Highlights of the school's academic priorities and program are the following:

• A clear focus on academic excellence : River City Science Academy will provide state-of-the art curricula that were designated as “exemplary” by the U.S.

Department of Education in mathematics and science as well as rigorous reading programs. The delivery of the curricula will be enhanced by innovative and

balanced instructional methods, such as project-based instruction, computer-enhanced activities, contextual learning, direct instruction, and self-directed

learning. Academic excellence will be facilitated by a team of well-qualified faculty and instructors, and it will be supported by collaboration with parents

and partnerships as well as local higher-education and civic institutions.

• A comprehensive assessment program : A variety of student assessments, including state assessment programs, unit tests developed locally,

classroom-based assessments, and school climate surveys will be used to evaluate teaching and learning processes of students and to improve the school's

academic environment on a regular basis.

• Supporting maturity and independence : The school will strive to foster self-confidence, self-respect, and self-control in each student through group

process skills and cooperative learning, the development of conflict resolution skills, and the expectation of accepting responsibility for one's actions.

The academic environment will promote high expectations of each student in the pursuit of excellence (e.g., through participation in academic competitions

and mathematics and science olympiads) and skills needed for life-long learning (e.g., through effective computer skills to use the “global information highway”).

• Providing balance : Educational programs at River City Science Academy will educate the whole child by providing a rigorous education in math, science,

and technology, with a strong emphasis on reading; encouraging serious exploration of the arts and humanities; developing student awareness of local and

community needs as well as an understanding of national and global issues; and striving to reach academic excellence for all the students while at the same

time recognizing individual differences.

• The school believes that each student has a natural curiosity and love of learning and that each child has a limitless intellectual level, ability level, and learning

style. Therefore, students at the school will strive for their highest levels of intellectual and learning abilities in an educational context, which concentrates on

students' individual learning styles and life-long love of learning.