T he kids that come to Kleos Children's Community have, more often than not, experienced great difficulty at school. A chaotic home life has left large gaps in their education, even their attendance. Many have come to resent education as one more burden on their already troubled lives. Several have been convinced that they simply cannot succeed in school.

Because of the trauma in their lives, many of the kids at Kleos were struggling in the public schools, even after the kids arrived at Kleos. Riversbend Academy, the on-site school at Kleos answers these kids' educational challenges. In 1995, Riversbend was accredited by the state of Oregon as an alternative school. Our skilled teachers at Riversbend are challenged to slowly, patiently and deliberately backfill the gaps in the kids' educations.

Most of the school work is self-paced to accommodate the kids' individual needs. Kleos' goal is to have each child graduate from high school with a meaningful diploma; that is to say each child truly has the skills to back up the piece of paper. The challenges to this goal are as varied as the kids at Riversbend. Many struggle with anger, and a lack of trust in adults from past hurts. The Riversbend Academy emphasizes consistency and gentleness to gradually win the students' trust. Several have spotty educational backgrounds, especially in reading. has applied remedial educational systems such as PLATO to help students fill in the missing pieces. Reading is heavily emphasized. .

Riversbend splits into preschool, Kindergarten, 1st-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th grades. Within and between these groups, the older kids are often assigned to assist the younger kids. This promotes the notion of serving others, an important ingredient in a loving family.

Home  |  Welcome  |  Kids  |  Campus  |  Mission  |  Community

Ways to Help!  |  Fundraising  |  Employment  |  Kleos Store  |  What's New