Upper School
Learning is incorporated beyond the classroom, nurturing the growth of individual students as unique and whole human beings. The flexible schedule of the Upper School allows students to meet with teachers outside of class and benefit from having advisors who serve as a liaison between students, teachers, and families – all in support of their individual academic, emotional, and social growth. As students navigate through their Upper School years, their self-confidence builds as they become self-advocates who have opportunities to serve, lead, and problem-solve.
Time spent outdoors can be inspiring and calming, giving space for ideas to bloom. The Riverfield campus provides a unique environment of 120 acres of woods, creeks, and trails. On any day, you can find Upper School students collecting samples from water sources for research, hiking or hanging outside, helping to process what they’ve been learning.
The educational approach of RCDS includes small class sizes with a rigorous, personalized academic program. Utilizing complex environments and advanced technology, RCDS creates an innovative and extraordinary educational experience to produce academic excellence. By cultivating knowledge, skills, mindsets, and dispositions, Upper School graduates are poised for future success and life-long learning. Students hone in on the mindsets of academic domains such as English, History, Math, and Science, and are given opportunities through student-led projects to apply their critical thinking skills to real world problems.
Riverfield strives to foster an attitude of compassion, empathy, philanthropy, and service to others. Many community service projects begin with students feeling called to address a problem or support people in need, and use leadership and community-organizing skills to make real change with respect and dignity. RCDS provides a safe, respectful, and collaborative learning environment for all members of our community.
The Upper School provides challenges and supports all students so they graduate ready to meet the demands of college, an ever-changing workforce, and a complex and fulfilling life. RCDS is a secular, independent high school in the Tulsa area and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS).
Dr. Michael Berglund, Upper School Division Head
Welcome to the Upper School, where you'll find our athletes playing music, our scholars participating in athletics, our musicians baking pies, and everyone having fun in a supportive, caring environment! I'm so excited to be a part of a community that works hard to achieve a balance between work and play. The Upper School is a warm, supportive, and rigorous environment where teenagers are seen, heard, and supported. If you'd like to visit the Upper School and see if it's the right fit for your family, contact us.
