Dr. James H. Benson, Sr., COl USMC (Ret) became the president of Riverside Military Academy on June 1, 2009. Colonel Benson was the 15th president of Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama from July 15, 2004 to May 31, 2009. Colonel Benson retired from the Marine Corps in 1995. He served as the Vice President for administration at Bridgewater College until 2004. Colonel Benson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater College and holds a Master of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Public Administration Degree from Penn State University, and the doctorate in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College. Colonel Benson’s military career included assignments as Commanding Officer, JTF-129, Special Operations Counter-terrorism Joint Task Force; Commanding Officer, Sixth Marine Regiment; and Chief of Staff/Assistant Division Commander of the Second Marine Division. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War. In 2007, Colonel Benson completed a book published by Trafford Publishing Company entitled, So You Want to be a Leader? He and his wife Mary have a daughter, Catherine R. Benson,and a son, James H. Benson II.

Riverside's exclusive Center for Student Success teaches cadets the fundamental organizational and mental skills necessary for academic success.

Through the academy's military structure, cadets learn self-discipline, honor, and leadership skills.

Riverside's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)has been designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction for over 75 years. This means that Riverside can recommend up to 5 cadets per year to the 5 federal service academies.

Riverside also offers a "Dual Enrollment" program. For qualified senior cadets, they can enroll and take online college courses while taking classes simultaneously at Riverside.

Riverside offers a Georgia Driver's Education course for young men who would like to obtain their Driver's License. In addition, we also offer a Flight Program for young men interested in obtaining their pilot's license.

Riverside is located one hour north of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Commadant's office can make shuttle arrangments for our cadets needing transportation to and from the airport.

School accreditations: SACS-SAIS