Schools at River Islands
The schools at River Islands are charter schools, authorized by the Banta Unified School District, one of the oldest districts in California. All the schools are part of the River Islands Academies, a charter school system within the school district.
Charter schools are public schools and are available at no charge to its families. As public schools, they all comply with laws and regulations, yet as charters, the schools are subject to fewer rules and regulations than traditional public schools. Charter students take the same state-required, standardized tests as public school students. There is a governing board for the Academies made up of elected and appointed board members, The agendas of those meetings are available on the River Islands Academies website, riacademies.net.
Residents of River Islands and the Banta School District as a whole have first priority to attend any of the River Islands Academies. Families who are new to the River Islands Academies must show proof of residency.
As of December, 2024, the following campuses have been built by River Islands Development within the community:
- River Islands Technology Academy (K-8)
- Next Generation STEAM Academy (K-8)
- EPIC Academy (TK-8)
- River Islands High School (9-11; 12th grade opening for the 2025-26 academic year)
The key phrase that unites all the schools is: We are stronger together.
For more information or to book a tour at any of the schools, go to:
The region is also home to many higher education institutions, including:
Delta College
Delta College is the area’s community college, offering classes on site and online.
University of California, Merced
The University of California Merced, the newest campus in the UC system, has both undergraduate and graduate programs available.
California State University, Stanislaus
California State University Stanislaus hosts evening classes for college credits or personal enrichment.
University of the Pacific
The prestigious University of the Pacific, a four year private college, also offers specialized graduate programs in law, dentistry, health sciences, engineering, business administration, music, biological science and communication, to name a few.
