Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	6/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) Tests data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2024 College and Career Ready Assessments (READY) data from South Carolina Department of Education.
College Readiness	8/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2024 SAT percent participation data from South Carolina Department of Education, using 2024 SAT percent college ready data from South Carolina Department of Education, using 2024 4-year high school graduation rate data from South Carolina Department of Education, using 2024 Average SAT score data from South Carolina Department of Education, using 2024 Average ACT score data from South Carolina Department of Education, using 2024 ACT percent college ready data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2023 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student Growth - Elementary Level data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2024 Student Growth - Middle Level data from South Carolina Department of Education.

Posted: November 8, 2024

My kindergarten child struggled here as this was her first real social experience with peers, and this schools solution was to come up with a reason to put her in the special education class when she has no learning disability, and to only allow her half days of school. If your child behaves like a child this may not be the school for you.

Posted: August 24, 2024

This school has a bullying problem and administration does nothing to help! The principal pawns the kids off on the school counselor when they go to her for bullying and the counselors only suggestion is to have the kids sit down and talk! There are no consequences for bullying, administrators seem to just stick their head in the sand! Something needs to be done with these bullies and the school administrators need to step up. If you are looking at this school as an alternative, trust me look elsewhere!

Posted: May 5, 2023

Its amazing the best school I've been to you should go here

Posted: April 22, 2023

My experience with Riverwalk has been nothing short of amazing. I love how they continue to grow the school. One of the biggest advantages to Riverwalk is that the Riverwalk students have the opportunity to not only take dual enrollment courses, but complete an Associate Degree program at York Technical College. I would definitely recommend Riverwalk Academy. Also, with the addition of more athletic programs for students, Riverwalk is poised to continue on its path to becoming one of the best schools, not just in York County, but the state.

Posted: January 6, 2023

Awful school. The administration does not care about these individual student. I shouldve read the reviews prior to sending my child there. Stay away!

Posted: August 16, 2021

Terrible experience for us.
Here is the current list of issues we are having:

1. The perpetual bully. There is a girl at this school who is terrorizing other kids. Fights in the halls, social media harassment, shes still there. Im not even sure they ever suspend her but it does nothing. This has been going on for a year, and has now carried over into the following year on only the second week of school.

2. Project based learning = little instruction from teachers and then they go sit in the corner waiting on the kids to finish their projects. One child usually does all the work. My child has declined in their abilities since entry to this school.

3. No parent engagement other than a weekly newsletter. Were not made aware of issues or their steps to combat bullying, low test scores, increased engagement, little is offered to us in the way of information about how the school plans to expand or improve.

Do not recommend in any fashion. We plan to withdraw our child as soon as possible.

Posted: August 16, 2021

Posted: March 31, 2019

Better than it was, but all they want is to raise money.

Posted: March 31, 2019

My son was bullied and nothing was done

Posted: March 31, 2019

There isn't consistency, and there is constant turnover

Posted: March 31, 2019

Most of the ones I know are psycho outside of school. Particularly one. If you knew the things she's done.

Posted: March 31, 2019

I haven't seen anything good come out of this school

Posted: January 23, 2019

This school does not take a stand against bullying. My 8 year old daughter has had several bullying incidents at this school all being verbal until she was verbally harassed, pushed up against a wall , and choked yesterday. When my husband and I went to speak to the principal, he acted as though he didn't have time for us and when I asked both principals what they were going to do to keep my daughter safe, the answer was that they would "monitor" the situation. They kept downplaying the situation and didn't seem to understand the severity the situation. They didn't seem to understand that all it takes is a split second for it to happen again since the aggressor would be right back in class with my daughter. The teachers here are great and sweet but the administration and behavior policies are a mess so for the safety of our daughter we have pulled them out. I had such high hopes for this school and it really is such a shame.

Posted: November 26, 2018

Bullying is nipped in the butt quick. Administration and its teachers are quick to resolve and shut down issues at hand.

Posted: November 26, 2018

Riverwalk is the best. The staff is calculated, wise, and full of character! The best part is that the school is small, and the staff all work together really well in being effective as educators.

Posted: November 26, 2018

Little to no homework- all PBL based

Posted: November 26, 2018

Teachers are friendly, helpful, and caring. The PBL program helps all different types of learners.

