# Riverside Christian School

Riverside Christian School, founded in 1973, is a private Christian school in Yakima, Washington for preschool through 12th Grade students. Riverside Christian School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International and Washington Federation of Independent Schools.

## History

Riverside Christian School began in 1973 as a ministry of West Side Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Hal Campbell and founding Principal Richard D. Lyon. It was originally known as West Side Christian School. The school enrolled 35 students in its first year and has since grown to an enrollment of about 380 students. Riverside has become an independent corporation because of its projected future expansion, while still remaining a part of the Christian community. In the spring of 2007, Riverside became fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Northwest Accreditation Commission. Riverside retains the school colors and mascot of West Side Christian School.
For its first seven years, from the 1973-74 school year through the 1980-81 school year, West Side Christian School was housed in the West Side Baptist Church building at 3414 Tieton Drive. For at least the 1978-79 school year, Junior High and Senior High were housed at the Grace Brethren Church at 904 South 26th Avenue. For the 1979-80 school year, all students were back in the 3414 Tieton Drive building.
In the early 80s, West Side Baptist Church built a new building at 6901 Summitview Avenue. West Side students were housed in this building starting in the 1981-82 school year. This building was centered around the school, with the school gym used as the church's main sanctuary. The church remains in this building today and has renamed itself West Side Church.
Student Enrollment History by School Year :
| School Year | Main Bldg | Student Enrollment | Graduating Seniors |
| 1973-74 | 3414 Tieton | 35 | -- |
| 1976-77 | 3414 Tieton | 99* | 5 |
| 1978-79 | 3414 Tieton | 127* | 7 |
| 1979-80 | 3414 Tieton | 149* | 5 |
| 2005-06 | 6901 Summitview | 485 | |
| 2007-08 | 721 Keys Road | 508 | |
| 2009-10 | 721 Keys Road | 480 | |
| 2011-12 | 721 Keys Road | 426 | |
| 2013-14 | 721 Keys Road | 379 | |
| 2015-16 | 721 Keys Road | 334 | |
| 2019-20 | 721 Keys Road | 400 | "Avg 20/yr" |
| 2021-22 | 721 Keys Road | 417 | |
| 2022-23 | 721 Keys Road | 384 | |
| 2023-24 | 721 Keys Road | 380 | |
* Based on counting students in the yearbook; may not be complete.

## Student life

Riverside Christian Elementary School has many annual traditions. Most grade levels have one major field trip or activity each year that is unique to that grade. Each grade is involved in a variety of other field trips throughout the year, as well.
Generally, each trip is an extension of the applied curriculum. Other traditions at Riverside Christian School include community service projects at each grade level, all-school Praise Chapel at Thanksgiving, Easter chapel, two major musical/drama productions each year, an all-day Festival of Fine Arts and open house, weekly chapels, swimming or skating parties to celebrate the end of each semester, junior-high and senior-high retreats, the 8th grade East Coast Colonial Tour, and High School homecoming, tolo, prom, and senior trip. The secondary (7th-12th) starts each school year with a Retreat. This is a 2 night trip where they can build relationships but most importantly focuses on building their relationship with Jesus.

## Elementary special features and programs

* Christmas Performances (Pre-K - 3rd Grade)
* Spring Play and Concert (4th - 6th grade)
* Weekly Art, Library, P. E., and Music
* Festival of the Fine Arts (4th - 6th grade)
* Mission Projects and Community Outreach
* Weekly Bible Memorization and Chapel
* Field Trips at all Grade Levels
* Emphasis on Computer Keyboard Training (3rd - 6th grade)

## Junior high special features and programs

* 3-Day Spiritual Emphasis Retreat in Early September
* Discipline-Based Art Education
* Quarterly Mission Projects and Community Outreach
* Weekly Discipleship with High School
* Access to State-of-the-Art Computer Lab
* Accelerated Math Track
* Weekly Bible Memorization
* 8th Grade East Coast Tour
* Student Council
* Competitive Athletics

## High school special features and programs

* 3-Day Spiritual Emphasis Retreat in Early September
* 5 Advanced Placement Courses
* Instrumental Music and Band
* Discipline-Based Art Education
* Drama Elective with Two Major Performances
* Foreign Language
* Christian Service Requirements and Community Outreach
* Weekly Discipleship with Junior High
* Access to State-of-the-Art Computer Lab
* Accelerated Math Track
* Competitive Varsity and Junior Varsity Athletics
* Cheerleading
* Student Council
* Academic Competitions: Knowledge Bowl, Apple Bowl
* International Students
The high school has 3 special functions per year, including homecoming, toro, and prom. Prom is traditionally planned by the Junior class student council and includes entertainment and dining. Traditions for prom include "Senior Wills," a humorous senior future career video, and a cruise prom every 4 years.