Riverstone: Home of Award-Winning Education

January 31, 2020

It’s another proud moment for Golden Valley Unified, the school district of Madera County’s 2,000-acre Riverstone master-planned community. One of the district’s shining stars—Webster Elementary—has just been named a 2020 California Distinguished School.

Riverstone’s future on-site school—Stone Creek Elementary—is planned to feature 21st century classrooms, a state-of-the-art Library/Media Center, a dedicated music room, outdoor learning spaces, an outdoor amphitheater and a dynamic sports complex.

Webster Elementary, the temporary home for TK-6^th graders living at Riverstone, was recently named a 2020 California Distinguished School.

The California Distinguished Schools (DS) Program honors some of California's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. The selected elementary, middle and high schools are awarded for closing the achievement gap and for accomplishing exceptional student performance.

“A great education was a vital part of our decision to develop Riverstone in the Golden Valley School District, and it’s a critical element in creating a vibrant community,” said Riverstone’s Tim Jones. “Riverstone’s Golden Valley School District is the best in Madera County and ranks in the top two in the Clovis, Fresno and Madera school districts.”

The Distinguished Schools’ honor earned by Webster Elementary is another testament to the academic excellence of Golden Valley USD. Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, added, “These outstanding schools don’t just educate students; they also provide the young people of California the tools they need to be successful after graduation.”

Webster Elementary is the temporary home for TK-6^th graders and their families living at Riverstone. With a school-wide attendance rate of 98%, Webster boasts the highest percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in the district. More than 60% of students met or exceeded standards in both ELA (English Language Arts) and math for 3rd through 6th grades.

The school’s library provides access to 6,500 books, and at its Reading Lab—which serves 125 pupils every day—students receive extensive small group ELA instruction. Webster’s accelerated reader program has expanded to grades K through 6th , and nearly every class participates in reading buddies, in which two classes buddy-up and read together. In addition, students make extensive use of the school’s Computer Lab, which provides convenient access to 540 Chromebook devices.

Extracurricular activities at Webster offer something for nearly every student, from MESA-Mathematics, Engineering and Science, to Girls and Boys Athletics including basketball, soccer, mushball, volleyball and football. The school also offers an Achievement Gate Program, Art Lessons (TK-6^th) and a Music Program (3^rd-6^th).

Best of all, the award-winning qualities of Golden Valley USD will soon be a stone’s throw away from home for Riverstone residents. Anticipated to open in time for the 2021 school year, the community’s Stone Creek Elementary just broke ground earlier this month, and will be the first elementary school built under Golden Valley USD. (The district broke away from Madera Unified School District in 1998.)

The innovative campus, which will total 15.5 acres, is planned to feature tech-forward 21^st century classrooms, a state-of-the-art Library/Media Center, a dedicated music room, outdoor learning spaces, an outdoor amphitheater and a dynamic sports complex.

“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing the excellence of Golden Valley USD to our community with the upcoming Stone Creek Elementary,” said Riverstone’s Tim Jones. “Considering its forward-looking design, high-quality ball fields and playgrounds, and the sheer size of the campus, the school will be in a class all its own—and it will all belong to the best school district in Madera County!”

Situated in the heart of the region’s path of growth, Riverstone—when complete—will total approximately 6,578 single-family, attached and multi-family homes, as well as Riverwalk, a new commercial and mixed-use destination including office, service and retail. Amenities at Riverstone include walkable neighborhoods, parks and open space, a dog park, a sustainable water supply and The Lodge community clubhouse with resort-style swimming pools, a trainer-designed fitness center, demonstration kitchen, Gear Barn, outdoor gathering spaces with firepits, and ongoing monthly activities such as self-defense classes, book clubs, arts and crafts, specialty meal cooking classes and more. Future amenities are anticipated to include hiking and biking trails, a community farm and on-site schools belonging to the award-winning Golden Valley Unified School District.

For more information about the new-home community of Riverstone and its collections of new homes from Bonadelle Neighborhoods, Crown Homes, D.R. Horton, Lennar and Wathen Castanos Homes, homebuyers are encouraged to visit the community’s website at www.RiverstoneCA.com and add their name to the Interest List.