River School

As a micro-enrollment elementary-level community in SODUS, Michigan, River School caters to 70 students from grades K through 8, run under Sodus Township S/D #5. By comparison, Michigan's public schools average about 369 students each, so River School sits 81% below that benchmark.

Operationally, River School answers to Sodus Township S/D #5, which sets policy, hires staff, and reports enrollment to the state.

On demographics, River School lists that the largest single group is White at 49%, but no single group is in the majority. Other groups include 21% Black, 19% Hispanic, 9% multiracial, 3% Asian. That is meaningfully less White than the county at large, where the share is closer to 74%.

In terms of school funding signals, On paper, River School has 4 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 17.5:1. The state averages around 15.8:1, so this campus is higher than the state norm typical. Around 83% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. That share is above Berrien County's rate of about 55%.

In the surrounding community, ACS estimates for Berrien County put median household income runs about $65,425, 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 11%. In all, Berrien County runs 75 public schools (combined enrollment of about 21,027 students), of which River School is one.

Clarke School is the nearest neighboring public school, about 2.5 miles from this campus. 8 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius.

The campus sits in a low-density setting.

Over the past 7-year window. River School's enrollment has fell 8% since 2018, when it stood at 76 (now 70). Hispanic enrollment moved from 25% to 19% across the same window. Class-load math has widened: from 14.8:1 in 2018 to 17.5:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around school events, parent volunteer needs, and clubs. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.