The highly-anticipated creation of an all-new charter school organization, authorized by the Banta Elementary School District, is complete. The result? Commencing with the Fall 2020 Term, all of the River Islands K-8 students will be a part of The River Islands Academies. No matter whether they are enrolled in River Islands Technology Academy or Next Generation STEAM Academy, the students will ALL benefit from the same curriculum and the same “College Bound” culture.

Brenda Scholl, the founding principal of River Islands Technology Academy, is now the Executive Director of this program. “We are excited to bring together the two charter schools already in operation at River Islands as one high-performing academic program on two campuses,” she said. In addition, a third K-8 school already designed for River Islands and currently planned for completion in the 2022 academic year, will open as a charter within this group. And a high school at River Islands, whose timing is currently pending the future unification of Banta Elementary School District into Banta Unified School District, will be operated as one of the River Islands Academies. Said Scholl, “This is a wonderful opportunity for all of our students, teachers and parents to work together to build upon all the principles behind this charter group of academies.

The schools at River Islands are one of the key reasons that people choose our community over so many others. When an entire community is focused on the success of its children, expect wonderful things to happen inside and outside of the classroom.”

NOTE: At the time of this writing, the newly formed school board is considering the merits of offering both in-class and live online instruction for the fall term. Please check back at RIAcademies.net for updated information.

River Islanders:

As we create a blueprint for the future of River Islands, we need your advice and a better understanding of how – and where – you currently work.

Whether you are working from home or commuting every day, working full time or are semi-retired, we want to keep your needs and ideas in mind as we make plans.

Please respond to this survey by filling out the survey below. One survey, per household, please. The River Islands Residential Survey will be available ONLINE through July 31, 2020.

Everyone who participates will receive a $5 Starbucks Gift Card by e-mail, and will be submitted for a drawing for a $500 Home Depot gift card!

Thank you for your input!