Riverview School


Location: East Sandwich, MA
Program Type: Middle, Secondary, Post-Secondary Program
Established: 1957
Age Range: 12-22
Specialties: Developing confidence and competence in academic, social and independent living skills for students with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities.
Website: http://www.riverviewschool.org/
Phone: 508-888-0489


Riverview School, having celebrated its 50th year in 2007, is an independent, co-educational, boarding school of international reputation and service that enrolls approximately 180 students –ages 12 to 20 in its secondary school and ages 18 to 22 in its post-secondary component. Students at Riverview hail from approximately 25 states and seven international countries. Riverview provides a caring, structured setting for students with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities scoring within the 70 – 100 range and is committed to developing student competence and confidence in academic, social and independent living skills.

G.R.O.W. (Getting Ready for the Outside World) is Riverview’s 10 month post-secondary component (1 to 3 years) for students who have completed our secondary school (or a similar program), and is designed to provide students with the skills that will assist them in functioning more independently within the adult world. In order to offer individuals appropriate opportunities to develop academically, socially and emotionally, there are three defined phases of G.R.O.W. Each phase serves as a bridge to the next, building on proficiencies a student has already demonstrated.

The G.R.O.W. curriculum includes both academic and vocational skill development and independent living skills training. Classes include Math, Reading, Life Skills/English Language Arts, Travel Training, Money Management, Community Volunteer Experience, Transition Seminar and Enrichment class. In addition, students gain first hand experience in a variety of work settings and learn the tasks required and skills associated with a number of jobs.(on campus and off campus work sites).

The residential program is designed to promote independent living skills. Students are taught to cook, do laundry, maintain living space, plan weekend outings and manage their budget. The six dormitories/apartments at G.R.O.W. are staffed by a Residential Supervisor, an overnight Dormitory Coordinator and a Dormitory Assistant.

G.R.O.W. students have the opportunity to participate in Project Forward, a nationally recognized school-to-work transition program at Cape Cod Community College. During Phase Two and Three, students can enroll in mainstream courses, if appropriate.

Taught by licensed teachers, Riverview is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is approved and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC).

A Parent’s Guide to Private Special Education

As the parent of a child with complex learning disabilities, you struggle to find answers. You struggle with conflicting emotions. You struggle with finding the right educational program. Riverview School now provides detailed information to help guide you through these struggles.

Perhaps the most fundamental questions are:

• Will my child thrive in the mainstream as offered by typical day schools and programs, or in a special education boarding school?
• Which environment will best prepare my child, not just for the next few years, but also for a lifetime of independence and happiness?
• Is true inclusion for my child found within a day school that can’t fully address all his or her needs?
• Will a deeper, more authentic inclusion be found in a private special education setting where my child’s individual potential is fully developed within a community of dedicated educators and accepting peers?

Exhaustion, frustration and confusion are often your companions as you struggle to find answers. We hope the Guide eases those feelings and validates your efforts. For what’s at stake isn’t simply his or her education as a child — it’s the quality of his or her life as an adult.

You can get your answers at guideforprivatespecialeducation.org

For More Information
Contact Riverview School at

• Web http://www.riverviewschool.org/
• Phone 508-888-0489
• Email admissions@riverviewschool.org