The elementary school includes grades one through five and is committed to providing a strong academic curriculum as well as encouraging overall development. Students are taught in both self-contained and departmentalized classrooms. Riviera’s small classes help create an environment in which our dedicated teachers can actively encourage each student to achieve his or her academic potential, to explore creative abilities, to develop physical talents, and to become a productive and responsible individual.

As we challenge our students, the faculty and administration support them to meet those challenges. Students learn in a wide variety of settings through the use of many tools and methods.

The challenging language arts curriculum provides an understanding of the mechanics and intricacies of the English language with concentration on reading, writing, spelling, speaking, and listening skills. Our traditional phonics-based approach to reading successfully prepares Riviera students to use their writing and verbal skills effectively.

Riviera Day School students all participate in our advanced math program and are taught at an accelerated pace. Small work groups allow teachers to guide students through the advanced levels while identifying and concentrating on areas of difficulty. Riviera’s math program has consistently led to higher achievement test scores and is an integral part of the elementary school curriculum, before students move on to Riviera Preparatory.

In addition to language arts and mathematics, science and social studies are important elements of the core academic curriculum. Specialists in Spanish, physical education, health, computers, music, and art add to the curriculum and provide students with a wide range of knowledge and experiences to contribute to their overall education. Computer classes in the lab are integral in preparing our students with skills necessary to be competitive in this highly technological world. Core subject areas are often integrated with computer lessons to teach computer skills while working toward subject specific goals. In addition, students use classroom computers to supplement their texts, individualize curriculum, serve as resource materials, help learn materials in unique ways, and to interact with the world around them. Moreover, technology is one of the many tools that are introduced during regularly scheduled library visits.

Our students have opportunities every day to participate and be active members of our school community. Their opportunities, however, are not limited to the classroom. Participation in student government helps develop leadership skills. After school help sessions provide additional time to work on specific skills, enrichment work, or group projects. Also, students are encouraged to be involved in after school activities appropriate to their age level such as intramurals, dance, jazz, arts and crafts, ceramics, karate, judo, digital photography, cartooning, chess and other strategy games, language lab, gymnastics, cheerleading, and instrumental music lessons.

Riviera’s strong academic curriculum and varied activities and programs help students develop solid foundations and advance into our Preparatory School ready to excel.