Posted: November 26, 2018

Riverwalk teaches its student to carry itself with the utmost respect and treat others the same way

Posted: November 19, 2018

I did not keep my children at this school. There were always too many staff changes, not enough communication, and events were never well planned.

Posted: November 19, 2018

There is little to no communication from teachers.

Posted: November 19, 2018

Teachers frequently leave and do not come back the following year.

Posted: November 19, 2018

Posted: November 17, 2018

We moved from the general public school for the more flexible learning. Over all we are happier in this school.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Dr Compton and Mrs McCray have been amazing at leading our school and really turning things around for the better!!

Posted: November 15, 2018

Our experience had been incredible!! Our kids love going to school each day. They love their friends and their teachers. And they have done so well with the learning style. Their test scores and report cards are fantastic!

Posted: November 15, 2018

I love that we dont have homework each night. We are able to enjoy our evening and our kids can rest after a full day of learning! We read together and talk about their day but we dont have to go through the stressful event of homework. Occasionally there are small projects or work to catch up on, but thats very rare!!

Posted: November 15, 2018

Every time I interact with other students at school I notice that they are all kind and respectful!!

Posted: November 15, 2018

Dr. Compton and Mrs. McCray are absolutely amazing and very accessible via email

Posted: November 15, 2018

Riverwalk believes in schoolwork. If students don't complete their work at school, they bring it home. Otherwise homework is only reading every night

Posted: November 15, 2018

The choice to send my daughter to Riverwalk was the best one we ever made. She is free to be herself and not labeled as having problems be a use she often times can't care to focus on her work. In most schools teachers would have her labeled and medicated for ADD or ADHD, but at Riverwalk, the teachers understand she's a normal almost 10yr old kid that sometimes just can't be forced to care about her classwork. That leads to her having to finish it at home and learning sometimes we have to do what we don't like to do. Riverwalk also teaches children to work in groups in Kindergarten and continues throughout their schooling which I love!

Posted: November 15, 2018

They wait 30 days to do anything.

Posted: November 15, 2018

If you don't fit the mold, they have nothing for you.

Posted: November 15, 2018

They deny it happens. Nobody helps the bullied child.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Everything changes without rhyme or reason and little communication. Teachers only blames child and offer no help.

Posted: November 15, 2018

They blame children instead of helping children.

Posted: November 15, 2018

I have not seen any of this. Truly disappointed because this was a main reason we chose the school.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Horrible. My child went from all A's to failing. Bullying rampant. Nothing for academically gifted students. Nothing for special need like enlarging work for vision issues. They blame the child.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Average at best, this school leaves a lot to be desired. Doesn't even have a library. This will be our last year.

Posted: November 15, 2018

9 out of 10. Moved our children from public schooling to this hands on charter school and they have flourished!!

Posted: November 15, 2018

Dr. Compton is WONDERFUL. He engages with the children and parents and is an incredible leader. Anytime I have had to meet with him one-on-one he has been available; meetings have been positive and effective. Mrs. McCray is also incredible, I cannot say enough nice things about this administration.

Posted: November 15, 2018

My child has ADHD and the PBL approach to learning has been wonderful for him.

Posted: November 15, 2018

I have never had to deal with bullying, so I am neutral on this one.

Posted: November 15, 2018

I am so pleased with my decision to send my child to Riverwalk. We wouldn't choose anywhere else!

Posted: November 15, 2018

For 5 years, homework has been minimal. As a parent of an ADHD child, this is wonderful because late afternoon/evening is the hardest time for him to focus.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Even throughout some personality differences, my child has maintained that his teachers have all been wonderful. They are also very willing to communicate with parents when necessary.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Dr. Compton is the best thing that has happened to Riverwalk. He has truly turned the school around and made it a welcoming, safe, effective place for all the students.

Posted: November 15, 2018

They take the time with each and every student to make sure they fully understand the materials at hand.

Posted: November 15, 2018

No bullying policy - and unlike other local schools, they stick by it!

Posted: November 15, 2018

Doesn't bog down the kids with a bunch of homework - understands family time after school is important.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Teachers genuinely care - will give out extra help to the students if needed to make sure they fully understand the material and won't let them fall behind.

