Riverhead Charter School

Posted: January 30, 2026

Hmm , where do I start off , this school is the wordy I have attended since pre k , for one to start off the teachers do anything they can to make your life miserable , still in 2026 some teachers have a thing where when a student asks for help or says they don’t understand something their favorite line is “ how do you not know or understand if I just explained it “ I think that as a teacher you should make the student feel comfortable by explaining to them diff way of teaching . If I student asks for help , help them . That’s UR job . Another big thing is favoritism , some students get better treatment then others because the administrators and teachers pick and choose . The food has always been horrible , it has never changed . When will rcs be become better ? As a current 11th grader this school has changed my perspective in the world since I got here , people get bullied and the only punishment they give the bullies is a “talk” and right after that talk they go and do it again . I myself have been thru so much and when I brought it up to the dean , principal they told me that I’m causing the bullying because I like to b in drama … I caused people to bully me for my looks ? For the way I speak ? No , they just had the favoritism to pick the bully and not save the victim . Thank you , and save your time not taking your kid to this school !

Posted: January 30, 2026

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Posted: March 2, 2024

This school is horrible, the tribulations I undergo as a student in Riverhead charter school are no better than if I were to be attending a prison. The food is horrible, majority of the teachers don't make a hard enough attempt to cater to the students learning abilities and the teachers are unqualified. In all honesty, I attend small groups during independent work for math as I often find it hard to understand but a good majority of the time is the female teachers talking with the girls in the group, and the time they do manage to stay on task they move very fast.

Posted: March 2, 2024

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Posted: September 27, 2023

This school is completely out of hand, when the kids are struggling with the work the teachers donnot help at all. Then when the kids dont raise their hand to ask a question they get mad at the kids.... Make it make sense?! Thats that, then second, when a kid is aguing with another student nd ond kid gets good grade and the other dosent the teacher will send out the student with low grades nd will be on the kids with good grades side.... Thease "bad" kids that the teachers claim the school has are need to be hurd not shamed. They are missunderstood kids who want to do better but that cant happend if everyone there is pushing them to do stuff thst causes their behavior. Please dont send your child to this school, is complete torture snd will set up your kid for failure.

Posted: September 27, 2023

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Posted: October 24, 2022

This is the best school in riverhead

Posted: October 24, 2022

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Posted: March 12, 2022

Unprofessional, they don’t teach you helpful things. They just pick favorites and make “bad kids” feel left out

Posted: March 12, 2022

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Posted: March 12, 2022

This school preaches about being equal and everyone having a good opportunity to explore and learn as an equal classmate to everyone else yet they always picked favorites and the kids they ruled out as “problematic” were never put in pictures nor videos, and never allowed to go into the special events. I honestly never felt so left out as a kid until i went to this school. I was blamed for stuff I never did. But they never wanted to look into it and they believed the kids who had a better grade than me instead of taking the issues seriously. I don’t recommend this school if you have a kid that’s introverted or can be seen as “misunderstood” this school will push that into your child’s head and then your kid will think they’re not worth as much as all the other kids there. This school did NOT treat me right, now I am stuck with trying to get these terrible habits off of me all because this school made me feel like I wasn’t capable of doing anything or being anything because I was not at the same speed as everyone else. Terrible place to send your kids.

Posted: March 27, 2017

Principal is un perffesional in a lot of ways

Posted: March 14, 2016

My daughter has had a wonderful experience at this school. We look forward to her continuing through 8th grade.

Posted: January 28, 2016

The principal always has his face in his cell phone and is very unapproachable. He avoids dealing with issues, especially those that happen on the bus. His dean is useless. I pulled my child from this school and glad I did! I happened to read the articles about the principals twitter account and how bad he treats his staff! I was mortified! He has a potty mouth! What a joke!

