The Riverwalk Roar

May 24th, 2026

A Note from Dr. Compton

Happy Sunday, Pride!

As we head into the final week of the 2025–2026 school year, it’s hard not to pause and reflect on just how much has happened across our campus this year.

Last week, we celebrated our seniors as they crossed the graduation stage, a milestone that represents years of growth, perseverance, friendships, challenges, and accomplishments. Watching them take that final walk through the halls during their “Senior Walk” while our younger students cheered them on was one of those moments that perfectly captures what makes Riverwalk Academy special. From Kindergarten to 12th grade, our students are part of something bigger than themselves, a community that supports, encourages, and grows together.

This year brought so many moments of Pride:

students stepping outside their comfort zones,
teachers creating meaningful learning experiences,
performances, competitions, projects, and presentations,
friendships formed,
challenges overcome,
and countless everyday moments that often matter the most.

I’ve also had the opportunity to review some of our preliminary state assessment data, and there is a great deal to celebrate academically across our campus. Beyond strong academic growth, I am equally proud of the way our students continue developing the skills that matter most for long-term success: complex communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and self-directed learning. Those skills are increasingly visible in our classrooms, projects, presentations, and everyday interactions.

As a school, we continue to grow not just academically, but as a community focused on character, relationships, and purpose. This year, our students demonstrated incredible resilience. They faced challenges, overcame obstacles, learned from mistakes, and continued to grow along the way. One of the most important lessons we can teach our students is that growth does not happen without struggle, and success is rarely a straight path. Some of the greatest learning moments come from setbacks, adjustments, and the willingness to keep moving forward.

I am incredibly grateful for our students, staff, families, and supporters who make the Riverwalk Way come to life each day.

While Thursday marks the official end of this school year, it also marks the beginning of excitement for what’s ahead. We already have our eyes on 2026–2027 and the continued work of building “PRIDE in every step, K through 12.”

One of our goals next year is to expand our project-based learning experiences beyond the pilot classrooms in 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 9th grades. We are excited to continue creating meaningful learning opportunities that challenge students to think critically, collaborate, and connect their learning to the world around them.

Thank you for an incredible year. I hope our students enjoy a well-deserved summer filled with rest, fun, family, and new memories.

Finish strong, Pride!

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton

Photo of the Week

Class of 2026 Salutatorian Tiffany Smalls addressed her peers at Thursday's graduation ceremony, held at the Rock Hill Sporting and Event Center. Riverwalk Academy welcomed guests in celebration of our graduating class. Among the friends and families in attendance were Riverwalk staff and Board members, SC Charter School District Board members, and Mrs. Tillman, a former Riverwalk teacher and administrator.