ESOL  

Fine Arts 

Language 

Math  

Media Center

P.E 

Science 

Social Studies 

Special Education 

Vocational

Bonds Career Center         Fine Arts Center

English Department

The Language Arts curriculum offers a sequential course of study that enables each student to function effectively in society whether he elects to go to college or to enter work upon graduation. The curriculum offers the student an aesthetic appreciation of the creative process through the study of established literary works and through the student’s own writing. Specific courses are geared to different levels of ability and, at the same time, are flexible enough to allow the student to change from one level to another depending upon his interests, motivation, past performance, and ability, with the exception of the honors level. The course descriptions for college prep and advanced levels of instruction are similar because the same literary works and concepts will be introduced and covered; however, the pace, the expectations, and the assessment will be different.

Fine Arts

Click here to visit the Band Website

The Fine Arts Department is designed to benefit both the student planning a career in visual or performing arts and the student wishing to participate in the arts as a vocation while pursuing another career goal. The arts at Riverside provide opportunities for self-expression and creativity in an atmosphere of self-discipline and accomplishment. The reputation of the Riverside Fine Arts Department is outstanding throughout the district and the state, with the primary emphasis on student achievement and recognition. Participation in other arts activities sponsored by the school district and the state such as the Fine Arts Center, All-State Chorus, Band or Orchestra, All-County Band, Greenville Youth Orchestra, Singing Christmas Tree, and Solo and Ensemble Festival is dependent upon recommendation by the Art Department

Foreign Languages

Riverside High School offers a complete language program for students who are already proficient in the English language skills. Students may expect to achieve these goals: to understand, to speak, to read, and to write the foreign languages. We encourage all students who are interested in a foreign language for self-growth, college or a language-related career to pursue a foreign language at Riverside. Two years of the same foreign language are required for admission to S.C. Colleges. (Clemson requires 3 ) Regular level language courses are offered for those students who desire  to meet the minimum language requirements. Advanced level courses are offered for those students who are able to work at an accelerated rate with a broadened exposure to the four skills. Honors level courses are offered for those students who are capable and desirous of working with complex language structures and who generally continue study at the college level. The first year of a foreign language class is designed for the student who is comfortable with the English language. Students are expected to maintain at least a B average in English in order to be recommended for the first year of Spanish, French or German

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum is designed to provide each student with the opportunity to participate in a sequential program which will meet his needs, interests, and capabilities. It should be noted that it is possible to move from one program to another if skills, motivation, and desire warrant such a change for the growth of the student mathematically. This should be done only with teacher recommendation. A student wishing to enter a course for which he is not recommended must arrange a conference with his parents, his teacher, and counselor to request a parent override. The depth of rigor and performance of students define the different levels of our math curriculum. Scholarship, initiative, attitude, cooperation, work ethic, and individual improvement all go into determining the correct level for the student.

Physical Education

One key belief of the South Carolina Legislature, as well as the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), is that every student in the public schools, from kindergarten through grade twelve, should have the opportunity to participate in a quality physical education program. It is the unique role of such a program to help all students develop health-related physical fitness, physical skill competence, cognitive understanding, and positive attitudes about physical activity so that they can lead physically active, healthy lifestyles throughout the years to come. Well-designed and well-run physical education programs are also vitally important because they provide learning experiences that meet students’ developmental needs, in turn helping to improve their mental alertness, academic performance, and readiness and enthusiasm for learning (NASPE 2004).

Science Department

The science program at Riverside is designed to meet the needs of all students whether they plan to enter the work force or to enter college upon graduation. In the latest publication addressing the focus on the high school curriculum, the South Carolina Department of Education states, "Though only three courses are required for graduation, the Department of Education recommends four courses because students need the foundational skills of physical science to be successful in all other science courses."(p.7)Referring to this publication, many state supported colleges and universities also require three units of laboratory science to be selected from  biology, chemistry, physics or a laboratory science for which biology and/or chemistry is a prerequisite (p.8).Furthermore,the most recent State Regulation R43-234 as of fall 2004 from the State Department of Education cites that starting with the freshman class of 2005-2006,all students will complete physical science by the end of the 10th grade. An end-of-course examination in physical science and biology (counts 20%of the final grade) is required. Additionally, the HSAP will contain a science subtest within the next five years. Students should develop a four-year course of study plan to include the science courses which address their interests, motivation and preparation; therefore, the science department offers variations of traditional high school science courses. 

Social Studies Department

The social studies program is organized around the student ’s need to understand and function satisfactorily in group life. A variety of courses is offered to meet student needs and interests and to meet requirements. Three units are required for graduation. One unit must be in United States History. One-half unit must be in American government and one-half unit must be in Economics. World History is recommended for college-bound students. The other unit may be selected from the remaining list of social studies courses, but the student chooses courses with the guidance of teachers, counselors and parents. The course descriptions for college prep and advanced levels of instruction are similar; however, the pace, the expectations, and the assessment will be different.

Special Education

Click for more information about the individual programs

Riverside High School has 5 different special education programs.  Students who qualify under the law IDEA may participate in these programs. We have Resource, Moderately Mentally Handicapped Self-Contained, Occupational Diploma , Learning Disabilities Neurological, and Mildly Mentally Handicapped Neurological.

Vocational

Because business skills are necessary for success in virtually all endeavors, all students can benefit from one of Riverside ’s four specialty programs: Accounting, Business  Administration, Computer Technology, or Office Systems. By completing three courses in a specialty, a student will build a strong foundation to meet the technological challenges that lie ahead at a 4-year college, a technical college, or the work force.

In compliance with the School-to-Work Act 1994,all students MUST be keyboarding proficient. EACH STUDENT MUST BE DECLARED KEYBOARD PROFICIENT BEFORE RECEIVING A DIPLOMA. Methods of achieving this requirement are discussed each year during the registration process.

ESOL   English as a Second or Other Language

Role of the ESOL Teacher:

Support Content area teachers

Assess student's abilities' in different competency areas

Suggest strategies and interventions through collaborative consultation

Serve as a liaison for communication among teachers, students, and parents/guardians

Course Description

 The course is designed for students in grades 9 - 12 who need supplementary aid with English.  The course is an elective to help students develop and enrich their English Language skills in order to be successful in other content area classes.  The Four Language skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening - will be addressed throughout the course to improve proficiency in English.