Enrollment

School Choice Programs at River Ridge Academy The School Choice Programs window is now closed for the 2026-2027 school year. It will open during the month of November for the 2027-2028 school year. School Choice Programs are not available for pre-k. Schools and programs that will be open for School Choice will be announced by the school district and posted on the School Choice and Choice Programs website when the 2027-2028 information becomes available. Visit the Beaufort County School District website under Families and School Choice and Choice Programs for a comprehensive guide to School Choice Programs. Families must reside in Beaufort County to apply for School Choice Programs. 

Pre-kindergarten 2026-2027Student must be 4 years old on or before September 1^st for pre-k. In February, parents should contact their zoned elementary school to sign up for a development screening. Families will be contacted by the district office to schedule screenings. Parents are notified at the end of May if their child is eligible. Visit the Early Childhood page on the BCSD website for further details and contact information. To register for a screening please call the main office at 843-836-4600.

Kindergarten 2026-2027Students must be 5 on or before September 1 to attend kindergarten. Beginning in February, parents may contact their zoned school to set up a registration appointment. To register at River Ridge Academy, email emily.mcisaac@beaufort.k12.sc.us to schedule an appointment for registration.

New to Bluffton (grades 1-8) and zoned for River Ridge Academy for the 2025-26 School Year 
Reach out to emily.mcisaac@beaufort.k12.sc.us in June for a registration appointment and review the documents below. 

New to River Ridge Academy (grades 1-8) for the 2026-2027 School Year 
After June 1^st, please reach out to MollyAnn.Kossack@beaufort.k12.sc.us  for a registration appointment and review the documents below. 

Enrollment Documents – please have the following in hand for registration. 

1. Your child’s birth certificate 

2. Your child’s South Carolina Certificate of Immunization - DHEC 4024 –  

• Immunization certificates MUST be on the correct the SC Form. Contact your child’s doctor’s office to obtain the correct form, do not have the form faxed. The list of vaccines printed from the patient portal is NOT the SC Certificate of Immunization.   

• To transfer an out-of-state immunization record, parents should bring their out-of-state immunization record to the Department of Public Health office at 4819 Bluffton Pkwy, or call 843-757-2251 to inquire, or request their local SC pediatrician transfer the out-of-state immunization record onto the correct form. This process can take two weeks or more.  

3. Proof of residency Document 1 - Provide one document from this section. All documents must be current and show the name and address of the parent(s)/ guardian(s). 

• Real Estate Tax Bill (2025) - If you have just purchased your home and have not received a tax bill yet, please bring a copy of Settlement Statement from your closing documents  

• Signed Lease\Rental Agreement (Current)  

• Military Housing Letter  

• Section 8 Letter 

4. Proof of residency Document 2 - Provide one document from this section. All documents must be current and show the name and address of the parent(s)/ guardian(s). 

• Electric, water/sewer, or gas bill 

• Landline phone bill 

• Cable bill 

• Current Car Insurance Declaration Page 

• Current Homeowner’s Insurance Declaration Page 
• Current Renter’s Insurance Declaration Page 
• Current Vehicle Registration