Riverside High School is a public high school located in Durham, North Carolina. The principal of Riverside High is Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks, who joined as principal in 2021. Current members of the school administrative team include Dr. Will Okun, Mr. Kwame Stith, Ms. Jasmine McKoy, and Mrs. Tammy Patterson.
Serving 1,900 students in grades 9-12, Riverside High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,900 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 80% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Riverside High serves the west part of Durham, NC, covering an area of approximately 28.4 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a 10-12 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge being about 6.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Riverside High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Riverside High School's student population of 1,900 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 94 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,900 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
94 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1991
School Calendar
School Motto
'Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow'
School Rankings
Riverside High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Riverside High School is 0.71, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#794 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
38%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Black
28%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
White
26%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
80%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.8%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
Showing 2015–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Purple
School Mascot
Pirates
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Riverside High School's ranking?
Riverside High School is ranked #794 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Riverside High School often compared to?
Riverside High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like C E Jordan High School, Northern High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Riverside High School?
The graduation rate of Riverside High School is 80%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Riverside High School?
1,900 students attend Riverside High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Riverside High School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 26% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Riverside High School?
Riverside High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Riverside High School offer ?
Riverside High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Riverside High School part of?
Riverside High School is part of Durham School District.
School Reviews
Review Riverside High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
