Riverview School – Cape Cod, MA
Riverview School GROW Program Review: A Gold Standard for Transition to Adulthood
When families begin searching for what comes after high school, they’re often looking for much more than another educational program. They’re looking for a place where their young adult can continue growing, develop confidence, build meaningful relationships, and learn the skills needed for an independent and fulfilling adult life.
After touring Riverview School’s GROW Program on beautiful Cape Cod, we walked away incredibly impressed.
From the welcoming staff and exceptional facilities to the thoughtful programming and real-world opportunities, it’s easy to understand why Riverview has earned such a strong reputation in the transition community.
About Riverview School
Founded in 1957, Riverview School is an independent day and boarding school serving students ages 11–21 with autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and other complex language and learning differences. Their post-high school transition program, GROW (Getting Ready for the Outside World), serves young adults ages 18–21 who have completed high school and are preparing for adulthood.
Rather than simply extending high school, GROW is designed to bridge the gap between school and adult life by combining academics, employment, independent living, and social development into one highly individualized experience. Students live on campus, attend classes, participate in internships throughout Cape Cod, and practice the skills they’ll use long after they graduate.
First Impressions
The first thing we noticed was how beautiful the campus is.
Nestled on Cape Cod, Riverview feels more like a small college than a transition program. The campus is immaculate, peaceful, and intentionally designed to promote independence while still providing the structure and support students need.
Mr. Bier gave us an outstanding tour and was incredibly knowledgeable about every aspect of the program. Every staff member we met genuinely seemed to know the students well and wanted them to succeed.
That welcoming atmosphere stayed with us throughout the entire visit.
Housing That Builds Independence
One of our favorite stops was the residence halls.
The dorms were bright, spacious, and honestly nicer than many college dorms we’ve toured. Students live in a supportive residential environment with overnight staff available while still being encouraged to take ownership of daily responsibilities and routines.
Living on campus allows students to practice skills like:
- Laundry
- Cleaning
- Personal organization
- Time management
- Self-advocacy
- Healthy routines
- Building friendships
The residential experience isn’t just about having a place to sleep—it’s another classroom where independence is practiced every day.
Functional Academics That Matter
Instead of focusing solely on traditional academics, GROW teaches practical skills students will actually use as adults.
Courses include subjects like:
- Personal Finance
- Consumer Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Travel Training
- Communication
- Relationships
- Executive Functioning
- Self-Advocacy
- Time Management
Instruction is individualized, and adaptive technology is used to support different learning styles. Students also have access to speech-language services, reading specialists trained in the Wilson Reading System, and social skills instruction integrated throughout the program.
Career Development & Internships
One of Riverview’s biggest strengths is vocational training.
Students don’t simply learn about work—they actually experience it.
Riverview partners with businesses throughout Cape Cod, giving students internships based on their interests and goals. Career experiences include:
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Food Service
- Office & Administrative Work
- Facilities & Maintenance
- Business Services
These internships help students discover careers they enjoy while building workplace communication, responsibility, confidence, and job skills.
Incredible Flagship Career Programs
Riverview has created several standout vocational opportunities that really impressed us.
Café Riverview
Students help operate Riverview’s own café, gaining real customer service, food preparation, teamwork, and business experience.
Second View Thrift Store
Students also work in Riverview’s thrift store, learning retail operations, merchandising, customer interaction, inventory management, and cash handling.
Project SEARCH
One of the most exciting opportunities is Project SEARCH, an internationally recognized employment training program.
Through partnerships with Cape Cod Hospital, Falmouth Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, students rotate through multiple hospital departments—including pharmacy, human resources, medical records, emergency services, and sterile processing—to gain hands-on healthcare experience. Riverview was the first Project SEARCH affiliate in Massachusetts, and many graduates move directly into competitive employment.
Boardwalk Program
Students in their final year can participate in the Boardwalk Program, which provides individualized vocational experiences tailored to each student’s long-term career goals.
Learning Independent Living Skills
As food people, one of our favorite stops was the independent living kitchens.
These weren’t just demonstration kitchens—they’re fully equipped classrooms where students learn how to cook meals, grocery shop, meal plan, budget, clean up, and safely use kitchen appliances.
Yes…they even had a Ninja Air Fryer, so Avery immediately volunteered to teach a cooking class!
Independent living instruction also includes:
- Budgeting
- Transportation
- Hygiene
- Fitness
- Stress management
- Household management
- Community navigation
Every lesson is focused on helping students become as independent as possible after graduation.
Athletics, Recreation & Wellness
The recreation facilities were absolutely incredible.
Students have access to:
- Indoor athletic center
- Outdoor athletic fields
- Indoor & outdoor track
- Fitness equipment
- Yoga studio
- Exercise classes
- Recreational programming
Riverview also hosts Special Olympics events and places a strong emphasis on lifelong health and wellness through physical activity, nutrition, and mindfulness.
Transition Planning Starts Early
One thing that really stood out is that transition planning isn’t something Riverview waits until graduation to discuss.
Families receive ongoing support through:
- Individualized transition planning
- Family workshops
- Transition Speaker Series
- Transition Portal
- Annual Transition Weekend
- Guidance on SSI, guardianship, housing, employment, and adult services
- Collaboration with outside agencies
Their philosophy is that successful adulthood is something you prepare for over many years—not just during senior year.
Life After Graduation
Riverview’s commitment doesn’t end at graduation.
The school continues supporting families through alumni mentoring, transition resources, and Friends Together, a post-21 initiative designed to help alumni maintain connections and continue building community after leaving Riverview.
Recent outcomes shared by Riverview are especially encouraging:
- 84% of recent alumni live outside their family home.
- 90% of 2024 graduates were employed within one year.
- 95% of employed alumni reported enjoying their jobs.
Our Thoughts
We’ve toured transition programs across California and the Northeast, and Riverview truly stands out.
This isn’t simply a school.
It’s a community intentionally designed to help young adults become confident, capable, and independent.
We loved:
- Beautiful Cape Cod campus
- Exceptional residential facilities
- Warm, knowledgeable staff
- Outstanding vocational opportunities
- Strong emphasis on independence
- Real-world internships
- Incredible recreation and wellness facilities
- Thoughtful long-term transition planning
The level of planning, support, and opportunity available to students is remarkable.
If your family is looking for a comprehensive residential transition program that combines academics, independent living, career preparation, and community in one place, Riverview School’s GROW Program deserves a spot on your tour list.
A huge thank you to Mr. Bier and the entire Riverview team for taking the time to show us around and answer our many questions. We left inspired by the incredible work you’re doing to help young adults prepare for meaningful, independent lives.
