FAQs About Riverside STEM Academy (RSA)
1. What does STEM stand for?
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Riverside STEM Academy aims to prepare students for a future career in a STEM field.
2. Where is Riverside STEM Academy located?
4466 Mt. Vernon Ave. Riverside, CA 92507. Transportation (via school bus) is available for students in grades 5-8.
3. Does Riverside STEM Academy offer busing?
Yes. Currently, buses pick up and drop students off students at each high school (Arlington, King/Bergamont Park, North, Poly, and Ramona). The district's transportation department will handle all communication regarding bus schedules, routes, and passes. For general information, please contact the school at (951) 788-7308
4. What grade level does Riverside STEM Academy serve?
Riverside STEM Academy serves students from 5th to 12th grade. While the campus is separated into 5th-8th and 9th-12th grades to provide age-appropriate learning environments, we also take advantage of the opportunity to have older students assist younger students. Our high school students can offer tutoring and support on projects, creating a positive learning environment for all.
5. How many students are in each class?
A maximum of 35 students are in each class in 5th-8th grades. PE classes can have up to 52 students.
6. What is Riverside STEM Academy’s mission and vision?
Riverside STEM Academy's vision is to inspire and support all students in an innovative learning community. We provide a challenging environment that encourages joy in discovery, fosters collaboration, and develops ethical, creative problem-solvers.
7. Why should I consider submitting an application for my child to attend Riverside STEM Academy?
We encourage families to apply if their child enjoys STEM learning and activities. Riverside STEM Academy offers a unique opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in-depth. Our challenging learning environment prepares students for high school success and fosters a love of discovery, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving in an ethical and creative way.
8. What is the difference between Riverside STEM Academy and my child's current school?
Riverside STEM Academy follows a middle school model with 85-minute instructional periods for Math, Science, and Humanities (English Language Arts and History). Instead of recess, all students participate in a middle school P.E. class. Students have three academic teachers and one P.E. instructor, offering a more specialized learning experience. The curriculum is accelerated, with students completing their first high school-level math course in 8th grade and being introduced to high school-level Biology and Chemistry in 7th and 8th grade. These changes reflect the rigorous academic environment at Riverside STEM Academy.
9. Does Riverside STEM Academy follow the California State Standards and will the school implement the Common Core Standards?
Yes, Riverside STEM Academy incorporates California State Standards, including Common Core for Math and Language Arts, across all content areas. We offer an engaging, challenging, content-rich curriculum that builds a solid foundation and grows from year to year. The curriculum is designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and career.
10. Does Riverside STEM Academy have an afterschool program?
Yes. Riverside STEM Academy offers Riverside Unified School District’s Expanded Learning Program, PRIMETime, for 5th - 8th grade students. PRIMETime offers a safe environment in which academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional development occur. PRIMETime ends at 6:00 pm daily, but early release is also available. Busing is also available for students in PRIMETime.
11. Does Riverside STEM Academy offer visual or performing arts?
Yes, students can participate in band, choir, or our cheer squad. All students also choose an elective class that meets every Wednesday morning. Several arts options are available among the many choices for students.
12. Can I visit Riverside STEM Academy?
Visitation to Riverside STEM Academy is consistent with the RUSD visitor policies. Parents and visitors who wish to visit the campus at any time during school hours must first sign in with the campus supervisor at the kiosk, provide identification, obtain a visitor pass, and have an approved reason for visiting.
13. Is there a cafeteria at the Riverside STEM Academy?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are offered to students. Riverside STEM Academy offers the same Middle School lunch program that other RUSD middle schools offer.