Riviera Schools

At the end of May, our 5th graders took their next step in the Riviera journey during our Step to the Prep ceremony, a celebration of growth, character, achievement, and the limitless opportunities that lie ahead.

A step represents progress. It is a milestone reached through dedication, perseverance, and purpose. It is the bridge between where we have been and where we are going. At Riviera Schools, each step forward is strengthened by the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the values that guide our students along the way.

As we honored the accomplishments of the Class of 2033, we celebrated not only all they have achieved during their elementary years, but also the confidence, curiosity, and leadership they will carry into middle school. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to watching them continue to grow, thrive, and lead as they continue their journey as Bulldogs at our Riviera Preparatory campus.

The future is bright, and this is only the beginning. 💙

We celebrated a milestone filled with joy, growth, and possibility as our kindergarten students took their next step forward.

Over the course of this past school year, they learned far more than academics and classroom routines. They learned how to be curious, how to be brave, how to be a friend, and how to believe in themselves.

They discovered that learning is an adventure, that mistakes help us grow, and that every challenge is an opportunity to become stronger.

As they move on to first grade, they carry with them the foundation of a lifelong love of learning, the confidence to explore new opportunities, and the support of a community that believes in them every step of the way.

To our teachers, families, and staff—thank you for nurturing, encouraging, and celebrating these young learners throughout their journey.

And to our rising first-graders, congratulations! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and excited to watch you continue to shine.

Welcome to the next chapter, Class of 2038!

On Friday, our Riviera community came together for our annual Gratitude Luncheon, one of our most important traditions dedicated to celebrating the educators whose commitment, passion, and generosity make our school extraordinary.

We were proud to recognize our exceptional faculty and staff, alongside our Parents’ Club, Parent Ambassadors, and Parent Coordinators, whose partnership and support help strengthen the Riviera experience for every student and family.

A special tribute was given to team members celebrating milestone years of service, including 10 and 15 years. Their dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions have helped shape our community and leave an enduring impact on generations of students.

One of the afternoon’s most meaningful moments was the presentation of the Al Glicksberg Awards, Riviera’s highest distinction. This year, we proudly honored Mary Carballo, Academic & College Counselor, and Dr. Stephanie Romulton, Mental Health Counselor, for their commitment to excellence, their embodiment of Riviera’s mission and values, and the profound difference they make in the lives of our students each day.

To our faculty, staff, and parent partners: thank you for all that you do. Your dedication, compassion, and belief in our mission are the foundation of our success, and we are deeply grateful for the impact you make every day.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and throughout the month, Riviera Schools created meaningful opportunities for students and staff to pause, reflect, recharge, and prioritize wellness during one of the busiest times of the academic year.

From mindfulness activities, yoga, stress-relief boxing, gratitude writing, and calming stations to our Mental Health & Wellness Assembly, our community was reminded that mental health is essential to personal, emotional, and academic success.

One highlight included a special wellness session led by Nicole Guzman, who provided professional yoga instruction and wellness support to more than 70 Riviera Prep students and staff — reinforcing the power of mindfulness, movement, and self-care in managing stress and supporting well-being.

Our Friday Mental Health & Wellness Assembly, envisioned and led by two outstanding Riviera Prep students, brought the community together through powerful student-led presentations, performances of “You Will Be Found” by our Theater Arts students, highlights from our Mental Health & Wellness Clubs, and anxiety management research presented by our award-winning HOSA students.

Together, these experiences inspired reflection, connection, compassion, and hope.

At Riviera, we remain committed to fostering a community where wellness is valued, conversations around mental health are encouraged, and every individual feels seen and supported. A huge thank you to our mental health counselors, Dr. Romulton and Mrs. Gordon-Battle, for their leadership and guidance.

Your wellness matters 💙

From opening statements to closing arguments, our Intro to Law Studies students delivered a level of professionalism, preparation, and critical thinking far beyond their years during this year’s culminating Mock Trial.

After months of studying legal procedure, courtroom structure, case analysis, and trial strategy, students presented their cases before two distinguished leaders in the legal field: attorney Daniel Alvarez and the Honorable John O’Sullivan, Federal Court Judge and former professor of law at the University of Miami.

