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 (2023)
- Grades: (Boarding) 6-12
- Enrollment: 290 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $44,684
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $25,478
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
Top Rankings
Riverside Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 107 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Boarding Focus
School Overview
Grades Offered (Boarding)
6-12
9-12
Year Founded
1907
1906
Campus Size
206 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
290 students
315 students
% Students of Color
25%
25%
% International Students
25%
20%
% Students Boarding
95%
69%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
15
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
71%
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$40 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$44,684
$62,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$25,478
$35,070
Tuition international students
$51,504
$55,000
% Students on Financial Aid
46%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$15,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
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
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
22
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Academic Bowl, Boy Scouts of America, Color Guard, Community Service Club, Cyber Eagles, Drama Club, Drill Team, Esports, JROTC, National History Club, National Honor Society, O.R. Horton Society, Russian Club, Science National Honor Society, Softball, Technology Club, Tennis Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fishing Club, Get Fit
Academic Bowl, Boy Scouts of America, Color Guard, Community Service Club, Cyber Eagles, Drama Club, Drill Team, Esports, JROTC, National History Club, National Honor Society, O.R. Horton Society, Russian Club, Science National Honor Society, Softball, Technology Club, Tennis Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fishing Club, Get Fit
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 $44,684 for boarding students and $25,478 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 58%.
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 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Drill Team, Fencing, Football, Golf, Intramural Sports Only, Lacrosse, Marksmanship, Riflery, Soccer, Swimming, 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.
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
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. . .
Ricerside is an all-male Military Academy so there is mandatory participation in the JROTC program 24/7. So the structure and disciplinary aspects of the school certainly help graduates stand out, especially if they have any. . .
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. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
Recent Articles

Mastering the Boarding School Selection Process: A 5-Step Guide
Discover the ultimate 5-step guide to choosing the perfect boarding school for your child. Explore essential factors, such as academics, campus facilities, extracurricular activities, and more. Make an informed decision to provide your child with an enriching and transformative educational experience. Read now!

5 Founders and Their Boarding Schools
What prompts somebody to start a boarding school? The motives range from idealism to munificence right on through to capitalism. The common thread seems to be ample capital and a vision of what education can do.

April 24, 2023
Top 5 Reasons To Study Dance At A Boarding SchoolFrom meeting world-renowned guest artists to balancing busy rehearsal schedules, students share how boarding school is preparing them to dance professionally.