Rivers Admission Cycle Finishes Strong, Sets New Admit Record

Hundreds of Rivers community members played a significant role in attracting and enrolling this remarkably talented incoming class, from student tour guides and event volunteers to current parents and Rivers alumni, as well as the dedicated professional community members who opened their classrooms to connect with prospective families.  

“A Rivers education is personal, and so is the admission process,” said Director of Enrollment Management Yassine Talhaoui, who shared gratitude to all who helped yield the incoming class of Red Wings. “I am proud of our outreach and the personal touch we offer during the admission cycle. I also know that this approach, which is all guided by our educational philosophy of Excellence with Humanity, will carry into our hallways, classrooms, and athletic fields once our new scholars begin their journey here in the fall.” 

Rivers’ commitment to access and affordability is a cornerstone of the enrollment team’s philosophy and deeply embedded in the school's mission and values. In this admission cycle, nominations for the SOAR Scholars Program (Seeking Opportunities at Rivers), a pathway designed to empower high-achieving students from historically marginalized backgrounds, more than doubled compared to the year prior. SOAR provides information about the opportunities in independent school education, offering mentorship, support, and resources to students who may face barriers to access.

“We thank every educator who nominated high-achieving and talented students,” says Karin Narcisse Stafford, director of multicultural outreach. Ultimately, five SOAR Scholars were selected and offered admission on March 10. It is also worth noting that 100% of the admitted students accepted their offers of admission, ready to leave their respective marks on Rivers during their upcoming high school journey.

Additionally, financial aid increased by 8 percent, allowing Rivers to meet the demonstrated need of more qualified families this year. Awards ranged from $6,040 to the full tuition amount of $66,140, with the average award rising to $46,942 from $45,064 last year.

Newly enrolled students will join returning students from nearly 80 different towns, adding to the community in invaluable and exciting ways. “The increase in applications, as well as another record yield, clearly supports the positive momentum for Rivers,” says Talhaoui. “It is rewarding to see interest in Rivers grow, as families continue to recognize our school’s intellectual vibrancy, distinctive programs, and the sense of belonging,” he added.

Rivers is proud to welcome this class of new Red Wings to the community and echoes the admission committee's excitement about the strength and caliber of the applicants. “We were so inspired by the personal narratives and impressive accomplishments of these students across the spectrum of academics, athletics, and the arts,” said Talhaoui. “We cannot wait to see all they will accomplish in this next chapter of their lives.”