The curriculum includes intensive Orton-Gillingham one-on-one language fundamentals teaching in oral language, reading, writing and spelling, followed by structured classroom language arts classes. Other areas of the curriculum are social studies, math, science, expressive arts and physical education.

Language Fundamental (LF)
Riverside School students (generally Grades 3-8) receive individual Orton-Gillingham teaching for 45 minutes four days per week. Younger students (generally grades 1-2) receive Orton-Gillingham individual tutoring for 30 minute sessions four days per week. Riverside School's language fundamental sessions are designed to remediate reading, reading comprehension, handwriting, vocabulary, and spelling skills.

Language Arts
In addition to the one-to-one language fundamental sessions, every student also has a small group language arts class that supports written language. Written language is taught using a variety of approaches, including Project Read, and "Framing Your Thoughts" program. Computers are an integral part of the curriculum. Keyboarding and word processing skills are emphasized.

Mathematics
Riverside School students are carefully instructed in the concepts of math, the language of math, and calculation. Incrementalization of topics is combined with continual review. Topics are never dropped but are instead increased in complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar. Math is taught using a variety of manipulatives and materials following the Saxon math curriculum.

Social Studies
Riverside School students receive a strong preparation in the fundamentals of history, geography, economics, civics, and current events. Field trips and "hands-on" experiences are emphasized in the curriculum.

Science
Multi-sensory, experiential education is implemented in Riverside's science classes. Topics are presented systematically and clearly so students can make steady progress in their scientific learning. The students study topics from the major realms of science (physical, life, and earth science). Each student orally presents a science project during a science night extravaganza held during the second semester of each school year.

Athletics
Riverside School students participate in regularly scheduled physical education class. Students develop physical and mental well-being based on exposure to wellness education and participation in physical education activities. A combination of classroom, outdoor activities, and special programs are planned, including gradually increasing fitness training leading to testing for the President's Fitness Award in the Spring.

Expressive Arts
Riverside School students have an opportunity, one day a week, to create and explore art, dance, and music. The Expressive Arts program challenges students to grow, not only in artistic skill, but also in understanding and appreciation of self and the world around them.

Social Skills
In addition to guiding the children intellectually, we firmly believe that social growth occurs when healthy interaction among students, teachers and parents is present. In regard to this, a 30-minute Social Skills class is taught two to three times a week. Class activities are designed to reinforce social, ethical, and academic skills in areas such as critical and creative thinking, ethical decision making, interpersonal relationships, practical living skills, building self-esteem, and participating citizenship. Teaching techniques such as role playing, small-group discussions, reflective and moral dilemma exercises, and hands-on activities are used for optimum effectiveness and memory retention.

Classroom Ratios-
(1 to 10) Classroom
One-to-One Orton-Gillingham teaching sessions, 30-45 minutes, 4 times per week
The numbers have been kept small, in order to ensure that Riverside students receive an appropriate education, both academically and emotionaly. Most of the students come to Riverside having already experienced failure and frustration in other academic settings. Because of this, the eight elementary and middle grade levels are covered in six classes, necessitating overlapping of age and grade levels in most classrooms.

The letters in the phrase, TEAM Riverside Panthers, designate classes at Riverside. Classes for the upcoming school year are generally grouped as follows: