Riverton Street Charter School: Application Requirements

Riverton Street Charter School: Application Requirements

Are you looking for a top-tier charter school that combines academic rigor with a strong commitment to character development and community engagement? Look no further than Riverton Street in Queens, New York! This public charter school offers an innovative educational experience for students in grades K-8, focusing on both academic excellence and personal growth. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before applying to Riverton Street for the academic year, from the application process to the curriculum and extracurricular offerings.


Table of Contents

  1. History and Background of Riverton Street Charter School
  2. Grades and Programs Offered
  3. Unique Features of Riverton Street Charter School
  4. Riverton Street Charter School Admission Process
    • How to Apply
    • Admission Criteria
    • Application Deadlines
  5. Curriculum Overview
  6. STEAM Education Focus at Riverton Street Charter School
  7. Extracurricular Activities
  8. Student Demographics and Support Services
  9. School Culture and Community
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. Conclusion

History and Background of Riverton Street Charter School

Riverton Street was founded in 2006 by a dedicated group of educators and parents with the goal of providing a high-quality, well-rounded education to children in the Queens area. This charter school operates independently of the traditional public school system, allowing it to tailor its educational programs to meet the specific needs of its diverse student body.

From its humble beginnings, Riverton Street Charter School initially served grades K-5, with a focus on literacy and mathematics. Over the years, the school expanded its curriculum and now offers programs for students through grade 8. One of the hallmarks of the school is its strong emphasis on character development and community service, ensuring that students grow not just academically, but also as responsible, compassionate citizens.


Grades and Programs Offered

Riverton Street Charter School serves students in grades K-8, providing a comprehensive education that includes core subjects such as:

  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Beyond the core curriculum, Riverton Street Charter School offers a variety of enrichment programs that complement academic learning. These include:

  • Foreign Language Instruction (e.g., Spanish)
  • Physical Education
  • Art and Music
  • Character Education programs, emphasizing the development of qualities such as respect, empathy, and responsibility.

The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, helping students explore their interests and build new skills in areas such as sports, arts, leadership, and community service.

See: School Lane Charter School: Application Requirements


Unique Features of Riverton Street Charter School

Several features make Riverton Street stand out:

Emphasis on Character Development

Character development is a cornerstone of the school’s educational philosophy. The curriculum integrates lessons on respect, responsibility, compassion, and empathy, encouraging students to embody these values both in and out of the classroom.

Focus on Community Service

Riverton Street Charter School encourages students to engage in service-learning projects. Through community service initiatives, students actively contribute to their local communities, fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility and social engagement.

Rigorous Academic Program

The school provides a challenging academic program, ensuring that students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Small class sizes are maintained to allow for personalized instruction and a more tailored educational experience.

Experienced Faculty

The faculty at Riverton Street is highly dedicated and experienced, with teachers committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential. The low teacher-to-student ratio allows for individualized attention, helping students thrive academically and personally.

See: Premier Charter School: Everything You Need to Know


Riverton Street Charter School Admission Process

The admission process for Riverton Street is straightforward but competitive, ensuring that only the most dedicated and engaged students are accepted. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

How to Apply

  1. Submit an Application: The first step in applying is to submit an online application via the school’s website. Paper applications are also available for those who prefer them.
  2. Attend an Open House: Open houses are held periodically throughout the year, giving prospective families a chance to tour the school, meet the staff, and learn about the school’s mission and educational offerings.
  3. Interview Process: After submitting the application, families may be invited for an interview. This gives the school the opportunity to learn more about the applicant and allows families to ask any questions about the school.
  4. Lottery System: If the number of applications exceeds the available spots, Riverton Street Charter School will conduct a lottery to determine which students will be admitted.
  5. Acceptance and Enrollment: Accepted families will receive an acceptance letter along with instructions for completing the enrollment process.

Admission Criteria

  • Age Requirements: Students must meet the age requirements for the grade they are applying to. For example, a student applying for Kindergarten must be 5 years old by December 1st of the year they wish to enroll.
  • Residency: Students must be residents of New York City, within the school’s designated catchment area.
  • Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens or legal residents are eligible for enrollment.

Application Deadlines

Exact deadlines for the 2024-2025 school year will be posted on the school’s official website, so it’s crucial to check the site for the most up-to-date information.


Curriculum Overview

Riverton Street Charter School follows a rigorous curriculum designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body. The curriculum focuses on:

  • English Language Arts (ELA): Students enhance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with an emphasis on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
  • Mathematics: Riverton Street employs a problem-based approach to help students master math concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Science: Students explore life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences through hands-on experiments and investigations.
  • Social Studies: History, geography, economics, and government are taught with a focus on real-world applications.

Special Subjects

In addition to core academic subjects, Riverton Street Charter School offers instruction in:

  • Art
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Spanish (as part of the school’s enrichment program)

Riverton Street Focus on STEAM Education

Riverton Street Charter School emphasizes STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—integrating these subjects across the curriculum. Here’s how the school fosters a STEAM-centered learning environment:

  • Project-Based Learning: Students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that promote problem-solving and real-world application.
  • Robotics and Coding: Through specialized programs, students learn to design, build, and program robots, gaining valuable technology skills.
  • STEAM Clubs and Extracurriculars: Students can further explore their interests through activities such as robotics clubs, science fairs, and math competitions.

Extracurricular Activities

At Riverton Street, extracurricular activities are seen as essential to a student’s development. These activities help students explore new interests, build leadership skills, and work collaboratively with peers. Offerings include:

  • Sports: Basketball, soccer, and track & field teams.
  • Art: Various clubs and classes that allow students to express themselves creatively.
  • Music: Instrumental and vocal music programs.
  • Student Council: Leadership opportunities through student government.
  • Robotics and Coding Clubs: Hands-on experience with the latest technologies.

Student Demographics and Support Services

Riverton Street serves a diverse student body, with approximately:

  • 411 students enrolled.
  • 74% African American
  • 21% Hispanic
  • 5% Other.

The school’s inclusive culture ensures that all students, regardless of background, are given the support they need to succeed.

Support Services

  • Special Education: Tailored educational plans (IEPs) and accommodations are provided for students with special needs.
  • Counseling Services: Professional counselors assist students with personal, social, and academic challenges.
  • ELL Services: Support for students learning English as a second language.
  • Gifted and Talented Programs: Enrichment for academically advanced students.

School Culture and Community

Riverton Street actively fosters a positive and inclusive culture, celebrating diversity and ensuring that students feel valued and respected. The school promotes:

  • Character Education: Encouraging students to embody positive traits such as integrity and respect.
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations provide unique learning experiences.
  • Parent Involvement: Families are encouraged to engage in their child’s education, from attending school events to volunteering in the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riverton Street?

Riverton Street Charter School is a public charter school in Queens, New York, serving students in grades K-8.

How do I apply to Riverton Street?

The application process includes completing an online form, attending an open house, and participating in an interview.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline varies each year. Check the school’s website for the most up-to-date information.


Conclusion

Riverton Street provides an exceptional educational experience for students in Queens, New York, offering a rigorous academic curriculum and a strong focus on character development, community service, and STEAM education. By understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, and the school’s offerings, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right school for your child in 2024.

For more information and to begin the application process, visit the official Riverton Street Charter School website.

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