Riverside Preparatory Academy
Gainesville, GA
"Mens Sana In Corpore Sano"
The Verdict
Riverside isn't just preparing cadets for college—it's transforming boys into leaders on the shores of Lake Lanier. Founded in 1907 and rebranded as Riverside Preparatory Academy in 2022, this Georgia institution maintains its military heritage while emphasizing academic rigor.
With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, 10 AP courses, and over 70% of faculty holding advanced degrees, Riverside delivers personalized education in a structured environment. The school's JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction designation for 85+ consecutive years means cadets can receive direct nominations to all five federal service academies.
About
Riverside Preparatory Academy is an all-boys military boarding and day school in Gainesville, Georgia, for grades 6-12. Founded 1907; boarding tuition $61,200 (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$61,200
Day Student
$20,600
International
$68,000
Endowment
$40 million
*Single payment rates; payment plans available with additional fees
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- School transcript
- Three letters of recommendation (Principal/Counselor, English Teacher, Math Teacher)
- Discipline report
- Health form and immunization record
- Interview (highly recommended)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
206 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
169
Student:Teacher
5:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Structured day begins with Reveille at 0600, followed by PT from 0700-0745, breakfast and preparation until 0900, and formation at 0905. Academic classes run 0915-1150 and 1250-1530 with lunch in between. Afternoons feature athletics or clubs until 1700, dinner until 1830, and Colors formation. Evening study hall runs 1900-2100, personal time until 2200, and Taps at 2200 for lights out. Phones are locked in secure storage except for designated times.
Discipline Model
Military model education with mandatory JROTC participation 24/7. Cadets are assigned to Company units housing 40-50 students each in the Kalmenson Barracks. Daily room inspections, peer-led discipline through the cadet chain of command, and communal responsibilities build leadership skills. Higher-ranking cadets oversee lower ranks in daily duties. The structure emphasizes time management, responsibility, and respect for others.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction for 85+ years; can nominate up to 5 cadets annually to each of the 5 federal service academies. Service Academy Preparation Program (SAPP) guides qualified cadets through the 12-14 month application process for USMA, USNA, USAFA, USCGA, and USMMA.
Hall of Fame
Admiral David L. McDonald
U.S. Chief of Naval Operations during the Vietnam War (Class of 1924)
CeeLo Green
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor
Leroy B. Raffel
Co-founder of Arby's fast-food restaurant chain (Class of 1944)
Everett Strupper
College Football Hall of Fame member; leading scorer in Georgia Tech's historic 222-0 victory (Class of 1914)
James Earl Carter Sr.
Father of U.S. President Jimmy Carter (Attended 1911)
George P. Oslin
Inventor of the singing telegram (Class of 1913)
Dr. Luis M. Proenza
President of the University of Akron for 15 years (Class of 1962)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Daily physical training from 0700-0745. Over 80% of cadets participate in interscholastic athletics across 35 teams at varsity, JV, and middle school levels. The academy competes in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA). Notable achievements include 2018 GHSA Track & Field State Champions, 2005 GISA Class AAA Football State Champions (12-0-1), and back-to-back GISA Wrestling State Championships (2002-04).
Facilities
206-acre lakefront campus on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia features the Kalmenson Barracks (capacity 500 cadets), gymnasium, performing arts facility, library, fitness facilities, multiple athletic fields, indoor rifle range, and access to water-based recreation. Major campus improvements funded by $84 million bond issue in 2007.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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Guides & Resources
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