Riverside Middle School is developing in our students the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating learning environments that are both rigorous and innovative in nature. These environments center on the mastery of standards-based content across all subject areas.
Riverside is located in small town historic Pendleton, South Carolina, a community that is well-known for excellences in the arts, academics, and athletics. In keeping with our community’s needs, RMS has also made the Arts a major component of our curriculum. The Riverside school-based community transforms student learning and engagement through extensive staff collaboration, 1-to-1 technology integration, and a close knit family culture. In addition to our regular core classes, our inquiry-based reading and math courses expose students to project-based learning and provide in-depth experiences to develop both the critical thinking and problem solving skills required of today’s South Carolina graduates. Our STEAM program centers on environments that expose our students to solution development, creativity, and innovation. This is accomplished through a variety of courses such as Gateway to Technology, Robotics, Musical Drama, and a variety of Choral, Art, and Band courses. Activities and clubs such as Lego league, FFA, Student Council, and Beta Club give our students opportunities to lead, collaborate, and work together. These experiences help to prepare our students for life in the 21st century.
Along with a wide variety of courses, Riverside offers an AVID course in both grades. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) prepares students for success in high school, college, career, and life. AVID's mission is "to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society”, which aligns with Riverside's mission. Teachers at Riverside are trained extensively in researched based AVID strategies that they use in their classrooms.
In conjunction with the life and career characteristics required of all South Carolina graduates, our 8th grade students take a career exploration course where characteristics such as integrity, self-direction, global perspective, perseverance, and work ethic are a major focus. Students who leave Riverside Middle School are prepared for high school, and have been given the foundational skills to continue their education, and ultimately become a 21st century South Carolina Graduate. Technology integration is at the core of supporting all facets of instruction, communication, and operations at Riverside. Our faculty strives to create a strong, blended learning environment in each classroom by utilizing the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) Environment and Schoology to their potential. We strive to foster a learning environment where productive communication, collaboration, and teamwork are paramount as each student’s interpersonal skills are developed.
At Riverside Middle School we work hard to provide a safe and supportive environment that cultivates character, fosters positive social behavior, and inspires the love of learning for all students. We seek to accomplish our mission statement every day. “We provide a 21st Century learning environment that prepares all students for high school; and thus college, careers, and a successful life in a global society.”
