
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

Riverside Military Academy has been an excellent choice for our son who was struggling academically at his previous school. The small class sizes, engaged teachers, and structured daily schedule have helped our son achieve his potential. Everyone from the President to the Commandant to the TAC officers care about the boys and are committed to their academic, spiritual, and social development.
Submitted by other on April 21, 2014

This is my first year here at RMA and I love working with the students. The incredible consistency across the board is the 180 degree turn that students make academically after they begin attending Riverside. It is a school that truly prepares students for college and life beyond that. A school that truly cares for its students; makes every effort to ensure their needs are met both personally and academically.
Submitted by teacher on April 21, 2014

Where can you go to learn and have a wonderful experience. RMA has many supportive and experienced teachers and staff members to give any young man an opportunity of a lifetime. From academics to physical training building strong minds and bodies for the future.
Submitted by teacher on April 21, 2014

Riverside Military Academy is a proven success when it comes to educating young men. If you are looking for your student to stand out above the crowd and reach his full potential, this is the school that will serve as a catalyst for that.