Posted: October 28, 2014

The principle Mr. Arkrum has worked very hard to filter out all staff members who chose to believe in a Union including the Union President. There are all new teachers with less than 2 years experience and are under Mr. Arkum rule!! There are no bad kids only bad behavior that need to be redirected. I like to know why bad kids don't deserve a place at that school? I know they are not special needs friendly. This school has a lot a things going on that are not very good including the principle!!

Posted: June 21, 2014

The principal and teachers of this school do care and Mr Ankrum has worked very hard this past year to filter out poor staff and bad kids that don't deserve a place there. Children are pushed and encouraged a lot but for their own good. Any child under Mr Ankrum's watch is safe and this can't be stressed enough. 5 stars for the principal. The staff that are efficient, have high energy and enjoy their work. No child gets left behind at this school!

Posted: June 11, 2014

I think that RCS is fantastic. With 70% minority student enrollment and zero disorder this school is the definition of unity, tolerance and diversification. I wouldn't want my child anywhere else. The teachers and students are held to a high standard which is why they continue to be successful.

Posted: June 5, 2014

We used to love RCS, but no longer. My older children attended and had a wonderful experience. The school was growing, adding new programs, and improving every year. When my youngest started last year, we started to see changes we didn't like. The new principal got rid of the best, most experienced, most creative teachers and hired a lot of brand new, freshly-graduated teachers in their places. Our favorite art teacher left at the end of last year, one of the music teachers left, and now the other music teacher has disappeared. It's true what another parent said---the best teachers seem to just vanish, and nobody is told why.

Posted: June 4, 2014

RCS is not a school I would recommend. It used to be a wonderful place, with caring teachers and a close-knit, family atmosphere. With the new principal, everyone is tested to death with an excessive homework load, and achievement scores, from NYSSMA to ELA and Math, are going DOWN. All that paperwork, and the students aren't learning! I would avoid this place like the plague, until they clean house in administration and make a fresh start.

Posted: April 5, 2014

Let me just start off by saying my children are very fortunate to have such a wonderful school to attend. I have been nothing but pleased with everything about Riverhead charter school. I pulled my children out of the school district we live in because my oldest child was not having a good experience there. I am absolutely happy with the choice I made to put them in RCS . The school is still developing but it will only continue to exceed .Education and self growth are some of the top priorities this school offers for the children. All of the teachers have been wonderful . My youngest daughter couldn't read when she started kindergarten. After enrolling her into rcs that october she learned to read exceptionally wellwithin a few short months. I have nothing but great and positive things to say .Everyone I know and meet I recommend them . My children are learning so much . My son will also start kindergarten this September.I love that parents are welcome to voice their opinions and are able to be fully evolved in every aspect of their childs academics.

Posted: March 30, 2014

I am seeing for myself & thru others that our reviews are being taken down! How sad that a select few individuals think they have the power to intimidate us as well as their coworkers! I applaud the teachers who are finally speaking out against their coworkers & administration! Investigations have been launched by several organizations & hopefully justice will be served. The background of the principal needs to be looked into closely, there are some serious allegations against him! The education of our children is the #1 priority here. We need teachers and administration that actually care & go over & above for the sake of the children. I wont deny that some of the staff that was let go needed to go but some great teachers were fired only because they refused to be bullied into going against their own beliefs. The inner workings of the school are the parents, as well as the publics business! I don't want my children being taught by someone who is afraid he/she is going to lose his/her job. When the teachers are being intimidated, threatened, bullied & shunned they can not perform their job to the best of their capability! Also, has the principal forgotten there is a dress code?

Posted: March 17, 2014

I am very happy with my child's education from RCS. We have been at the school for 2 years now and yes there have been staffing changes but I trust the principal and board have my child's best interest in mind when making these decisions. If an employee is not working to the schools standards then they should be let go. My sons teachers have always been warm and welcoming. I receive phone and email responses quickly, even after hours and on weekends. I couldn't be happier with the school. My sons loves it there and always looks forward to going to school.

