2024-2029Strategic Plan
Dear Riverside,
For 75 years, Riverside Presbyterian Day School has remained dedicated to shaping the hearts and minds of children by offering a balanced, challenging academic program which stimulates each child’s intellectual curiosity and the desire for lifelong learning, in concert with the rich traditions, values, and community that have become hallmarks of a Riverside education.
As the first independent elementary school in Jacksonville, Riverside’s history, founding principles, along with the strength and vision of the community, have formed a solid foundation for the School to expand upon for generations to come. While we celebrate Riverside’s rich history, we look with great anticipation toward the future to best position the School for continued success through our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. This new plan outlines a 5-year approach to enriching our academic programs, strengthening our all important sense of community, and continued focus on institutional sustainability. Grounded in our commitment to “educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child”, the initiatives and goals outlined in this plan have been designed to further provide our students with the highest quality educational experience, enveloped in a campus and community that continues to promote well-rounded students who are confident, intellectually curious, and service minded.
As the Riverside community sets our sights on this exciting new chapter, we are committed to investing in the people, the programs, and the RPDS campus for the benefit of our current and future students, faculty, and families.
Thank you for your steadfast partnership and helping us achieve our vision and goals.
Sincerely,
Ben Ketchum Head of School
William Trice Board of Trustees President
Our Mission
Educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child.
In achieving this mission, Riverside Presbyterian Day School seeks to:
• Offer a balanced, challenging academic program which stimulates each child’s intellectual curiosity and the desire for lifelong learning
• Affirm the teachings of the Christian faith, and nurture the awareness of God’s unconditional love for every child
• Encourage the development of self-esteem and confidence by recognizing the unique potential and worth of each individual
• Provide a school climate which promotes respect for the values of our democratic society and fosters concerned and responsible citizenship
Our Philosophy
Riverside Presbyterian Day School provides students with a carefully planned academic program within a supportive environment where respect for the individual, community, and Christian values are promoted. Riverside recognizes that each child is an individual and gears teaching strategies to ensure that children will experience success at their level of learning. Students are challenged to rise to higher goals and achievement through the use of curriculum that addresses a variety of learning styles and exposes children to rich literature, problem solving opportunities, and cooperative learning experiences.
Different levels of academic ability, social development, and learning styles are respected and used to design and implement curriculum. A comprehensive curriculum guide built around a challenging academic program includes subject matter in the academic areas, the arts, physical education, STEAM, guidance, Bible instruction, and technology. The curriculum inspires children to become life-long learners and equips them with the skills and dispositions necessary to adapt to an ever-changing world.
Academics
Academics Goal
Continue to provide an exceptional educational experience focused on developing the whole child, ensuring academic excellence, strong character development, faith formation, respect for others and differences, and preparation of students as civic and servant leaders with global mindsets.
• Invest in RPDS curriculums and programs to remain at the forefront of elementary education utilizing innovative pedagogy and current best practices.
• Embrace and elevate our commitment to character education, ethical decision making, spiritual development, and social and emotional well-being.
• Develop each student to reach their fullest academic potential by providing support and enrichment to ensure students experience success while growing in knowledge and understanding.
• Attract, develop, and retain talented educators, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, who are committed to living and advancing the RPDS mission.
• Invest in our teachers by providing resources and professional development opportunities to ensure continuous professional advancement throughout a RPDS career.
• Maintain our focus on our approach to technology and a balanced integration into our curriculum considering best practices in light of technological advances
• Continue to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of a diversity of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds by integrating learning experiences into our curriculum that equip students to live, lead, and serve in a diverse world.
Community
Community Goal
Cultivate and promote a school community that is welcoming, inclusive, and values the uniqueness each member brings to the RPDS family.
• Continue to foster a sense of belonging in a welcoming environment where all feel valued and supported.
• Honor our mission’s roots in the Christian context while serving and educating our school community with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and faith traditions.
• Nurture relationships with Riverside Presbyterian Church while working collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Strengthen relationships with our extended community by engaging and connecting with alumni, parents, and community partners.
• Enhance communication practices across all constituencies while clearly articulating RPDS’ student-centered approach to education.
Sustainability
SustainabilityGoal
Ensure the strength and stability of RPDS through intentional enhancements of stewardship and advancement initiatives to position the school to pursue a path of continued growth and excellence.
• Invest in our facilities to align with our vision for RPDS and to support the current and future program and educational needs of students, faculty, and the community.
• Continue to provide a safe and welcoming school environment by consistently evaluating safety and security on campus.
• Thoughtfully communicate and inform the community regarding how RPDS invests its resources.
• Continue to educate our community about the important role philanthropy plays in advancing RPDS’s mission, developing and supporting faculty, supporting operations and financial aid, and enhancing student experiences.
• Strengthen our endowment and giving programs to enrich the RPDS experience and advance institutional excellence.
• Define a comprehensive strategy for advancement that provides families greater certainty regarding financial commitments.
• Maintain alignment of admission and marketing efforts to highlight RPDS’s commitment to attract qualified and diverse students.
Acknowledgements
This five-year plan affirms our long-standing commitment to educate the hearts and minds of each of our students at the highest level. The established goals and priorities will provide a clear vision for the future of our School. We thank the faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and trustees who participated in the strategic planning process and continue to support the mission of the School.
2023-24 Board of Trustees
William Trice
President
Katie Fackler
Vice President
Stephanie Harden
Secretary & Treasurer
Jan Andrews
Brad Arrowsmith
Marcela S. Beard
Jenny Brumback
Alicia Buckley
Benjamin A. Campen
Penny Cunningham
Jed Davis
Tommy Dudley, Jr.
Katie Fackler
Colleen Haley
Stephanie Harden
Martin Harrell
Virginia Hunt
Matthew Jackson
Paul Jones
Strategic Planning Committee
Colleen Haley Co-Chair
Brooke McDuffie Co-Chair
Brad Arrowsmith
Marcela Beard
Alicia Buckley
Peggy Campbell-Rush
Katie Fackler
Stephanie Harden
Isabelle Milne
Jamie Roberts
Mary Elizabeth Lott
Brooke McDuffie
Elizabeth G. Meux
Caitie Morgan
John Sapora
Shannal L. Thomas
Deena Wallace
William Trice
Deena Wallace
Fran Wulbern
