Riverside History
History of Riverside Elementary School
Riverside Elementary opened its doors for kindergarten through fifth grade students in August of 1999. The Riverside school district was created from rezoned areas of Suwanee Elementary School and Sugar Hill Elementary School. The original Riverside facility was built to house 935 students. However, when Riverside opened in the fall of 1999, over 200 additional students had registered to make the total over 1,151 students. Out of the 52 classes needed that first year, 20 would be housed in portable units.
The school held its official dedication ceremony on Sunday, October 17, 1999. The inspiration was provided by Riverside's 1999 Teacher of the Year Stephanie Arnette. The program provided the following overview about the new school:
"High on a hill in Suwanee sits Riverside Elementary School, overlooking magnificent mountains and Lake Lanier. The attractively designed school is perched only a stone's throw from the water's edge of the Chattahoochee River. Even though the river is invisible from the school, the splendid landscape creates an awe-inspiring connection between the school and its natural environment. Tall trees and thick, green shrubbery surround the 35-acre property, providing protection and privacy from the sprawling community.
"Our students are finding that Riverside is a great place to learn with its beautiful setting, access to technology, and state-of-the-art facilities. With an eye on the future and the possibilities in the coming century, our staff—made up of 52 classroom teachers, 44 support staff, and three administrators—is laying the groundwork of growth and pursuit of knowledge and skills that the school's 1,151 students will bring into our rapidly evolving world.
FAST FACTS
Address: 5445 Settles Bridge Road, Suwanee, GA 30024
Principals of Riverside Elementary School:
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1999–2001: Dr. Larry Stone
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2002–Nov. 2013: Dr. Craig Barlow
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Dec. 2013–Present: Ben Pope
School Colors: Red, White, and Blue
School Mascot: Rocket