Average
#924 of 1,986 schools in MN
Top 47% in state
Riverside Academy
High School · CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST
1700 305TH AVE NE, Cambridge, MN 55040
Enrollment
47
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
47
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cambridge
#2 of 8
public schools
Minnesota high schools
#235 of 628
In district
#4 of 13
CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST
Academic growth
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Riverside Academy
Riverside Academy is a high school located in the rural outskirts of Cambridge, Minnesota. The school caters to students in grades 9 through 12 and functions as an alternative education option. With an enrollment of just 47 students, Riverside Academy offers personalized attention with a student-teacher ratio of 11.8:1, supported by four full-time equivalent teachers.
Academically, the school is currently focusing on student development. According to MySchoolScout ratings and state rankings, Riverside Academy is in the 28th percentile among Minnesota schools, indicating there’s room for improvement. On standardized tests, only about 25% of students are proficient or above in ELA/reading, while just 20% meet proficiency standards in math.
Despite its challenges, Riverside Academy provides a nurturing environment tailored to the needs of each student. The school's rural setting offers a close-knit community feel and a quieter atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 47 students, Riverside Academy 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.
While current test scores at Riverside Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Riverside Academy may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Riverside Academy — Students at Riverside Academy score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from MN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.8/10.
How Riverside Academy Compares
See how Riverside Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 25% (2019) to 25% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 25% (2019) to 25% (2021).
Location
1700 305TH AVE NE, Cambridge, MN 55040
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Riverside Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Cambridge-Isanti OLL Secondary 6-12 (rated 5.3/10, 4.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is Riverside Academy IS (rated 5.2/10), a more accessible option. Additionally, CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.1/10, 4.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cambridge, see our Cambridge schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MOVING FORWARD Cambridge | 0.0 mi | — |
| Riverside Academy IS Cambridge | 0.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Brookside Academy Cambridge | 0.0 mi | — |
| Art & Science Academy Middle School Isanti | 1.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Art and Science Academy Isanti | 1.2 mi | 5.4 |
| CAMBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Cambridge | 1.7 mi | 4.1 |
| CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cambridge | 2.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Cambridge-Isanti STEAM School Isanti | 2.1 mi | 8.0 |
| ISANTI INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Isanti | 2.1 mi | 5.4 |
| ISANTI PRIMARY SCHOOL Isanti | 2.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Isanti Early Childhood Special Ed Isanti | 2.1 mi | 5.2 |
| ST SCHOLASTICA HSC ACADEMY Isanti | 2.4 mi | 6.9 |
| ISANTI MIDDLE SCHOOL Isanti | 2.6 mi | 3.5 |
| CAMBRIDGE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Cambridge | 3.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Cambridge Early Childhood SpecialEd Cambridge | 3.7 mi | 5.2 |
| CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Cambridge | 3.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Cambridge-Isanti OLL Elementary K-5 Cambridge | 4.1 mi | — |
| Cambridge-Isanti OLL Secondary 6-12 Cambridge | 4.1 mi | 5.3 |
| CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI HIGH SCHOOL Cambridge | 4.1 mi | 5.1 |
| East Bethel Elementary School Cedar | 11.5 mi | 5.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 55040 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,576
Median Home Value
$287,700
Median Rent
$1,298/mo
Population
14,451
College Educated
18.4%
Homeownership
87.5%
Avg Commute
32.8 min
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Median Age
37.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Riverside Academy has a median household income of $88,576. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $287,700, with a median rent of $1,298/month. The local poverty rate of 7.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 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 |
|---|---|
| 916 MAHTOMEDI ACADEMY White Bear Lake, MN | 6.6 |
| GUADALUPE ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS Saint Paul, MN | 6.6 |
| MARTIN LUTHER HIGH SCHOOL Northrop, MN | 6.6 |
| MENLO PARK ACADEMY Minneapolis, MN | 6.6 |
| MERC Minneapolis, MN | 6.6 |
| Richfield College Experience Prg Richfield, MN | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Riverside Academy
What grades does Riverside Academy serve?
Riverside Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Riverside Academy?
Riverside Academy has an enrollment of approximately 47 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Riverside Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Riverside Academy is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Riverside Academy rank in MN?
Riverside Academy is ranked #924 out of 1,986 schools in MN.
What is Riverside Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Riverside Academy has a composite rating of 6.5 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.
What are the test scores at Riverside Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Riverside Academy has 20.0% math proficiency and 25.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Riverside Academy a charter school?
No, Riverside Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Riverside Academy a Title I school?
No, Riverside Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Riverside Academy?
61.7% of students at Riverside Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (1,759/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Cambridge). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 47
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 4
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.7%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Isanti County
- Phone
- (763) 552-6262
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST- District Enrollment
- 5,092
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,306
- District Rank
- #4 of 13
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 methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.