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Average

#78 of 206 private schools in AL

Top 37% of private schools

Riverwood Classical School

School

501 RICE VALLEY RD N, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 23 schools in Tuscaloosa. Learn more

Enrollment

56

Student-Teacher

5.8:1

Score

6.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 11th

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In Tuscaloosa

#4 of 7

public schools

Alabama schools

#38 of 124

About Riverwood Classical School

Riverwood Classical School serves 56 students in grades kindergarten through 11th grade in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This regular public school stands out with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 5.8:1, supported by 10 full-time equivalent teachers who can provide personalized attention to each student. The school has earned a strong MySchoolScout rating of 9.4 out of 10, ranking #102 out of 206 schools statewide, placing it in the 51st percentile among Alabama schools.

This solid performance reflects the school's commitment to providing quality education in an intimate learning environment. What makes Riverwood Classical particularly notable is its small size, which allows for close relationships between students, teachers, and families. The low enrollment creates opportunities for individualized instruction and a tight-knit school community where every student is known and valued.

The school is situated in Tuscaloosa's 35406 ZIP code area, a well-educated community where 70% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood is characterized by strong economic stability, with a median household income of $117,945 and median home values of $438,500, while maintaining a low poverty rate of just 5.8%. Riverwood Classical School operates within this supportive small city environment that values education and community involvement.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 56 students, Riverwood Classical School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 5.8:1, Riverwood Classical School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Riverwood Classical School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How Riverwood Classical School compares to 23 public schools serving similar grades in Tuscaloosa, AL

Student-Teacher Ratio
5.8:1
This School
vs
16.9:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
56
This School
vs
581
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
6.7
This School
vs
6.6
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 76.8% vs 0%
Asian 14.3% vs 0%
Black 5.4% vs 0%
Hispanic 1.8% vs 0%
Riverwood Classical School Tuscaloosa Public Avg

Nearby Other Schools

School Rating
Riverwood Classical School (this school) 6.7
Verner Elementary School 6.5
Northridge High School 5.6
Northridge Middle School 6.3
Tuscaloosa Magnet School Middle 6.0
Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary 8.0
Rock Quarry Elementary School 7.2
Central High School 6.5
The Alberta School of Performing Arts 7.9
University Place Elementary School 7.7
Central Elementary School 7.2
Westlawn Middle School 5.8
Holt Elementary School 7.6
Holt High School 3.9
Martin L King Jr Elementary School 7.6
Arcadia Elementary School 7.4
Oakdale Elementary School 6.6
Skyland Elementary School 7.5
Southview Elementary School 6.6
Woodland Forrest Elementary School 7.7
Hillcrest Middle School 4.7

Showing 20 of 23 schools. View all schools in Tuscaloosa

Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in AL.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
A 9.3 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 5.8:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
C 2.8 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 6.5 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,131
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
A- 7.8 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 39%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
C+ 4.1 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 56
View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in AL

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 76.8%
Asian 14.3%
Black 5.4%
Hispanic 1.8%
Two or More 1.8%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

501 RICE VALLEY RD N, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Riverwood Classical School may also want to explore other schools in the area. Lloyd Wood Education Center (rated 7.7/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby Northport), which scores slightly higher. Another option is THE CAPITOL SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 3.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY (rated 6.8/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tuscaloosa, see our Tuscaloosa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.6 mi
School Distance Rating
TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY Tuscaloosa 0.2 mi 6.8
NORTH RIVER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tuscaloosa 0.5 mi 5.2
Northridge High School Tuscaloosa 0.9 mi 5.6
Verner Elementary School Tuscaloosa 0.9 mi 6.5
Northridge Middle School Tuscaloosa 1.1 mi 6.3
FaucettVestavia Elementary School Northport 1.6 mi 7.8
Tuscaloosa Magnet School Middle Tuscaloosa 2.1 mi 6.0
Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary Tuscaloosa 2.2 mi 8.0
Matthews Elementary School Northport 2.2 mi 7.9
CollinsRiverside Middle School Northport 2.3 mi 6.4
Echols Middle School Northport 2.2 mi 3.8
Rock Quarry Elementary School Tuscaloosa 2.4 mi 7.2
Lloyd Wood Education Center Northport 2.4 mi 7.7
Central High School Tuscaloosa 3.0 mi 6.5
THE CAPITOL SCHOOL Tuscaloosa 3.1 mi 6.9
University Place Elementary School Tuscaloosa 3.4 mi 7.7
Crestmont Elementary School Northport 2.8 mi 6.7
The Alberta School of Performing Arts Tuscaloosa 3.2 mi 7.9
Central Elementary School Tuscaloosa 3.5 mi 7.2
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tuscaloosa 3.6 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 35406 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$118,736

Median Home Value

$467,000

Median Rent

$1,352/mo

Population

18,533

College Educated

67.6%

Homeownership

75%

Avg Commute

19.5 min

Poverty Rate

5.3%

Median Age

41.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Riverwood Classical School has a median household income of $118,736. It is a well-educated community where 68% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $467,000, with a median rent of $1,352/month. The local poverty rate of 5.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
MADISON BAPTIST ACADEMY Madison, AL 6.7
MOUNTAIN VIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Bryant, AL 6.7
THE HILLSBORO SCHOOL Helena, AL 6.7
THE HILLSBORO SCHOOL Helena, AL 6.7
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Decatur, AL 6.8
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS ACADEMY Mobile, AL 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Riverwood Classical School

What grades does Riverwood Classical School serve?

Riverwood Classical School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 11th.

How many students attend Riverwood Classical School?

Riverwood Classical School has an enrollment of approximately 56 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Riverwood Classical School?

The student-teacher ratio at Riverwood Classical School is 5.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does Riverwood Classical School rank in AL?

Riverwood Classical School is ranked #78 out of 206 private schools in AL.

What is Riverwood Classical School's MySchoolScout rating?

Riverwood Classical School has a composite rating of 6.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is Riverwood Classical School a private school?

Yes, Riverwood Classical School is a private coeducational school with a Presbyterian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is Riverwood Classical School a religious school?

Riverwood Classical School has a Presbyterian religious affiliation.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,289/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tuscaloosa). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
Kindergarten – 11th
Enrollment
56
Gender Split
54% M / 46% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
5.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Presbyterian
School Day
6.5 hours
Days Per Year
174 days
Setting
Small City
County
TUSCALOOSA
Data Year
2022–2023

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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