Riverside School

Riverside School is a middle school in New Castle, Colorado, serving 483 students in grades 6–8. It is part of Garfield School District No. Re-2, a district that ranks in the bottom fifth of Colorado districts — yet Riverside itself stands out as a clear bright spot. In the 2025–2026 school year, Riverside earned a 3-star rating and ranked in the 53rd percentile statewide (222 out of 469 middle schools), its best performance in at least a decade after several years of 2-star ratings.

Riverside outperforms nearby middle schools on nearly every academic measure. In English language arts, 43.1% of Riverside students met proficiency standards — essentially matching the state average and well above Rifle Middle School (28.5%) and Glenwood Springs Middle School (30.9%). Math proficiency reached 29.9%, also leading both neighboring schools. Eighth-grade science performance (27.2%) topped Rifle by nearly 12 points and Glenwood Springs by about 4 points. One of the most striking differences is attendance: only 7.3% of Riverside students were chronically absent, compared to 16.3% at Rifle and 28.6% at Glenwood Springs. That consistency in the classroom likely plays a big role in the school's academic edge.

Riverside also shows meaningful progress with students who face economic challenges. About 40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and these students ranked in the 64th percentile statewide — a strong result for the region. The school has been on a clear upward trajectory, with math proficiency climbing from 19.1% to 29.9% over two years and overall rankings improving steadily. Seventh-grade ELA is a standout, with 54% proficiency, above the state average. While math remains an area for growth relative to the state, Riverside's momentum, strong attendance, and consistent outperformance of its same-district counterpart suggest a school that is building real success.