The confidence, poise, intellect, and discipline demonstrated by our students was nothing short of exceptional. Experiences like these are what transform learning from theoretical to unforgettable.

Last night, we proudly celebrated another meaningful milestone at Riviera Schools — our annual Bulldog Bridge Ceremony, where the Class of 2030 was formally welcomed into the next chapter of their academic journey: high school.

This transition from middle school to high school represents far more than a change in grade level. It reflects growth, resilience, and the strong foundation our students have built as they prepare to embrace new opportunities, challenges, and achievements ahead.

Crossing the bridge symbolizes forward movement, courage, and the confidence to step into the future with purpose. While honoring how far our students have come, we also celebrate the limitless potential that lies ahead and the enduring connections that will continue to guide them along the way.

As we gathered to recognize the accomplishments and character of our 8th grade class, we also honored students who demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, perseverance, and passion throughout the year. Their achievements serve not only as a reflection of their hard work, but as an inspiration to our entire community.

Congratulations, Class of 2030! Your journey is only beginning, and we are incredibly proud to continue walking beside you as your story unfolds.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

This year, we celebrate a class defined not only by extraordinary achievement, but by the character, leadership, and compassion that have shaped their journey every step of the way.

The Class of 2026 has been accepted to an impressive 186 colleges and universities across the nation and around the world, earned more than $22 million in scholarships, and completed over 33,000 hours of community service — a reflection of their commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Yet beyond the accolades, what makes this class truly remarkable is who they are. They are scholars, athletes, artists, innovators, and servant leaders who have led with integrity, uplifted those around them, and embraced every opportunity with purpose and heart.

As you prepare to begin this next chapter, know that Riviera will always be your home. The legacy you leave behind is one of resilience, ambition, kindness, and unity, and we could not be prouder of the impact you have already made on our community.

The future is brighter because of each of you, and we cannot wait to see where your journeys lead next.

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! 💙

Excellence in language learning continues to define the French Honor Society at Riviera Prep.

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in this year’s Le Grand Concours, a nationally recognized French language competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). The competition evaluates students’ listening, reading, and language skills, ranking participants both regionally and nationally among peers from across the country.

Every member of Riviera Prep’s French Honor Society earned an award in this rigorous academic competition, with students receiving Platinum, Gold, and Silver distinctions — the highest honors awarded. Receiving national recognition in Le Grand Concours reflects an exceptional level of proficiency and dedication to the study of the French language.

Most notably, two Riviera Prep students earned the prestigious Platinum award, an honor achieved by fewer than 250 students out of more than 45,000 participants nationwide.

These accomplishments are a testament to the talent, discipline, and academic excellence of our students, as well as the strength of Riviera Prep’s world language program. Congratulations to our French Honor Society and faculty for continuing a tradition of remarkable achievement.

Bulldog Bash is one of our favorite Riviera traditions because there is nothing better than seeing our Bulldogs smiling, laughing, and simply enjoying fun in the sun together!

Our Day School campus welcomed summer with foam parties, water activities, ice cones, and memories our students will be talking about long after the last day of school. Watching our Bulldogs make these memories together is one of the many things that makes our community so special.

Let the countdown to summer begin!

This week, we proudly celebrated our senior student-athletes as they officially signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Their commitment, discipline, and dedication have left a lasting mark on Riviera, and we are excited to watch them compete and thrive at the next level.

Congratulations to:

Mason Fuentes
Basketball
Division 1
Stetson University

RJ Livingston
Basketball
Division 1
Texas State University

Anton Safin
Basketball
Division 1
California Baptist University

Emilia Kouri
Volleyball
Division 1
Western Illinois University

Camila Busque
Volleyball
Trinity Valley Community College

Signing Day is a celebration not only of athletic achievement, but of perseverance, leadership, and the countless hours invested both on and off the court.

We are incredibly proud of these Bulldogs and grateful to the coaches, teachers, teammates, and families who supported them throughout their journey.

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog 💙 🐾