Posted: November 15, 2018

The main message they have at Riverwalk in character is to be kind to others - and they let that be known to every child who comes in there -- and it really strikes a cord with them.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Absolutely the best choice I made for my children.... The went to our local school before this -- My son was failing in math. He would ask the teachers for extra help, only to be turned away and told "You need to study at home. I've already taught this, you should have listened." He did - he just wasn't understanding it. And it's the teachers job to give them extra help -- So between that and the bullying problem, we looked elsewhere and found Riverwalk Academy. Not only is my son bringing home all A's and high B's on his report card, but he no longer deals with bullying and has made so many friends. He actually enjoys going to school now, his classes, loves his teachers, loves the hands-on approach that Riverwalk has, and loves that the school includes the kids on different decisions and aspects, letting their voices be heard. He volunteers now, something he's never done before, for various activities and projects... My daughter just started school this year, and at first she was a little apprehensive about going - didn't want to leave home. Now, she gets upset knowing it's Friday and she has to spend two days at home. She loves going and learning - again, it's because of the hands on approach that Riverwalk has. The teachers make learning fun for the kids, which peak their interest and make them want to learn! ... Another plus for us is the fact that all the teachers and staff throughout the school get to know each and every kid - not just those in their class or in their grade. And they care - it's like one gigantic family! They are big on praise -- so instead of just yelling or disciplining a child when needed, they aren't shy to send home a note or an email to the parent letting you know how wonderful your child is, or something great that they have done that they feel should be recognized... Part way through last year, Dr. Compton came in as interim Principal and really turned things around - he deserves so much kudos for what he has done. We were thrilled to hear that he had been named permanent Principal of Riverwalk - he truly is a principal that wants to see each and every kid succeed not only at school but in life, and he will go out of his way to make sure that happens. Riverwalk is a very positive school for kids - not only academically, but for their self-esteem as well.

Posted: November 15, 2018

I couldn't be happier with the direction our principals are taking the school and the connections they make with families.

Posted: November 15, 2018

The best choice I've ever made for my family was sending them to Riverwalk Academy

Posted: November 15, 2018

Limited amount of homework so families can spend more time together.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Teachers get to know each student creating a more family atmosphere rather than the kids being just another student in the crowd

Posted: November 15, 2018

Riverwalk teaches the students to be good members of the community and to always show kindness

Posted: October 11, 2018

The leadership at tis school this year is outstanding. They listen they involve not only the parents but they ask the Students to take part in building our school.

Posted: October 11, 2018

They do not put a label on your child. Every student has the support they need and they are all encourage to grow and participate together. They encourage other student to support each other and by working together they both grow. They have the most amazing SPED team, we are very lucky to have such a caring team.

Posted: October 11, 2018

All school struggle with this. Riverwalk is taking steps to try and control and change the way our students think. They have brought an amazing program to the school to help guide our students to be kind and make good choices.

Posted: October 11, 2018

We have the most amazing group of teachers. They don'y just teach, they care. They want to make a difference. From Elementary to High school classes they are the best.

Posted: October 11, 2018

They are not just teaching from text books, they are providing our kids with the tool they need to be successful outside of school life, the changes in my 3 sons has been remarkable. Best decision I made.

Posted: October 11, 2018

My Experience as a parent has been amazing. It is a school that is forever changing and will only improve more each year. Things haven't always been like they are now, but I truly believe in this school and look forward to watching it grow.

Posted: October 11, 2018

Our school believes in only giving out homework when it is absolutely necessary. They allow kids to be kids and have a family life after school.

Posted: September 7, 2017

Vibrant and very good vibe. Kids love it so far!

Posted: August 14, 2017

This school should be shut down. Teachers have zero regard for children. They hand them work and play on their cell phones. If your child does not complete work another student has to complete the work for them. And if your child leaves school property the police nor the parents will be contacted they take matters into their own hands. I strongly recommend parents take the negative reviews seriously and not send your children here. It is not a safe environment and should be shut down. Please do not send your children here I wish I wouldn't have worst decision I ever made. If your child is currently enrolled please pull them this school is a danger to your children.

Posted: August 14, 2017

Posted: June 28, 2017

I will not be sending my children back here next year. The school was good last year, I could look past a few "growing pains" that the school had being 3 years old. However, I will not be returning due to the reports of unprofessionalism and news articles from the herald. I can't trust the administration.

