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.[3] 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.
References
^"Home". Riverside Christian School. Retrieved 2022-05-21.