What is Riverbend?

Riverbend Professional Technical Academy (RPTA) is a consortium of the Coeur d'Alene, Lakeland and Post Falls school districts, serving the eight high schools. RPTA offers advanced technical and specialized courses that integrate career and academics, designed to provide students with real-life learning opportunities.

 

What courses are offered at Riverbend?

1. Computer and Network Systems, where students work toward their A+ certification and begin their         network training for CISCO certification.

2 Computer Aided Design, (CAD) Manufacturing (CAM) & Robotics, where students learn AutoCad 2000, SolidWorks 3-D Solid Modeling, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Fundamentals of Industrial & Mobile Robotics Systems.

3. Health Professions, where students learn about various health occupations through job shadowing and clinical time spent at Kootenai Medical Center and Life Care Center, and earn their C.N.A. (certified nursing assistant).

4. Welding: This program operates in coordination with North Idaho College and classes are held at the NIC welding facility located at 4006 Industrial Way in the CdA Industrial Park. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment and students will be encouraged to work toward industry certifications.

 

What students are eligible to participate and when can they enroll?

Any junior or senior student who attends high school in Coeur d'Alene, Lakeland, or Post Falls school districts is eligible to apply for admission to RPTA. They must be in good standing at their home school in regard to academics and attendance, and should demonstrate professional behavior in dress, grooming and attitude. The screening process involves an interview with the RPTA instructor and a tour of the facility to determine eligibility. Interested students should contact their high school counseling center during spring registration for an application and more information.

Home School and  Private School enrollees welcome.

 

When and where are classes held?

Classes meet every day and students may attend the morning session from 8:00 to 9:50 a.m., or the afternoon session from 12:15 to 2:05 p.m. Classes are held in the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center building in Post Falls, located in the Riverbend Commerce Park on Clearwater Loop Road, just west of the Factory Outlet Stores and the Welding program is located in the CdA Industrial Park.

Map to Riverbend Main Campus

Map to CdA Industrial Park

 

Can students drive to the Academy?

Yes, but they must complete a "Transportation Liability Release" form at their high school office and at the RPTA prior to driving. Otherwise, school bus transportation is provided to and from the Academy by each school district with the exception of the Welding program.

 

What about scheduling conflicts?

Some schedule conflicts with one or two sending schools has occurred, and RPTA remains as flexible as possible in regard to student tardiness due to transportation issues. Students who arrive after the start time are responsible for the information covered prior to their arrival and are encouraged to take responsibility and work with their peers and instructors to ensure they complete missed work. These students should communicate with their sending school teachers to allow for flexibility as they pursue a diverse educational pathway.

 

What school calendar year does RPTA follow?

Riverbend Academy students and instructors are guided by the Couer d'Alene School District #271 calendar ( with the exception that if two school districts in the consortium are in session, RPTA will be in session as well). The expectation is that all enrolled students will be in attendance even if their home school is not scheduled on one of those days.

 

Questions? Call RPTA at 769-5960 or email us today!