Riverwatch Middle School

610 James Burgess Road

School District

Forsyth County
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Forsyth County 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 July 06, 2024

I, like the person before, am another parent with a trans son at this school. So far, since I’ve created a relationship with the teachers and counselor, my child feels supported by his teachers and counselor. It’s the children of the school who are rude. This demographic is mostly from highly strict, conservative and religious upbringings (including Christian and Muslim) and they are not teaching their children compassion for LGBTQ+ youth and families. The cis-boys are especially problematic. This school does have a Rainbow Alliance, however, the kids who are members do not even feel safe enough to show up for picture day for the yearbook photo. This is not for lack of trying from the sponsors of the club. This is because of other students. Also, I agree the county needs to implement more anti-bullying and anti-self harm strategies specific to this demographic who is of higher risk than every single other demographic. They have heard my suggestions to do this at Riverwatch. It sends a message to other kids to remain neutral, at the least, and supportive (ideally) to the LGBTQ+ kids in this community. However, nothing is done differently. They do not tolerate outright hate speech, however the problem are mostly microaggressions which need more open dialog. I just think the county is afraid to be openly allied. To also be clear, there are a ton of openly AND closeted LGBTQ+ children within this middle school. They need to be mindful that we all belong to the same community of scholars and future leaders. It isn’t taboo to show support for minorities of all gender and sexual orientation. Someone at the leadership level needs to make necessary changes now, not later. It isn’t out of the question to move districts if this is helpful to you. But, also there is something to be said for taking up space and creating change within the community we reside and belong in. I hope this is helpful to anyone reading.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2024

Iam a parent of a transgender son. My child is now starting 8th grade. While the school is wonderful academically it does not do anything to stop the bullying or horrid remarks towards their lgbtq youth. While we love the teachers there is no mental support for its lgbtq youth. My child went one time to the counselor for help and is being told that the rude Behaviour is due to hormones. We are now moving to a lgbtq friendlier school. Forsyth County is just not there yet.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2023

We came from a Montessori school through Elementary straight to this public school in 6th grade. Not only did my child transition wonderfully but he's been continuing to do better and better. He's had great teachers and there's only been one in the last 3 years that he's complained about. His math teacher has really helped him on an individual level which was amazing in itself. We love Riverwatch and aren't surprised that it's ranked one of the top 3 in Georgia.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2023

Major overcrowding. There's quite a lot of new teachers who aren't equipped for their job as my middle schooler has complained about their horrible teaching ethics.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2019

Two (**) stars out of Five stars (*****)
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2016

Overcrowding a major problem. Academically this school is awesome. However it provides very little support for new students. They are thrown in and expected to know how things run. It has been 2 months and my child has never met the principal. my child commented on how in his old school the teachers created their own notes for lessons. Here the teachers use what is provided, with very little individual lesson planning. Everything is tech centered with no textbooks. If I could go back, I would choose another school in the area.
Submitted by teacher on September 04, 2014

What a great school! We moved to GA over the summer and I was really worried about my middle schoolers starting over. But their teachers were so helpful in makings sure they have an easy transition. The academic is also top notch... Really pleased!
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

Riverwatch is a good school. Like anywhere you have some bad teachers who only want to make their life easier. But the vast majority of them are looking after the kids interests and not just their own. My son completed his first year and he is looking forward to next year.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2014

All I can say is it has been the best school for my son academically. We have moved around a lot and I am staying here. The teachers and staff are awesome, they really care and work with your child to help them succeed. They are great with keeping parents updated.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

Riverwatch has nothing but the student's best interest in mind. While no school is perfect, Riverwatch comes very close.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2013

agree with response below, I am neither thrilled nor displeased with Riverwatch.My son has been there all three years of middle. My biggest complaint is the overcrowding & aggressiveness in the halls my next biggest complaint is definitely that most all of the teachers teach tothe CRCT. My son does not have a deep understanding of some concepts, they spend WAY too much time on CRCT prep. I asked my son what percentage of teachers would he classify as good teachers (meaning teach well, are organized, treat the students well). He said 50%. not good enough. Some of the teachers are good, some are too new and inexperienced, and some we wonder why went into teaching and are rude or just plain bad teachers, leaving it up to the student to figure it out. We get the feeling no one really cares about my child or his success. No way would my younger son would survive in this environment of survival of the fittest. if you want to play a sport, you better be a super star, or you'll have no shot.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2012

I have 2 children who have attended Riverwatch Middle School. Our experience has been fantastic. I truly appreciate the teachers willingness to help my students both before and after school. The school leadership is helpful and responsive. Excellent school!