We believe in an innovative approach to education that is forward thinking, yet rooted in history.

For 50 years, Riverside School has fostered a tradition of academic excellence for children with dyslexia and similar language-based differences. Our founder, Patricia DeOrio, was a dedicated teacher and mentor, and rose above dyslexia, understanding personally what it took to unlock the potential of students like her.

While Mrs. DeOrio was tutoring children from all over Richmond who were "falling through the cracks" academically, the parents of one of her students encouraged her to expand her outreach, and offered to sell her a property to start a proper school.

Mrs. DeOrio quickly brought together the first Board of Trustees who purchased the property, which included the original two-room Bon Air School (a historic building). When Ruth Harris joined the Riverside School faculty, she brought with her the Orton-Gillingham Approach and established the school’s Language Fundamentals Skill Instruction program. This one-on-one instruction has become a hallmark of the Riverside experience.

Since our founding, Riverside has grown both in facilities and enrollment, but we have always emphasized a multisensory, systematic reading program, personalized instruction, and a nurturing environment.