Champions of childhood since 1948.
“At
About Riverside
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
• 410+ Students
• NAIS & FCIS School
• 14-18 Average class size
• Need-based Financial Assistance
• State Scholarships through Step Up for Students accepted
• 37 Zip codes
• 22% Students of color
• Weekly Chapel, leadership development, and service learning
• AM & PM Extended Day (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 31)
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: Children must demonstrate school readiness and be fully potty trained.
• PreK 4: On Campus Assessment
• K-6th Grade: On-Campus Visit and Assessment
Supplemental Materials (Due February 7)
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 7)
Apply via rpds.com through Clarity
• 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 31 - Application deadline (first round)
• February 7 - Supplemental Materials & Financial Assistance deadline
• March 5 - Online Admission & Financial Assistance decision notification
• March 19 - Enrollment deadline
Rams on the Rise Events
These morning gatherings are held for prospective PreK 3-Kindergarten students and parents. Each Ram on the Rise event spotlights our engaging teaching and learning.
• October 7 - Fall Storytime
• October 28 - Music & Movement
• November 18 - STEAM (K only)
• December 16 - Christmas Storytime
• January 24 - Care & Connect (PreK 4 & K only)
• February 10 - Playground & Play (PreK 4 & K only)
• April 14 - Easter Storytime & Egg Hunt
Contacts
830 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 • 904-353-3459
Tavia Mullen Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management tmullen@rpds.com
Stephanie Milne Admissions Associate smilne@rpds.com
