Champions of childhood since 1948.
About Riverside
“At RPDS, children grow in knowledge and faith respecting the differences of others in preparation for life in a global community.”
- Ben Ketchum Head of School
Mission
To educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child.
At-a-Glance
• Founded in 1948
• PreK 3 - 6th Grade
• 390+ Students
• NAIS & FCIS School
• 14-18 Average Class Size
• Need-based Tuition Assistance
• Step Up for Students scholarships accepted
• 34 Zip Codes
• 22% Students of Color
• Weekly Chapel, Leadership Development, and Service Learning
• Riverside in the Afternoon (RITA) and Afternoon Academies
Admissions Checklist
Create a myRPDS Account (First Step to Begin)
Visit rpds.com to create a username and password within our online admissions portal, myRPDS; this is the hub to register for events, submit an online application, and complete steps in the admissions process.
Parent Tour (September - February)
Visit campus to explore teaching and learning at Riverside; register via myRPDS.
Admissions Application (Due January 26)
Apply via myRPDS
• New prospective families are asked to complete the Riverside Admissions Application and submit a non-refundable $100 application fee (per applicant).
• Affiliated RPDS families are asked to complete the Riverside Sibling/Alumni/ Faculty Application and submit a non-refundable $50 application fee (per applicant).
On-Campus Assessment (December-February)
Coordinated by the Admissions Team upon submission of the online admissions application.
• PreK 3: No On-Campus Assessment required; however, children must demonstrate school readiness and be fully potty trained.
• PreK 4: On Campus Assessment for overall readiness and maturity
• K-6th Grade: On-Campus Visit and Assessment
Supplemental
Materials
(Due February 9)
Confidential FCIS Teacher Recommendation Form (PreK 4-6th grade applicants)
• Completed and submitted directly by your child’s current teacher (email smilne@rpds.com).
Transcripts (1st-6th grade applicants)
• Current school records must be requested by parents via the Transcript Release Form and sent directly from your child’s current School.
Financial Assistance Application (Due February 9)
Apply via rpds.com through FAST
• Awards are based upon demonstrated financial need.
• Admissions decisions are made without regard to whether a family has applied for financial assistance.
Key Dates
• September 1 - Online application opens
• January 26 - Application deadline (first round)
• February 9 - Supplemental Materials & Financial Assistance deadline
• March 6 - Online decision notification
• March 22 - Enrollment deadline
Rams on the Rise Events
These gatherings are held for prospective PreK 3-Kindergarten students and parents. Each Ram on the Rise event spotlights our engaging teaching and learning. For more information and to register visit myRPDS.com.
• September 18 - Storytime
• October 23 - Music & Movement
• November 13 - STEAM (K Only)
• December 4 - PE and Sportmanship (K Only)
• December 11 - Christmas Storytime
• January 22 - Science (K Only)
• February 9 - Care & Connect (PreK 4 & K Only)
• March 25 - Easter Storytime & Egg Hunt
Contacts
830 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 • 904-353-3459
Tavia Mullen Director of Admissionstmullen@rpds.com
Stephanie Milne Admissions Associate smilne@rpds.com