Riverside Preparatory Academy

2001 Riverside Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
Located one hour north of Atlanta, Georgia, Riverside Preparatory Academy has remained one of the nation's premier college preparatory academies for young men in grades 6-12 since 1907.
Our mission is to provide a supportive and challenging educational environment that fosters scholarly competence and intellectual curiosity enhances spiritual and physical fitness and develops leadership skills and the strength of character necessary for success in college and in life.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 6-12
  • Enrollment: 290 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $53,300
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $17,950
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Riverside Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 99 schools) for:

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Riverside Preparatory Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
6-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1907
1907
Campus Size
206 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
290 students
310 students
% Students of Color
25%
25%
% International Students
25%
20%
% Students Boarding
95%
69%
Average SAT Score
1323
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
20
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
15
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$40 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$53,300
$64,200
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$17,950
$34,180
Tuition international students
$61,650
$57,000
% Students on Financial Aid
64%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$15,000
$24,575
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
85%
60%
Director of Admissions
Tee Mitchell

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
15
17
Courses
Biology, Calculus (AB), Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Human Geography, Physics, Physics C, Physics II, Psychology, Statistics, U.S. Government, U.S. History, World History

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
11
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Academic Bowl, Color Guard, Community Service Club, Drill Team, Esports, JROTC, National Honor Society, O.R. Horton Society, Science National Honor Society, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Band

College Matriculation

Year: 2014 - 2015
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
The Citadel
8
University of North Georgia
7
Auburn University
6
Savannah College of Art and Design
4
U.S. Military Academy - West Point
4
University of Arizona
4
Marion Military Institute
3
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
2
Florida Institute of Technology
2
Georgia Institute of Technology
2

School Notes

  • 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 80 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.
  • The Academy offers a 4-week summer school program each year.
  • Riverside is located one hour north of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Commandant's office can make shuttle arrangments for our cadets needing transportation to and from the airport.
  • Riverside Preparatory Academy accreditations: SACS;SAIS;NAIS;SABS
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • John Bassett - Bassett Furniture
    • Ira Middleberg (1966) - Attorney, Middleberg, Riddle & Gianna - New Orleans
    • Luis Proenza (1962) - President, University of Akron
    • Governor Felix Gonzales Canto - State of Quintana Roo, Mexico
    • Tommy Prothro (1938) - former coach with the LA Rams and San Diego Chargers
    • ADM. David McDonald (1924) - former U.S. Chief of Naval Operations (1963-1967)
    • Judge E.J. Salcines - Retired Judge, Florida Appellate Court
    • Mike Neveaux - Retired Chief Pilot, Los Angeles Police Dept. Air Support Division
    • Cee Lo Green - Singer and Actor
    • Peter Lyons - Retired Lawyer, California; Author
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Riverside Preparatory Academy cost?
Riverside Preparatory Academy's tuition is approximately $53,300 for boarding students and $17,950 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Riverside Preparatory Academy?
The acceptance rate of Riverside Preparatory Academy is 85%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Riverside Preparatory Academy?
Riverside Preparatory Academy famous alumni include: John Bassett, Ira Middleberg (1966), Luis Proenza (1962), Governor Felix Gonzales Canto, Tommy Prothro (1938), ADM. David McDonald (1924), Judge E.J. Salcines, Mike Neveaux, Cee Lo Green and Peter Lyons.
What sports does Riverside Preparatory Academy offer?
Riverside Preparatory Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Drill Team, Football, Intramural Sports Only, Lacrosse, Riflery, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Wrestling.
What is Riverside Preparatory Academy's ranking?
Riverside Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of boarding students and High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Riverside Preparatory Academy?
The application deadline for Riverside Preparatory Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2016
5.00
Belmont university
Riverside Military Academy was one of the best experiences of my life. It taught me the values of hard work and camaraderie. Along with giving me the opportunity to travel across three nation and. . .

Class of 1996
5.00
Appalachian State University
The ROTC program helped shape the framework of how Riverside operates, and as a "Military Academy" it of course had to have that component. This really helped with the direction the education took as well. . .

Class of 1980
5.00
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Cadets at RMA were responsible for many aspects of day-to-day life including discipline, dorm conduct, military drills and inspections all focused on leadership development. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
Submit Review for Riverside Preparatory Academy
Earn $20 by submitting your alumni review!

Recent Articles

To Harkness or Not To Harkness
To Harkness or Not To Harkness
Whether a school uses the Harkness Table™ or doesn't use the Harkness Table™ is a matter of teaching style worth exploring in some detail.
5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job
January 21, 2024
5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job
Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching career, these tips will help you navigate the competitive landscape of boarding school job applications. Discover the strategies that can make your application stand out and increase your chances of landing a job at a boarding school.
How I Made Latin One of the Most Popular Classes
January 19, 2024
How I Made Latin One of the Most Popular Classes
Discover the fascinating journey of how Latin became one of the most popular classes in my school. Join me as I share my experiences, strategies, and insights from my years of teaching Latin, and making it an engaging and sought-after subject for students.

Featured Schools

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 6-12
  • Enrollment: 290 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $53,300
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $17,950
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links