Franklin Co. school combines Christian faith with alternative learning

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – A non-traditional school in Brookville is growing as it enters its third year in operation. 

Ashley Brodbeck is a former traditional school teacher who launched Riverside Academy in 2024. 

She created the microschool in an effort to take a bold, innovative approach to education for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. 

Students spend the day in a modern one-room schoolhouse where Brodbeck, a licensed teacher, provides customized instruction tailored to each child’s needs. 

“I don’t see grade levels or age levels but what I do see are different levels of ability.  That is how we group students to ensure they are getting the most of their education everyday,” Brodbeck said. 

That unique, alternative approach has led to continued growth as the school started with 6 students and now has 18.

“We pride ourselves on our small class sizes, our hands-on approach to learning, and mixed aged learning classes. We are proud to offer another option for education for Franklin County and the surrounding communities through our microschool" Brodbeck said.

Riverside will enter a new chapter beginning this fall as it will also become a Christian school. 

“As we move forward, faith will become a more intentional part of our daily culture through prayer, scripture, devotionals, worship, and Christ-centered character development, while continuing to provide the individualized, learner-driven education Riverside is known for,” Brodbeck said. 

The school has also adopted an eagle to represent their microschool as a mascot.

Riverside Academy is located at Creekside Church on Bossert Road in Brookville. You can get more information and enroll your child by clicking here.