Student Life as a RLA Pirate

Riverside Leadership Academy is a public charter school located in New Bern, North Carolina. Currently, we offer grades K–8 with plans to open a high school by the 2028–2029 school year.

As a tuition-free school open to all families, we offer a dynamic learning environment built on academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful community connection.

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At Riverside, learning is hands-on, engaging, and purposeful. As a project-based learning school, we believe students learn best when they’re actively solving problems, working in teams, and applying their knowledge to real-world challenges. This approach helps students develop not only strong academic skills, but also the critical thinking, creativity, and resilience they’ll need for success beyond the classroom.

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Our school is built around small class sizes, strong student-teacher relationships, and a commitment to nurturing the whole child. Riverside educators serve as both instructors and mentors, helping students grow into confident, capable leaders who are prepared to thrive in high school, college, and life.

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We’re proud to be a growing part of the Craven County community and to offer families a consistent, mission-driven educational option that will carry students all the way from kindergarten through graduation.

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At Riverside Leadership Academy, we’re not just preparing students for the future—we’re empowering them to shape it.