Posted: March 14, 2014

As a proud parent of one alumni student and one present of RCS, I have nothing but positive things to say. Both my daughters attended RCS since kindergarden. My oldest daughter graduated two years ago and now attends our district school, only because at the time of graduation RCS only went up to 6th grade. Because of the education she received at RCS she is in all honors classes and remains on high honor roll throughout the quarters. My second daughter who currently attends RCS can run rings around other students in my school district (no offense). My last daughter will be attending RCS this coming school year 2014-15 and I only expect the best for her as well. My son who is only two years old will also be attending RCS when his time come. I recommend RCS to any parent who desires a great education for their child or children. Principal Ankrum is a great asset to the school!!! He provides nothing but positive improvements to the school as well as for his students. Keep up the good work RCS!!!

Posted: March 12, 2014

As a parent, I feel that the inner workings of the school are none of the parents' business. All I am concerned about is the education of my child...about which I am very happy. I trust that all decisions are made for the good of the school.

Posted: March 12, 2014

As an informed member of the RCS community, I can whole-heartedly state that RCS makes decisions based on what is best for students. To those who posted previously regarding teachers "vanishing" and "disappearing" -- yes, there have been staffing changes, but each of these changes was made because children were not receiving the instruction they deserve! Looking forward to the opening of the new building which will provide many amenities that RCS students have been dreaming of for many years: a library, art room, cafeteria/gymnasium, etc.. Great things ahead for RCS!

Posted: March 12, 2014

I am a proud parent of a Riverhead Charter School student whose child attended public school during the school year of 2011-2012. Last year (school year 2012-2013), I decided to enroll my child into Riverhead Charter School. Thus far, I have to say I am pleased with my child's success at RCS and I have nothing but positive things to say about the school. I have noticeably seen positive changes take place within my child, which I attribute to my child attending RCS. Having my child attend Riverhead Charter School is a choice, my choice. A chosen opportunity that allows my child to receive the benefits of a quality education designed to be based on private schools standards in conjuction with public school options. Riverhead Charter School is aiming to become a school of excellence. And, in time I do believe under the leadership of the principal Mr. Ankrum, his staff, and continued positive changes taking place within the school and staff, this school will achieve their goal. I would recommend RCS to any parent looking for a quality education in a school where their child is exposed to a diverse student body while learning. Signed......Proud Parent of a RCS Student

Posted: March 12, 2014

RCS is an amazing school!!! Mr. Ankrum is a highly supportive administrator. While working with him, I have been continually impressed with his commitment to excellence. He is uncompromising in his efforts to provide quality education for his students and never loses sight of students and their needs. He is a person of high integrity who places students at the forefront of everything he does. Mr. Ankrum has strong people skills and has earned a reputation as someone who listens to and respects other voices and opinions.

Posted: March 11, 2014

My daughter is a current student at RCS and my son graduated from RCS 2 years ago. When we first moved to Long Island my children attended there district school for 2 years. My children was in charter schools when we lived in NYC and they attended Sisulu Walker Charter School. I am a advocate of charter schools. When I realized that there was a charter school in Long Island I enrolled my children in RCS. I am very happy with my decision. My children have excelled much further being in the charter school then they would have if they stayed in there district school. The school is great, the staff is great, they give 100% every day. The teachers love the students and go above and beyond to make sure that the children excel. I see what this little school has done to keep children active, involved and constantly learning. This school understands that education is most important, not only through textbook learning. This little school that has no gym no auditorium takes the time to develop and expose there students in music, history, art, etc. My daughter has been NYSSMA, The Step team, Special vocal group, she learn to play musical instruments. I am very well pleased with RCS.

