Rivers Closes the 2023–24 Admission Season, Setting New Records

“The Admission Office’s outreach efforts, combined with the school’s remarkable equity and engagement initiatives, have resulted in more than 41% of newly matriculated students identifying as students of color, a remarkable surge from 34% just a year ago,” said Director of Enrollment Management Yassine Talhaoui.

One such program that exemplifies Rivers’ unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and access was the launch this year of the school’s  SOAR Scholars Program (Seeking Opportunities at Rivers)—a program designed to empower high-achieving students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Karin Narcisse Stafford, director of multicultural outreach, said, “SOAR was created to provide information about the opportunities in independent school education, offering mentorship, support, and resources to students who may face barriers to access.”

Rivers’ commitment to diversity and equity, however, extends far beyond identifiers related to racial and ethnic backgrounds. Rivers embraces geographic and socio-economic diversity and recognizes the important value of different perspectives, talents, insights, and lived experiences. The newly matriculated class represents more than 50 towns. (Rivers currently draws students from 75-plus communities.). Director of Financial Aid Anne Tuomey is proud to share that this year’s average financial aid grant awarded to families qualifying for assistance is $44,681. Noteworthy too is the diverse educational background of the incoming class, with more than half of the newly matriculated students currently enrolled in public schools, while the rest join from independent day, boarding, and international schools. 

As The Rivers School celebrates a highly successful year and the incredibly talented incoming class, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community and a strong sense of belonging. Each new school year brings with it an inspiring fresh wave of potential, promising, and motivated minds poised to leave their mark on Rivers and the many communities they represent. The incoming class at The Rivers School, set to matriculate this coming fall, is not just another group of students—it’s a testament to the power of diversity and equity, intellect, collaboration, and innovation.

Talhaoui is proud to welcome his second class of new Red Wings and adds that the “admission committees were so inspired by the personal stories, impressive accomplishments, diversity, and young journeys of these newly admitted students.”