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: June 19, 2017

The pbl model allows room for lots of different types of learners while allowing them to learn how to work together.

Posted: June 19, 2017

Yes. From some perspectives it may not seem it does. What is happening is the administration is following the laws in place for privacy. Therefore can not tell you what is being done about a bully. I do know some have been expelled and rightfully so.

Posted: June 19, 2017

I am excited for what the new administration is bringing to our school. Without the budget set yet they may be waiting to announce things until they know for certain that they can be provided.

Posted: June 19, 2017

I have had good repose from administration when contacted. I like the new administration and what they have done and will do for the school.

Posted: June 19, 2017

We are a no homework school but if a child does not complete an assignment in class they can take it home which is nice so they do not have to rush or stress.

Posted: June 19, 2017

They are as teachers all the time. They now have administrative support which had been lacking in the past.

Posted: June 19, 2017

All of these are approached threw problem solving and team work.

Posted: June 19, 2017

There's some new meat in the administration, but they are strong.

Posted: June 19, 2017

Yes!!! My child has an IEP and their special education department is wonderful.

Posted: June 19, 2017

I think they had some restraints due to old policies but they are fixing those.

Posted: June 19, 2017

I love Riverwalk. The new direction of the school renews my faith that my child will have a wonderful experience here.

Posted: June 19, 2017

The school doesn't give a lot of homework. This can be a good thing. I asked my child's teacher to send extra practice and she did.

Posted: June 19, 2017

The majority of the teachers were good. You have some that paid attention to their phone more than the kids, but I believe the administration has fixed that problem.

Posted: June 19, 2017

I heard that they are implementing a new character program next year. I'm hopeful it will be much better.

Posted: June 18, 2017

Awesome school because the staff cares and wants the students to succeed.

Posted: June 18, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

Staff would come and leave so we never kept a teacher and we never saw our new principal after our other one left.

Posted: June 16, 2017

The staff never paid attention to the students and were most of the time on their phones or doing other things.

Posted: June 16, 2017

I would not recommend any parent enrolling their students into Riverwalk due to poor staff education, non-disciplined students, staff drama, and the fact that they can't keep a teacher and have to let all the old and good staff go so they can try to keep them from sharing their bad experiences at Riverwalk.

Posted: June 16, 2017

Riverwalk Academy staff did not believe in giving homework.

Posted: June 16, 2017

Half of the time we didn't have a teacher, and if we did they were either moved around a lot or didn't know what they were doing.

Posted: June 15, 2017

This school had great potential. It truly was the place to be during our first two years. This year however, we had a change in administration including the principal. Since the change in admin it has been complete chaos. The admin lacks experience, communication with parents has been terrible, classrooms have been filled with substitutes. There seems to be no discipline plan or character building program. We need some to see some positive changes and fast!

Posted: June 15, 2017

Posted: June 13, 2017

The school has a great feeling overall. When I come in to work and greet everyone on a daily basis I feel at home. There are many other staff members that were let go and disgruntled but with the negativity gone I now feel like I am a part of a family and a part of a team that wants to be successful for both our students and the school itself.

Posted: June 13, 2017

Great, the teachers and staff are always friendly and ready to help anyway they can. The students get to learn in a new way and it helps make the overall experience of their educational career better!

Posted: June 13, 2017

The SPED director sent paperwork to me on June 7th that needed to be signed FROM AN IEP MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 15TH! That is a legal document that should be taken seriously!

Posted: June 13, 2017

Student bullying is not handled because there is no common discipline system. More concerning is the administration bullying staff via manipulation and deceit (and passive aggressive Facebook posts and emails).

Posted: June 13, 2017

Originally, there was a no-homework policy; there was no consistency throughout the school on this policy after November.

Posted: June 13, 2017

The most qualified and compotent facilitators were told there was a problem with contract paperwork and that administration was still working to complete them. Still no word on the last day of school (June 7th for learners), despite asking several times. Administration was very manipulative and told all facilitators they did not have to report for the teacher workday on June 8th if they had already completed their checkout process. So no one went. Then those who were still waiting on contracts were sent an email on Friday, June 9th, which stated, "I'm sorry to have to contact you by email, but I could not find you at school yesterday to inform you: We will not be extending your contract." Of course they couldn't find them; they told them not come! Suspiciously, these facilitators were the ones who did not attend the new principal's congratulatory party afterschool when she was moved from interim to permanent.