Posted: March 11, 2014

RCS is a great school, I see how the school has evolved for the better within the past 2 years. The principal and the teachers have a sincere heart for the children. What I enjoy most about RCS is there is a standard that has been set and it is being accomplished. RCS believes there students potential and the staff of RSC makes sure that there students operates in there full capacity. The education of the RCS students are not taken lightly. RCS is about to open there new school this up coming school year RCS will have K-8th grade. I hope by the time my son goes to HS, RCS will have a HS. I wish there were more schools like RCS, we need more schools like RCS, a place of structure, a place of growth, a place for learning, a place of development. What RCS needs is more parent involvement. I am excited about the growth of RCS and I am proud to be a parent of a child that attends such a great school where kids needs are put first.

Posted: March 11, 2014

I am a parent of 4 kids, and I have noticed the change in our education system. Many schools are not putting as much emphasize on education as I think they should. Homework is rarely given if given at all. Teaching methods are very mediocre and bland not bringing any excitement or joy to learning. But not at the Riverhead Charter School, this school is amazing. My nephew who goes to school in Queens who is in the same grade as my daughter, he is not as advanced as my daughter. My daughter can do power point presentations, her read reading capabilities is above her above her required reading level. This school is diverse and that is something that grasp my attention. The teachers are so wonderful with the students, they are so supportive and understanding as well as caring. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to see there children grow in there academics. The Children needs are a priority at Riverhead Charter School.. RCS understands the importance of education and learning. What I enjoy most is the children get homework assignments during there breaks from school. That is just how important our children education and success is valued at RCS.

Posted: September 25, 2013

I am a new parent, with two children in kindergarten and I am deeply impressed about communication with the teachers. I can not compare with other schools or previous years, but I think is not much usual that the teachers encourage parents to call, email or talk in person as many times as they want, to work together in the child's needs, to make a great learning experience. Parent participation is welcome, and I personally received immediate response from the principal or teachers when I tried to reach them. This school allows parents to be really involved in their children's education. I'd like to see more programs offered in the near future.

Posted: September 3, 2013

This school is poor. With a lack of any technology and sports programs, students are at a disadvantage. How can you run a school without working computers? Other local schools have smart boards, tablets, and computers. This schools has none of the above.

Posted: July 2, 2013

My daughter completed 3rd grade at RCS, this is our 1st year here. I am nothing short of impressed & grateful for the education & support my daughter/family has received this past year! RCS instils respect for one self/others, morals & confidence in their students each day. The staff truely care about their students well being & education. They lead by example. My expierence with her teachers has gone above & beyond my expectations! From Sept-Dec she went up 5 full reading levels! I did not realize how much my daughter was not learning in public school until she became a student at RCS! The education she received was personally tailored to enhance her strengths & decrease her weaknesses. Our family went through some very painful changes this year. The schools social workers not only gave her the tools to handle our situation, they loved & nurtured her through it all. I am positive that if she was in public school this past year, she would have been lost on the mix. Principal Ankrum is an energetic, strong leader. He seems to connect beautifully with the students.I have witness my daughter become a strong student & a confident young lady at RCS. I look forward to another 5 years!

Posted: November 8, 2012

This is a wonderful school. My daughter started the year in public school, which didn't last long due to the lack of education, arrogant teachers and to be desired environment she was in. After looking for schools we came across Riverhead Charter and decided to check it out since it was a longer school day, no tuition, smaller class sizes and seemed more personalized with an enrichment of classes as well. We did have our reservations though. Our biggest concern about the school was the rumors that it was "for bad kids" or had a high minority student body . Neither was true and the school is a wonderful blend of a multi cultural diverse student body with very dedicated teachers to boot. Thus far I am beyond pleased with the education she is receiving along with her wonderful teacher. Would recommend this school to anyone looking for a better alternative to public schools.

Posted: October 20, 2012

I Graduated from this school last year and this school needs 5 stars. This school is very strict and teaches alot. They help people When they are having trouble. This school helped me get ready for Middle School. Although this school doesnt have high quality materials they have the best teachers ever! I been in this school through k-6 and i loved it. They also have strict rules so all staff and students are safe. i loves this school! Love, Taiviana :D