Dear Rivermont Community,

We often describe Rivermont as an independent school, but what does that mean and how is it different from other schools?

Rivermont is independent in 2 critical ways.  First, we are independent in governance, organized as a not-for-profit, non-discriminatory corporation governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees.  Rivermont is not owned by the government as are public schools, by a diocese/church as are parochial schools, or by a for-profit entity as are proprietary schools.  Second, we are independent in finance meaning that we charge tuition and raise money to operate the school.  We are not supported primarily by public monies or religious subsidies.

Our independence offers us 4 essential freedoms

1. we are free to define our mission thereby explaining why we exist and whom we serve.
2. we are free to admit students and families who will benefit from our stated mission and who will deepen and expand that mission.
3. we are free to hire individuals who meet our needs, share our mission, and bring expertise and professionalism to our programs.
4. we are free to determine and modify our curriculum to meet the goals and aspirations of our mission, making the best use of the talents and expertise of our staff.

Tuition at independent schools like Rivermont might make some wonder if such schools are only for the wealthy.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Rivermont families value the education of their children and have made it a financial priority.  It is a sacrifice for them to provide a Rivermont education for their children.  Likewise, the School and its supporters strive to maintain costs and make funds available to support students who might otherwise not be able to have the Rivermont Experience.  Sibling discounts and need-based financial aid help the School ensure its socio-economic diversity while reciprocal grants and tuition remission help maintain an exceptional staff.  Nearly 60% of Rivermont's students benefit from the afore-mentioned discounts/grants.

Rivermont is not "elitist" in any way except in terms of academic expectations.  We expect our students and our staff to set their sights high and commit time and resources to achieve their goals.  In this we are homogenous, however it ends there.  In all other ways we are as diverse as the fabric of the Quad Cities; sometimes more so than other schools.  We are proud of our racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity and strive to support and expand it through our celebrations, our discussions, and our commitment to financial aid.  Rivermont families come from every economic level with over 30% supported by need-based grants.

Rivermont is one of the almost 1,400 schools that make up the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) which enrolls some of this country's best and brightest.  We are unique!  We are independent!  We are . . .

Rivermont Collegiate

   Where excellence has many faces and

      Where there are no spectators, only participants!

Rick St. Laurent

Headmaster