The vision of Riverdale High School is to empower students to be productive members in our local and global communities who embrace diversity, model compassion, and work fervently toward academic success.

Riverdale High School was established in 1962 as a new secondary school in Jefferson Parish for young women in grades 10 – 12.  The outstanding administration, faculty, and staff established RHS as a school of academic excellence.  Riverdale became a forerunner of quality education in Jefferson Parish and quickly earned its superior reputation throughout the state.  The Lassie was the mascot of the all-girl Riverdale High School.

In 1965, Riverdale was racially desegregated, resulting in a more diverse, creative and unique student body.  Fifteen years later, Riverdale High converted to a co-ed high school in 1980.  The Scottish Rebel replaced the Lassie as the Riverdale mascot and has bestowed a great sense of school spirit and pride.  In 1986, grades 7 – 9 were added utilizing the middle school campus and in 1988 grade 6 was added. In 1994, Riverdale was divided into two separate schools: Riverdale High School and Riverdale Middle School.

1995 brought scheduling changes to the traditional six-period period with the introduction of 4 x 4 block scheduling.  Riverdale High was the first high school in Jefferson to implement the block schedule.  Each change brings Riverdale High a new experience and an opportunity to excel.  Despite the changes, Riverdale High has maintained the highest standards in pride, tradition, and educational excellence.  RHS has created millions of special memories for its nearly 15,000 graduates and continues to be a Jefferson tradition of excellence.

2006 Riverdale became an authorized IB World School, offering a rigorous curriculum that encourages personal development and academic achievement. IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed for personal fulfillment and for the betterment of their local and global communities. Students engage in in-depth study of the various disciplines and diploma candidates complete an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course, and a Community Action Service project. 

2015 Riverdale received an A Rating from the Louisiana Department of Education. The only traditional high school in JPPSS to earn the distinction.

2019  Named a School of Equity and a Tops Gains School by the Louisiana Department of Education. October of 2019, Mrs. Yunusah was named Jefferson Parish Schools High School Principal of the Year.

2020 Riverdale experienced one of the greatest challenges of our time when a global pandemic, COVID-19, closed the campus in March. Students transitioned to remote learning. The school community did not return to campus until Fall of 2020 on a hybrid schedule. Students platooned and attended school 2-3 days a week on campus and 2-3 days a week remotely. All students were assigned to a cohort.

2021 Riverdale's simulated School Performance Score is released and, despite the many challenges from the previous year, the school grew from 92.6 to 99.0, continuing the legacy of excellence. Riverdale's graduation rate increased 8.5 points from 96 to 104.5, and the school's Strength of Diploma, which measures the rigor of courses offered, increased 10 points from 104 to 114. Excitement filled the air as the school community returned to campus five days a week and resumed normal activities. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ida shut down the campus and region for a month, and the world continued to feel the affects of COVID-19. Families began the rebuilding process, a vaccine was introduced, and the school, once again, rallied to ensure students' academic and emotional well-being.