Principal's Message
Welcome to Risley International Academy of Innovation!
We are honored to welcome you to our vibrant and forward-thinking school community. Whether you are a returning family or learning about Risley for the first time, we invite you to explore the many exciting things happening at our school.
At Risley, our mission is rooted in a bold and inclusive vision: Our students deserve a sae learning community where they have an equitable opportunity to learn and grow while solving real-world problems, supported by adults who believe in their current and future success and hold them to high expectations. Every decision we make and every classroom experience we design is centered on this belief.
We are proud to be a STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) school, where students engage in Project-Based Learning, rigorous grade-level instruction, and targeted support tailored to their individual needs. Our team works collaboratively to create an environment where all students are empowered to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Beginning next year, students will have access to career exploration pathways in Health Sciences, Engineering and Design, and Computer Science and Cybersecurity. These pathways include Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses that give students hands-on, career-connected learning opportunites. We will continue offering a diverse range of electives, including Band, Choir, PE, Graphic Arts, Digital Media, Video Broadcasting, Art, Ceramics, and Business.
Our academic model also incorporates a Humanities approach, where students study English Language Arts and Social Studies together. This approach allows students to read entire novels and explore history through literature, making learning more engaging and meaningful.
As part of our STREAM focus, we're excited to unveil our remodeled Media Center, now transformed into a dynamic Innovation Space. This includes a Digital Media and Recording Studio, Print Shop, Computer Lab, VR Headspace area, Makerspace, and E-Gaming arena — all designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge learning.
At the heart of our work are the Core Values that guide everything we do:
- We believe in doing what's best for students.
- We believe our staff has shared responsibility for our students and their goals — all means all.
- We believe in clear, high expectations, and we will respectfully hold ourselves and each other accountable for meeting those expectations.
- We believe that students excel and learn most effectively in a structured learning environment, so we provide it.
- We believe staff are the backbone of our school, and we value, utilize, and support their work, their thinking, and their commitment to students.
- We believe in the intelligence and abilities of our students.
We invite you to experience Risley for yourself. Schedule a tour, call us with questions, or come see the innovation and inspiration happening every day in our classrooms. We are proud of our students, our staff, and our shared mission — and we can't wait to share it with you.
With pride and purpose,
Janelle Manes
Principal