As you consider Riverview, please know:
• Riverview is located in East Sandwich, MA on beautiful Cape Cod. You will be able to spend time with your child in the historic town of Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod. Located one hour from Boston’s Logan International and T. F. Green Airport in Providence, RI. Sandwich offers a serene Cape setting, expansive beaches, antiques and great shopping, as well as a friendly community atmosphere.
• Riverview’s use of a thematic, integrated approach promotes learning and generalization of skills across settings. This includes the use of teaching strategies (academic, social, and independent living) in both classroom and dormitory environments. Your child brings the skills learned at Riverview with him/her into their community interactions.
• Riverview is a boarding/day school, where academic faculty teaches during the day and residential staff provide instruction and supervision in the evening and on weekends. This enables both groups to be creatively interactive and attentive during their time with the students.
• Tuition costs are all-inclusive and cover all transportation, including pick-up and drop-off to bus stations or airports (during travel to and from school on opening and closing weekends, school holidays and vacations), weekly allowances, haircuts, and weekend activities. For G.R.O.W. students it includes tuition for the Project Forward program at Cape Cod Community College.
• Advisors (i.e., social workers) are assigned to each student and serve as the liaison between home and school. The advisor works closely with academic and residential staff to facilitate an understanding of the philosophy of the whole child. Advisors also work closely with students to teach critical skills, such as problem solving, self-advocacy and managing social relationships. Our students receive the attention they deserve, and you, as parents expect from an exceptional boarding school.
• Our Speech and Language Pathologists use a comprehensive approach to develop language skills. Instruction is provided in a small group, 1:1 tutorial, consult or in-class to enhance generalization of skills across all settings. Students thrive in smaller classes and benefit from our highly individualized, multi-sensory setting, but do not require one-on-one attention.
• Dormitory life helps our students learn skills such as laundry, cooking, chores, budgeting, time management, organization, problem solving and social pragmatics - all skills essential in becoming responsible adults. The students thrive in the hands-on atmosphere and most often transfer their newly learned skills to their home visits.
• While some single rooms are available, students usually have one roommate. Each dormitory is equipped with a kitchen, living and dining room. The students learn to socialize and interact comfortably with each other in a warm and friendly setting.
• Transition planning services are offered to all Junior, Senior and G.R.O.W. families. During Parent’s Weekend, Riverview hosts a post-secondary fair to provide students and families the opportunity to discuss options and ask questions regarding the next step. Riverview also hosts a Transition Weekend each February for families to encourage transition planning “10 years down the road.” We understand the concerns and challenges of moving on after Riverview and are sincere in offering our guidence based on many years of experience.
• All faculty (academic and residential) have completed the Research for Better Teaching course. Founded in 1979 by J Saphier, Research for Better Training works to strengthen organizational culture and to institutionalize the study of teaching within the School. Staff also are required to participate in weekly in-service training. Academic classes are taught by licensed faculty. Your child's education is our priority.
