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About RLA
Riverside Leadership Academy was founded out of a shared vision to provide families in Craven County with a high-quality, innovative charter school option. In March 2022, a group of dedicated founding board members came together to discuss the need for a project-based learning environment that would empower students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with purpose.
Following months of planning and research, the board submitted a charter application in April 2022, outlining the mission and vision of Riverside Leadership Academy. In December 2023, the school was officially approved by the North Carolina Charter School Review Board, marking a major milestone in bringing this vision to life.
The founding board then embarked on the Ready to Open process, a year-long preparation program through the Office of Charter Schools and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This process ensured that Riverside Leadership Academy met the highest standards of readiness in governance, academics, and operations. Out of a cohort of thirteen schools, RLA was one of only two approved to open its doors to scholars in August 2024.
RLA’s first year of operation, the 2024–2025 school year, welcomed 375 students into our growing community. From the beginning, RLA has been committed to providing an engaging, student-centered education that develops leadership, character, and lifelong learning.
Looking ahead, Riverside Leadership Academy plans to continue growing to ultimately serve students from kindergarten through high school. This growth reflects our long-term vision, perseverance, and deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our community.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
Through project based and leadership curriculums, Riverside Leadership Academy develops confident, community focused, future ready leaders. Students thrive from meaningful connections between families, school staff, and community members curated by involvement of all stakeholders.
Vision Statement
Riverside Leadership Academy provides a holistic and innovative approach to the growth and development of our future leaders.
VALUES
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To lead from where you are
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To empower courage and confidence
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To honor individuality
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To encourage curiosity, ambition, and initiative
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To promote a culture of approachability, open communication, and support
RLA Quick Facts
NC Public Charter Schools
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Charter schools in North Carolina are public, tuition-free schools of choice open to all eligible students. They cannot charge tuition or discriminate in admissions.
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These schools are authorized by the North Carolina State Board of Education and operate independently under a nonprofit board.
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Charter schools receive state and local public funding based on enrollment, similar to traditional public schools.
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When enrollment exceeds available seats, NC charter schools use a lottery system to admit students fairly.
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Charter schools must participate in the state accountability system, including end-of-grade assessments, and follow the NC Standard Course of Study.
Riverside Leadership Academy
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Riverside Leadership Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in New Bern, North Carolina serving students in grades K–8 for the 2025–2026 school year.
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RLA focuses on a rigorous, research-based curriculum that blends the NC Standard Course of Study with Project-Based Learning and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
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The school’s mission is to develop confident, community-focused, future-ready leaders through meaningful connections among students, families, staff, and community.
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RLA emphasizes small class sizes and strong partnerships with families and the community.
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The academy will continue to grow by adding grade levels over time, ultimately serving students K–12 by the 2031-2032 academic year.
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Transportation and free/reduced lunch programs are offered in ways that ensure access; for example, RLA provides lunch services for qualifying students and plans transportation options.
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Riverside Leadership Academy is among the first charter schools in Craven County and part of the broader growth of charter options in North Carolina.
What is a Charter School?
What is a Charter School?
In North Carolina, a charter school is a public school, just like traditional public schools, but with more flexibility in how it teaches and operates. Charter schools are tuition-free, open to all students, and funded by state and local dollars based on enrollment. Families do not pay to attend. What makes charter schools a little different is how they are run and how learning is designed.
Here’s what that means for families and the community:
Charter schools are locally governed. Many charter schools, including RLA, are guided by a nonprofit board of directors made up of community members. This board is responsible for setting the school’s vision, managing the budget, and making sure the school stays focused on serving students well.
Charter schools offer flexible & student-centered learning. Charter schools have the freedom to design learning experiences that meet students’ needs in creative ways. For example, RLA uses project-based learning, where students learn by doing, working on real-world projects that build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Charter schools have strong accountability standards. Even with this flexibility, charter schools are held to high standards. They are closely monitored for academic results and financial responsibility by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the Charter School Advisory Board to ensure students are receiving a quality education.
Charter schools offer more choices for families. Charter schools give families additional public-school options. Enrollment is open to any student in the state. If more families apply than seats are available, students are admitted through a fair and transparent lottery process.
Charter schools provide innovation in education. Many charter schools focus on innovative teaching methods, specialized programs, or new ways of engaging students. At RLA, this includes a strong emphasis on the arts, with dedicated programs in Theatre Arts, Music, and Visual Art. RLA also assigns every student a Personal Adult Advocate (PAA), a trusted mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and support beyond academics. These approaches that can help students thrive and sometimes inspire improvements across public education as a whole.