Posted: June 13, 2017

We began this year using Conscious Discipline but needed training in how to implement CD. We were being given training. With the new administration, CD went out the window, and there was no common discipline system from that point. Some teachers (the ones they let go) hold learners accountable for behavior and teach them the missing social skills they need.

Posted: June 13, 2017

They can't even be consistent among themselves and refer to their little group as "the dream team." The assistant principal they hired over Christmas break had no M.Ed. and was not then attending school for her M.Ed. (they blamed the hire on needing someone to fill that space quickly over Christmas break, yet the position had been open since before Thanksgiving). Sending concerns to administration will result in passive agressive Facebook status updates instead of adult dialogue about the concerns. They will also begin ignoring in the hallway anyone who doesn't fit their idea of how people should fall in line. Administration frequently lies to and manipulates both staff and families. Prospective families are often told more about the "future" of the school than the staff is. Resignations of staff were never announced to families, even when Kindergarten children went through several changes in staff in their classrooms.

Posted: June 12, 2017

I'm super impressed by how much dedication this school has for their students with learning disabilities. They seem to really go the extra mile to make sure every student has who or what they need to be successful.

Posted: June 12, 2017

Bullying is a hard topic. It seems that the difference in bullying and teasing get intermingled. The school started with Conscious Discipline that gave a lot of choices and we love this. However, it also seemed to limit the teachers' recourse or options for undesirable behavior. Later this year, under the new administration, teachers were given the ability and choice to better the behavior in their classrooms. This has helped tremendously in our child's classroom!

Posted: June 12, 2017

The teachers are very resilient and do a good job using what they have and supplementing what they don't have to make sure that the grade level state standards are met.

Posted: June 12, 2017

I love the character building that has been taught to my child this year! There have been many events for autism/learning disability awareness, leadership/team building activities, and in many instances of backing up the golden rule. My child has matured so much this year and loves to help others.

Posted: June 12, 2017

The current leadership is fantastic. They have an obvious passion for the school family and all involved (Students, Parents, Staff, etc. ). The principle, Ms.Stepp, seems to have a great handle of her staff's strengths and weaknesses and has carefully placed them where they've can build on their strengths.

Posted: June 12, 2017

I rate our overall experience with this school at 5 stars. It's still growing and building and with that comes growing pains. We are hopeful that next year will bring a better year.

Posted: June 12, 2017

The school currently has a little to no homework policy, except for reading each night and minimal pbl research.

Posted: June 12, 2017

This school is not at all what they present themselves to be and the board allows this type of unethical behavior to occur. Entolling my child is one of the worst decision that I have ever made as a parent! I just hope he can recover from the massive academic loss obtained while attending this school!

Posted: June 12, 2017

Teachers at this school are constantly yelling a students! They are unfriendly and rarely speak to parents. Every event I attended they seem disconnected from the students and just plain miserable.

Posted: June 12, 2017

Developing character starts at the top. All administrators at this school have no morals, character, or values. It seems they are just there for the paycheck. Definitely not the students as they all stay in the offices all day rarely interacting with students.

Posted: June 12, 2017

The leadership at this school is horrible! Mrs Stepp' the lead administrator NEVER comes out of her office. She constantly lies to parents! Don't believe a word. She says. She only tells parents what she thinks they want to hear. Mrs Reinken, the middle school administrator is inexperienced and constantly yells at the students. My middle schooler was afraid to go to school !

Posted: June 12, 2017

They can't effective lead with the amount of bullying taking place by administration.

Posted: June 12, 2017

Bullying is a massive issue. The administration actively bullies teachers and staff and therefore cannot prevent bullying in the classroom. This school had such great potential but have truly been a disappointment.

Posted: June 12, 2017

There are teachers bullying students. There is no common form of discipline that is used throughout the school. Each teachers disciplines as they see fit.

Posted: June 12, 2017

There seems to be some inexperience in regards to fulfilling IEP's and 504's.

Posted: June 12, 2017

Many are inexperienced and have never worked in these positions before.

Posted: June 12, 2017

There are sweet students there. I do not feel there is an overall culture for the school that tries to create strong character building.

