Riverwalk Academy Selected for SC RISE, a Teacher Leadership Initiative with NIET
Rock Hill charter school builds on a four-year partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
ROCK HILL, S.C. — October 23, 2026 — Riverwalk Academy has been selected as one of the participating schools in SC RISE, a grant initiative led by the South Carolina Public Charter School District in partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). NIET staff visited Riverwalk's campus on October 14th to launch the school's work under the grant.
SC RISE supports participating charter schools in strengthening instruction through teacher leadership, job-embedded professional learning, ongoing coaching, and even teacher recognition through monetary incentives. Schools in the initiative will implement the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement as an evidence-based model to strengthen teacher effectiveness and improve student outcomes.
The grant builds on a partnership already four years in the making. Riverwalk has worked with NIET since 2022 and has an instructional leadership team and weekly teacher cluster meetings in place. This school year, the school is focused on individual growth plans that tie each teacher's professional goals to classroom practice and student results. Next year, Riverwalk plans to expand formal teacher leadership roles.
School leaders credit the NIET partnership with playing a significant role in Riverwalk's improved student outcomes. In 2026, Riverwalk was named a finalist for NIET's Founders' Award, which recognizes schools for outstanding growth in teaching and student achievement.
"Over these past 4 years, our partnership with NIET has changed how our teachers learn from one another, and our students have benefited from that every day," said Dr. Robert Compton, Head of School at Riverwalk Academy. "We're honored to be part of SC RISE and grateful to the SC Public Charter School District and NIET for this opportunity. This work doesn't change who we are. Project-based learning is at the heart of Riverwalk, and stronger teaching is what makes those projects meaningful for students. Having the NIET team on our campus was a great start, and we're excited to keep growing alongside the other schools in the initiative."
“This transformative partnership with NIET builds on what we have accomplished over the last several years to strengthen our schools. Riverwalk Academy has seen unprecedented student growth over the past four years, demonstrating what is possible when dedicated educators, strong leadership, and a commitment to families all come together” said South Carolina Public Charter School District Superintendent Chris Neeley. “Riverwalk represents an important opportunity and a strong public school option where students can grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. Ultimately, this work is about our students. Kids First is our promise, and everything we do to strengthen educators should help us better see each child, recognize their spark, and help that spark grow.”
About Riverwalk Academy
Founded in 2014, Riverwalk Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Rock Hill, South Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through grade 12. It is part of the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Through its project-based learning model, Riverwalk Academy serves over 825 students from 5 different counties.
About NIET
The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) is a national nonprofit that partners with schools, districts, and states to build educator excellence through teacher leadership, instructional coaching, and job-embedded professional learning. Learn more at niet.org.
Media Contact
Media contact: Dr. Robert Compton, Head of School · 803-327-8400 · rcompton@riverwalkacademy.com