The schools that make up the Mad River Local School District are located in Riverside, Ohio – next to the City of Dayton and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  Riverside is a socially and economically diverse city with a population of more than 23,000. The area has many parks and sports fields because life centers around family values. Three major educational institutions are in the Dayton area: Wright State University, the University of Dayton, and Sinclair Community College. 

Our school district is comprised of four elementary buildings, two middle schools, one high school, and an early childhood center. It is Mad River’s goal to develop the uniqueness of each child by providing a variety of activities within the school day. Exposure to a rich and varied curriculum encourages children to grow and develop into well-rounded individuals. Mad River offers an outstanding preschool program, and a Special Education curriculum designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. We have made a concerted effort to hire the best teachers, principals, and support staff possible and have kept our workforce current with best practices through excellent training programs. We stand ready to make this the best school district for all students. 

Mad River is proud to say that all of our teachers are highly qualified; several of our teachers hold National Board certification. By promoting excellence at every level, we help our students to become leaders, achieve goals, and contribute effectively to the well-being of society. At Mad River, our students strive for excellence on and off the field.

The Stebbins Career Technology Education program has been commended both state and nationally. Our Stebbins Air Force Junior ROTC drill team has earned 18 state championship titles and five national titles! It is the philosophy of the Stebbins High School athletic department to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to participate in an athletic team. Athletic programs are a reflection of the district's desire to bring out the best in our students, parents, school, and community. 

PRESCHOOL

Mad River’s preschool focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. The core and essential documents of the Early Childhood Program are explicit and intentional in supporting improved student achievement. Teachers use a variety of strategies to encompass the diverse needs of children. In our inclusive classrooms, typically developing preschoolers learn and play with students in a nurturing, language-enriched environment. All sessions provide a structured learning environment with a focus on play, social skills, language development, fine/gross motor skills, and pre-readiness academic skills. All students are active learners in a caring and inviting environment.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Our K-4 buildings feature challenging and imaginative programs, including before and after-school experiences. Our 1500 elementary students are nurtured to feel pride in their accomplishments and develop positive attitudes about their future years of schooling. Each school features large classrooms with modern furnishings, a library, labs, a clinic, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and conference rooms to provide maximum educational settings. Computer labs are equipped with modern equipment. Safety cameras are located throughout the buildings and sites; the buildings include proximity card readers for all exterior doors and are equipped with a state-of-the-art digital Fire Alarm System.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Within our two middle schools, you’ll find students and teachers making great achievements every day. Our 600+ fifth and sixth graders who currently make up the student body at Spinning Hills Middle School receive close, individual attention and a wide selection of creative academic offerings. Spinning Hills’ teachers focus on individual learners and guide them to increased independence. Our 5-6 building features 35 classrooms, several combined workrooms, a computer lab equipped with modern equipment and seating for 30 students, a library, a gymnasium, a playground area with soft surfacing, a cafetorium with a stage, and an adjacent instrumental room, vocal room, and music library. The school also features a modern communications system equipped with technology infrastructure capable of supporting voice, video, and data. Currently, the district’s 600+ seventh and eighth graders attend Mad River Middle School. Mad River Middle School offers outstanding academic and social preparation for the challenges of high school. Exciting courses and programs focus on preparing students for success in high school and their educational pursuits. Like Spinning Hills, our 7-8th-grade building provides a quality learning environment. The building has spacious classrooms, science and computer labs, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and an instrumental room.

HIGH SCHOOL

Walter E. Stebbins High School is a four-year, comprehensive experience that offers College Prep, Honors, Dual Credit, and Advanced Placement courses and 10 award-winning Career Technology programs, including seven Tech Prep units. Stebbins’ Tech Prep graduates receive full tuition vouchers to continue their studies at Sinclair College.  A large selection of courses and scheduling provide maximum opportunities for each of the school’s 1100 students to fulfill credit requirements while exploring unique academic and career interests. Nearly 85% of Stebbins graduates pursue higher education, many with prestigious scholarships. Seniors often receive appointments to U.S. Military Academies or are awarded full ROTC scholarships.

Among our high school’s stellar features are an award-winning Air Force Junior ROTC program, an outstanding music performance program, and first-rate student senate leadership. Stebbins High School maintains a long history of North Central accreditation and upholds one of the strictest academic standards in the athletic league in which it competes.

Many student-athletes have gone on to compete in college and professional sports. Two Olympic medalists are Stebbins alumni. Since Stebbins High School opened in 1957, interscholastic athletics have been an integral part of the school and a school district that prides itself on excellence in academics, athletics, and the performing arts.

With a beautiful and modern high school, there is great excitement about the enhanced opportunities for the young men and women who attend Walter E. Stebbins High School.
 

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The excellent Mad Board of Education has earned the respect of this community. Board members work closely with the administrative team and all school employees to provide the absolute best education and activities for our students. 
Our parents are involved. Our schools value family participation and deeply appreciate the large numbers of parents and community volunteers who provide ways and means to expand the educational experience of every young person in the Mad River Local School District.