Located on the side of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the extinct volcanoes Mt. Longonot and Mt. Suswa on the valley floor, Rift Valley Academy has a long history of serving the missionary community. Although it was designed initially to serve the children of AIM missionaries, in its one hundred years of existence it has expanded to accept the children of other missions as well as children of diplomats and nationals. The school is divided into two parts, the elementary portion, called Titchie Swot, and the high school. Each section has its own principal, who answers to the superintendent, who answers to the school board. The school board is made up of parents, and has oversight over the basic school program. Utilizing an American curriculum, and accredited by the Middle States Association, RVA is designed to prepare the children of missionaries for higher education in their home countries.
RVA offers a rigorous college prep diploma as well as a general diploma in order to give students the best basis for their continuing education. As part of the college prep diploma we offer a number of Advanced Placement courses which are audited by the AP College Board in the United States. These classes are designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Exams given in May which will allow high school students to get college credit for classes taken in high school. Recognizing our international student body, we also offer classes preparing students to take the International General Certificate of Secondary Education exams which are given in May of each year. By offering Advanced Placement and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) classes, we are giving our students the best preparation for whatever level of higher education they may desire.
The Guidance Department is committed to helping every student achieve his or her full potential, both as students here at RVA, and in their choice of college or university upon graduation. As part of our Guidance program we offer a Learning Enhancement Center which provides tutoring both one on one and in small groups to ensure academic success for all students. We also offer assistance in college selection and writing applications. The SAT and ACT exams are given regularly to give students the best chance of attending the college of their choice. The Guidance Department also assists students in taking the correct courses to achieve their personal academic goals.
The boarding program at RVA is designed to give students the best possible living situation away from home. The Titchie (elementary) dorms are built like large houses, the boarders come through the dorm parents living space to their rooms, and eat with the dorm parents frequently during the term. The high school dorms are designed to the give the students a little more autonomy while still allowing access to their dorm parents. Meals are provided through the cafeteria, which serves three well balanced meals a day to the boarding students. Laundry facilities are also available, and most students can be seen taking laundry in on Tuesday morning.
With many different extracurricular activities, students are sure to find an activity that suits their personality. RVA's sports program offers many different sports for students to be involved in at different levels throughout the school year. The choir and band have concerts every term, and twice a year there is a large drama production. Every weekend has activities for students which range from movies to outdoor games. Since the staff also live on campus, they are involved with much more than simply classroom teaching. Many staff choose to sponsor a class and stay with them for their high school years. All staff have Caring Communities, a small group of students who meet in their home once a month, which enables them to get to know a small group of students well.
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