Dr. James H. Benson,Sr. Col. USMC (Ret.) assumed the role of the ninth head of the school on June 1, 2009. Colonel Benson’s military career included assignments as Commanding Officer,JTF-129, Special Operations Counter-terrorism Joint Task Force; Commanding Officer, Sixth Marine Regiment; and Chief of Staff/Assistant Division Commander of the Second Marine Division. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Colonel Benson was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Awards, two Bronze Stars with “V” for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm,three Navy Commendation Medals one with “V” for Valor and the Navy Achievement Medal.In 2007, Colonel Benson completed a book published by Trafford Publishing Company entitled, So You Want to be a Leader?

Riverside's exclusive Center for Student Success teaches cadets the fundamental organizational and mental skills necessary for academic success.

Through the academy's military structure, cadets learn self-discipline, honor, and leadership skills.

Riverside's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)has been designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction for over 75 years. This means that Riverside can recommend up to 5 cadets per year to each of the 5 federal service academies.

Riverside also offers a "Dual Enrollment" program. For qualified senior cadets, they can enroll and take online college courses while taking classes simultaneously at Riverside.

Riverside offers a Georgia Driver's Education course for young men who would like to obtain their Driver's License. In addition, we also offer a Flight Program for young men interested in obtaining their pilot's license.

Riverside is located one hour north of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Our commadant's office can make shuttle arrangments for our cadets needing transportation to and from the airport.

School accreditations: SACS-SAIS