5050 Fulton Ave
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

TLDR: Riverside Drive Charter Elementary is an incredible school that provides psychological safety for students, diverse community, office staff that are personable, caring teachers, community engagement, and thriving students. I have so much to say so I'll break it into points, no particular order. 1. Peaceful environment. You know you're at a good school when parents are honking and screaming at drop off, lol. There's some double parking but the mayhem is very low. The school sits on the main road but the playground and campus as the calm of the middle/upper-middle class neighborhood it surrounds. 2. Very safe. The only accessible entrance during school hours remains locked with parents/guests being buzzed in. It's a closed campus at drop-off but parents get the community feel by being able to go on campus at pickup which to me is a win win.3. Inclusive and diverse. It is difficult to express how grateful I am of the inclusivity and diversity of this campus without first explaining my past experience. I did everything I knew to do to get my African American family accepted at our last elementary school. I volunteered, did PTA including President, ignored the rude comments, stares, and forgave the racial slurs thrown at my children. My youngest son said no more and after 9 years of trying we transferred down the street to Riverside Drive. When you haven't experienced the contrast it is difficult to understand how much psychological safety exists at this school. Psychological safety trumps academics and at this school you get both. 4. Staff and teachers. Our fifth grade teacher was phenomenal. My son flourished having him as a teacher. I don't seek out special treatment from, or being catered to by, the front office. They are there to do a job, promote fairness, and care for students. What I look for is how they interact with the students. Since I was new the office staff didn't know me but they knew my son (and not for anything wrong lol) and that was impressive. I could see how comfortable he and other students were going into the office and interacting with staff in general. 5. Community. They have so many community building activities for students and families. There are lots of opportunities to engage as a parent and get involved with the school by volunteering for field trips, joining a committee, or just attending the afterschool events and meeting other parents and schoolmates. The school is very open and engaged with their families.

Thought this school really blends with students, looking out for Our best.When I went, You weren't allowed to graduate unless there is further education

My daughter is currently in the 6th grade here and in the charter school. She is in the performing arts program too and just loves it. Amazing staff, supportive administration and creative teachers. Great opportunities to participate in many quality activities. Parents are really involved. Beautiful agricultural area too! Feel really lucky to be in this community.