Some good and some bad. This school was originally designed for higher functioning learning disabled youth. Now the majority of the students have significantly lower IQs. Pros: welcoming, very nice campus, great social experiences, has everything a public school has (sports, arts, theater, etc.) Cons: academics are not easily adaptable to students needs, classes spend too much time watching movies, older students don't get a ton of life skills instruction, food is not the greatest and portions are very small, older students could benefit from more vocational instruction than they offer. read more

I love it here. I've been here for two years, but around the years, I've realized this school has the tendency to say "what" instead of "yes". and other cultures (and mine) find it very disrespectful and I really don't want to pick up a habit. Also, I'm starting to eat less because of the food choices. we need more. I can understand the fact that we're trying to keep people healthy but eggs at breakfast almost everyday could be a little bit boring... read more

Yes I did a tour around the campus when I was sixth grade it was awesome for me. And the staff was supportive to me and welcome in in may 2016 read more

Riverview is good but drama is not handle well at all I think In grow they throw things at you too quickly and it's not good don't have ur kid do grow it sucks the first week is a pain just saying but the dorm staff in grow are sweet and they are there for u too. read more

Visitors beware the GPS doesn't really drop you at the address of the school.. Went on a tour today with my soon to be 9th grader... The grounds are beautiful, the buildings are very modern, they all are ac'd, they have all their bases covered for the care & well being for the students, I like how the dorm rooms are set up and have staff that stays over night as well as security that roams around the grounds. The programs they offer sound great but need to look into more to understand it better and will post more when I can figure it all out. But am very interested in the school. And if it means my daughter should go there for the school year then yes i want to give the very best for my daughter. But seriously thinking about for next year summer program.. read more

Riverview was an amazing place. Not anymore since new head of school has taken over. It is all about who has the money. All students used to be on a level playing field. Now it's about who has the most money to give to the school. Not to mention HOS has fired or let people that have been there forever walk away because he is threatened by anyone who knows and can do a better job. He is very insecure and uneducated. He doesn't even have a masters degree and he is trying to run a very prestigious school. He is way out of his league. Just look at the people he has put in charge. read more

I am not one to write reviews but I am compelled To write a raving review on the Riverview school in Sandwich Ma. My son went to This amazing school for 5 years. He began as a junior in high school when he wasn't fitting in anywhere else. He continued until he graduated from The GROW program. This school taught my son How to advocate for himself, make friends, play sports, and become independent. He could never have learned these skills without the supports of the compassionate, caring and most amazing staff. Not only did my son gain lifelong friends, my husband and I have as well. I am Forever thankful to The RIVERVIEW school. Robie and Marc Goldstein read more

Riverview school could be the right choice if you have no expectation of your child being independent. There pedagogy is practically nonexistent lacking both direction and efficacy. The faculty and staff view them selves as babysitters/caregivers instead of professional educators committed to the advancement of their students. The one positive aspect is that the students are happy. If your child is ineducable, want him/her to be happy, and have money to burn this school is perfect. read more

I went to this school for 2 years. My first year there was great! I had lots of friends and the education was well done! Second year, not so much. The school is a breeding ground for drama, and staff there seem to have a difficult time dealing with it appropriately. Would not recommend to someone with a high functioning disabled child!! read more

All of us who have children with special needs, disabilities or learning differences find ourselves on a journey to help them succeed and grow into productive adults. My daughter struggled at being perceived a little "different". It was painful to watch my previously confident and efferescent child, with the determination of steel to learn and experience new things, come home from school in tears and slowly spirol into self-doubt and isolation. We all have our stories and our worst fears. However, since finding Riverview and starting in their post-secondary GROW program she has downright blossomed. It brings tears of joy to see the difference that just her first year has made. Riverview provides an all encompassing program that addresses students needs by teaching life skills across core academics, social & relationship skills, travel training & safety, vocational experiences, etc. They also have a partnership with Cape Cod Community College for more in depth vocational training and/or mainstream college. This is available to all their students. Riverview really prepares them to become independent young adults. I searched the country for options to help my daughter. While we started with the GROW program, they also provide a residential middle school and high school program. There are enough students in each program/age group that provide many social & recreational opportunities that lead to precious and lasting friendships. Real learning and growth happens when our children and young adults feel safe and supported. This place is the real deal. My only regret is that I didn't find this little slice of "Heaven on Earth" sooner! VERY SATISFIED PARENT read more

As a parent, I care about my child's happiness and his progress. Riverview has been hugely successful by both measures. In his first year in the GROW (post HS program), he gained more ground in reading than in any year of his education. He demonstrates improved life skills every day. If you want a vocationally based school, Riverview is not that, however they do offer some vocational instruction which is good preparation for work. Socially, on-campus was better than off campus for my child, and I've heard for many others. Years ago, he was at a special olympics basketball tournament at a beautiful private school. Sitting with other parents in the cafeteria, I said "wouldn't it be amazing if our kids could go to a school like this?" Riverview IS a school like this, and I am profoundly grateful that he is able to be there. read more

My son just finished his 7th year at Riverview. When he started, he did not engage with strangers, did not use any prepositions, would get frustrated having a conversation. Now, he starts conversations, uses full sentences and is not apprehensive about advocating his desires. Socially, he has come a long way also. When he is working on a new skill, the entire staff (from the dorm to the school) is aware of what he needs to generalize it into a different setting. If teachers have questions about how my son processes, they contact me. Each employee who comes in contact with my son wants to see him grow and be successful. Riverview gives my son the opportunities to excel in the things he has a talent for as well as provide opportunities to try new things. The school also helps him understand his disability and helps him embrace it. He knows he is different, and he realizes he needs work hard. He celebrates his accomplishments. Riverview has helped him through puberty and his self-confidence remains high. He loves the school and looks forward to attending every year. read more

Riverview is a very expensive school for minimal support and actual enhancement of a child who is not lower functioning. Thinking paying this amount of money and that Riverview will help your child grow, expand, and learn is not the case. They don't seem willing or able to see a child grow, be successful, and support them in any of their individual needs. As always, there is no one place that will provide independent needs for your child, and it's definitely not Riverview. Staff makes nasty comments, doesn't leave their room, and it's a rarity to see some interact with the children. If you want a playground for the rich and famous and their children so they stay out of your hair, you've found it. The drama is unreal, and constant, never mind all the deaths that have transpired. read more

My child was treated well for seven years. In his final year at GROW the staff handled a problem without communicating with me or his therapist. I had no idea the school took the problem seriously until they told us he had to leave. With six months to go, there was nothing for him to do, the school district had no program for him. The staff had no concern at all and no one contacted us or offered assistance. The academic expectations are very low. The experiential approach to learning provides no incentive for challenges. There is little to no character instruction and the life skills program is touted but ineffective. I seriously regret the fundraising I did and the time I gave freely. The worst aspect of this disaster: now my child has no desire to have a positive recollection of the first seven years of positive experience in school, the people met, the activities, the memorabilia have lost all of their glow. read more