• PYP at Rivehhills

    courtyard of students  

    Riverhills Elementary Magnet IB World School is a hidden gem of Hillsborough County Public Schools. Nestled on the banks of the Hillsborough River, the school has delivered quality education to hundreds of students in the greater Tampa Bay area. A dedicated staff of certified teachers trained in multiple disciplines coupled with strong parent advocacy is attributed to the school's long tradition of academic success.

    Riverhills is an authorized International Baccalaurete (IB) World School implementing the Primary Years Programme (PYP) since 2016. Riverhills has received National Merit Awards from Magnet Schools of America every year of its existence. Riverhills offers an educational experience immersed in the theme of International Studies and elements of PYP. Kindergarten through fifth grade students develop creative critical thinking and problem solving skills through inquiry and natural curiosity. Our transdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning invites all learners to widen their perspective of the world around them, giving space to develop intercultural understanding and respect among our students and their global community. 

     

    black and white photo of older women

    Brief History

    In 1912, a business woman and philanthropist, Bertha Palmer purchased 19,000 acres in what is now the Temple Terrace area. She was known for her work in agriculture, women's rights and an advocate for reducing poverty. The land was a part of her family's exclusive hunting  and gaming preserve, The Riverhills Ranch. The stable and carriage house was converted into the first school, Temple Terrace Grammar School. Today, this surviving structure serves as a community center, Woodmont Clubhouse. The Woodmont Clubhouse, located in Woodmont Park, remains one of the oldest buildings in Temple Terrace.

    The growth of Temple Terrace in the 50’s was so rapid that, in 1956, Temple Terrace Elementary was opened with 16 rooms. Additional rooms were added in 1957-58 (28 rooms total). This still wasn’t enough and Woodmont still had to be used, so the school didn’t have double sessions. By 1962, Temple Terrace needed a second elementary school and Riverhills was opened in 1965. Temple Terrace's population on the 1950 census was 433. In 1960, it was 3,812. Temple Terrace was the second fastest growing city in the United States. (Information provided by Marisa Robinson)
Primary Years Programme banner