Posted: June 12, 2017

Some classes have it, some don't. It used to have a no-homework policy.

Posted: June 12, 2017

There are many new teachers to project based learning. There are many first year teachers. Many teachers that are not experienced.

Posted: June 12, 2017

We did not have a good experience with this school after November of this year through to the end April when it became so bad and we had to take our son out. The main concerns are; academics, no proper leadership, non-certified teachers, inexperienced staff, IEPs, low test scores, no gym, no sports, communication and bullying from staff members. There will be many new teachers and staff in the upcoming year. Middle school will be in mobile units. It will be another year of a lot of changes and transition.

Posted: May 28, 2017

We have had no problems with bullying this year but we did have problems at other schools

Posted: May 28, 2017

We had an amazing teacher this year for 1st grade and my daughters reading levels improved so dramatically. Mrs Ferguson is the best! We also saw improvement in my son's participation and desire to do well in school this year with Mrs Williams in 5th grade.

Posted: May 28, 2017

I love the project based learning and the way they teach kids to express how they feel

Posted: May 28, 2017

I'm encouraged at the administration change we have had this year and am
Looking forward to a great school year next year

Posted: May 28, 2017

With any new school growing pains is to be expected. We are hopeful that this school will continue to blossom.

Posted: May 28, 2017

We love that our kids have no homework other than reading at night.

Posted: May 8, 2017

No leadership, teachers are afraid to do anything because they don't want to get in trouble. Bullying and bad behavior never gets addressed in a way that it improves. I purchased over $200 in back to school supplies and specifically requested that they not be used by the class but by my child. 4 weeks into school when my son needed some supplies I sent in, they were all missing and no one could find them nor did they seem to care. Whenever I said anything the teacher would just pull supplies from another childs stash and gave it to him. Very frustrating.

Posted: May 8, 2017

Posted: April 24, 2017

My child was yelled at and called a bully by the guidance counselor because she chose to keep her distance from another child that wishes she was dead and the guidance counselor denied saying it. After sending emails to counselor, principle and assistant principal and only having the guidance counselor respond, makes me feel they don't care their administration calls students names. After stating I prefer to communicate through emails to have proof of what is said, the emails have stopped. What a disappointment of a school.

Posted: January 30, 2017

The school offers great opportunities for children to learn in a Project Based learning environment. As a newer school - as only been active for two and a half years, they are learning a lot about their community the children they serve as well as the needs of their students. I see constant evolving motion in place this year and my prayer is that it continues as we move forward into next year. My experience is that there is not a lot of high turnover at all. Many of the teachers are moving up and they are able to take on additional roles or be in leadership roles. Our daughter is doing extremely well there however I think it's important for parents to consider the fact that it is a project-based learning environment and for some children that is not how they best learn.

It is sad to read some of other people's experiences. My hope is that whatever it is that they needed or that their child needed that it has been fulfilled and that consideration will be given to the fact that it is a choice school in the public arena just as all of the schools are in rock Hill. You get a choice.

The evolution this school is going through is truly remarkable and I look forward to see what it continues to become -I think the key in choosing the school is knowing your child, knowing their learning style, as well as being supportive of all that is going on there - it truly is a growing community.

There is no absolute perfect place. But for us, it is the place to be.

Posted: January 23, 2017

I can't stress how unwilling this school was to work with my son. I was in the office crying because they kept suspending him. I donated resources, and tried everything to help him. I begged them to push the IEP process & was told they have 60 days. Let me be clear in saying they took the full 60 days. I ended up pulling him from the school before the 60 days & my zoned public school immediately took over & rushed his IEP through. Riverwalk does not want children with disabilities. Amazingly, he hasn't had one issue at Oakdale.

Posted: January 23, 2017

I had 2 students at this school. I sent them here because they were zoned for poor performing public schools. My 7th grader attended in 6th grade as well. His 6th grade teachers were fantastic & kept you well informed. Unfortunately, he was gifted & talented in public school & I noticed this year his test scores were significantly falling. Additionally, the lack of communication from the teachers was ridiculous. It was like pulling teeth for them to even post your child's grades & you would find out months later that he was missing an assignment or received a poor grade. Now he is at Saluda Trail Middle School & is complaining that it's much harder. Given he was an honor student prior to attending Riverwalk, I am concerned that Riverwalk is way behind the public school system. Additionally, his grades are posted at Saluda weekly & teachers keep you well informed. In fact, I haven't had to reach out to them once.

