The Riverwalk Roar
Pride,
In our last newsletter, we introduced this year’s theme: PRIDE in every step, K through 12. Now that Riverwalk Academy is fully united on one campus, this theme is more than just a slogan—it’s a reflection of how we are growing, learning, and leading together across every grade level.
This year, we’re excited to bring that vision to life through an updated Project-Based Learning (PBL) model that reaches every corner of our campus—from our youngest kindergartners to our graduating seniors.
What’s New: Our Updated PBL Model
While PBL has long been part of our instructional approach, we’ve spent the summer refining our model to ensure it’s developmentally appropriate and consistent across all grade bands. This means every student at Riverwalk is engaging in meaningful, hands-on learning that connects to the real world.
When fully implemented, our K–12 PBL model will look like this:
K–5: Students will explore big ideas through imaginative, curiosity-driven projects—like building community maps, creating storybooks, or designing pollinator gardens.
6–8: Students will collaborate across subjects to solve real-world problems and present their findings—growing their skills in research, teamwork, and communication.
9–12: Students will tackle complex, real-world challenges that connect to careers, college, and civic engagement. Whether it’s launching a business idea, planning a community improvement project, or defending a social issue they care about, our high school students will take ownership of their learning and lead with purpose.
All projects are aligned to the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards and will culminate in public Presentations of Learning (POLs)—giving students the chance to showcase their thinking, growth, and impact.
This year, we’re piloting our updated PBL model in one grade level from each grade span (K–5, 6–8, and 9–12). We’re excited to grow this model over time and will share opportunities throughout the year for you to see it in action—stay tuned!
Living the Theme: PRIDE in Every Step
“PRIDE in every step” is more than academic—it’s a cultural shift that highlights the power of the full K–12 journey. It’s about:
Recognizing growth and progress at every stage
Building a strong sense of belonging and identity
Encouraging students to find and follow their passions
Equipping them with the tools and confidence to lead
As a unified K–12 campus, we are intentionally aligning our practices to make each student’s experience more cohesive, connected, and meaningful.
Stay Connected
To help you stay up to date this year:
Visit our Back-to-School page regularly for the latest info
Download our Riverwalk Academy Mobile App (available in the App Store and Google Play) and enable notifications
Follow us on social media for snapshots of learning and updates from around campus (Facebook and Instagram)
Closing:
This school year represents a new era for Riverwalk Academy, one defined by purpose, unity, and PRIDE. Thank you for partnering with us as we walk this journey together. We can’t wait to see what our students will accomplish.
We look forward to seeing you at our Meet the Teacher event on Tuesday, July 29th.
With Purpose and Pride!
~Dr. Compton
Monday: 7/28/25
- Teacher Work Day
- Meet the Teacher Night (elem: 3:00-5:00 / upperschool: 4:00-6:00)
- Teacher Work Day
- First Day of School!
- Kindergarten 1/2 Day (8:00-12:00) *Teachers will email families about which day your student will attend
- Kindergarten 1/2 Day (8:00-12:00) *Teachers will email families about which day your student will attend