My kindergartner is smart as well, but has some emotional issues & Riverwalk stated they were willing to work with him, but would call me almost every day or suspend him. I was astonished that they would open their new campus without having a playground or another way for a kindergartner to release their energy. I couldn't deal with the constant phone calls & suspensions, so I removed him. He is now at Oakdale & I have not received a single complaint. in fact, he is so happy there & is learning faster than what I would have anticipated.

I gave them an overall 2 star, because they were so quick to jump on my eldest's bullying issue, otherwise, I would have given a 1 star.

Posted: January 23, 2017

I have to say my oldest was bullied & his teacher jumped right on it. He was never bullied again.

Posted: January 23, 2017

Constant turnover. The old school principal was erratic, but the new principal was unhelpful at her former position anyways, which was the middle school principal.

Posted: January 23, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

This was a huge concern for me and I was told they use conscious discipline as a foundation but it is not their overall rule of thumb for dealing with issues. Some students are different. And I believe bullying is a huge problem and all the staff seemed to focus on helping with this issue if it arose.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Yes, this was a question I asked as I have a friend who is interested in joining the school and her child has special needs. The school seems to have a great program for these students as well.

Posted: January 13, 2017

It was stated that there were new members of leadership and I had interaction with the new principal and she seemed wonderful. Answered all of my questions and then some. The marketing director was also very helpful with scheduling my tours and working with my schedule. Responses to questions via emails and calls were answered within the same day.

Posted: January 13, 2017

I feel like the 2 tours I have taken of the school as well as the contact back and forth with other parents and staff I met I find this true.

Posted: January 13, 2017

I met several teachers along my tour and they seemed very knowledgeable and effective in the materials they were teaching.

Posted: January 13, 2017

I like the minimal homework approach it gives me more time to spend with my son.

Posted: January 13, 2017

The new location and new staff are great. Very knowledgeable as well as friendly. Our son will start within a few weeks as he liked the school so much with our tour.

Posted: January 10, 2017

No! Children with learning & behavior difficulties are allowed to roam about the classroom. This indicates to me that the teachers have no control, this no ability to track across multiple platforms and varying learning abilities.

Posted: January 10, 2017

There are good and poor leaders in the administration of this school. But, that seems to create inconsistency which translates as confusion to students & parents.

Another concern is the extremely high turnover rates of teachers in the school. Good leadership usually increases retention. But, both students & teachers seem to be leaving by the droves!

Posted: January 10, 2017

OMG...no consistency in discipline. The inmates run this asylum.

Posted: January 10, 2017

Teachers seem highly qualified but lack the ability to apply their skill. They fail to translate their training into improving children's learning.

Posted: January 10, 2017

Homework is usually the result of teachers failure to properly instruct and manage classrooms. So, out of control children hinder those who are applying effort. This leaves actual instruction to patents to conduct at home.

Posted: January 10, 2017

Suspect falsified state testing. "Some kids" are taken out of class during state testing. State tests are re-administered on subsequent days (same tests) as though they are re-resting because scores were inadequate.

Students are graded inconsistently and even against one another instead of against a standard. Nearly all kids (that we know) start school years with low grades but finish with A/B...as though school/teachers are trying to artificial academic growth.

Posted: October 21, 2016

Bullying is a big problem and is swept under the rug or completely ignored.

Posted: October 21, 2016

Leadership has very little educational experience. The need to bring in experienced educators.

Posted: October 21, 2016

If the school could control the poor behavior or expel a few students, things would dramatically improve.

Posted: October 21, 2016

Admintration does not support the teachers. Teachers care but have been overrun by out of control students that constantly disrupt and control the classroom.

Posted: October 21, 2016

School is being controlled by bullying and out of control students. Administration has very little education experience and seems to be learning as they go. I had a lot of hope for this school and was very supportive the first two years. I had to finally take my daughter out during her 3rd year due to lack of organization and control of poor behaving students. New facilities are nice but they are in desperate need of new leadership. Adminstration does not support their teachers.

Riverwalk Academy

Rock Hill, SC 29732

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Riverwalk Academy

Rock Hill, SC 29732

School Ratings

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