From left are Rancho Cordova Vice Mayor Garrett Gatewood, Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Eric Swanson, Riverview STEM Academy Principal Lari Powell, mascot Astro the Astronaut, Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board of Trustees, President Chris Clark and Rancho Cordova City Manager Micah Runner.

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Excitement and anticipation filled campuses across Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) on Thursday, Aug. 7, as more than 22,000 students returned for the first day of the 2025–26 school year.

That energy was evident at Riverview STEM Academy, 10700 Ambassador Drive, where students, families and staff celebrated the school’s official launch as Folsom Cordova Unified School District’s first K–8 campus.

With its beloved mascot, Astro the Astronaut, greeting students at the gate and posing for countless photos, Riverview STEM Academy marked the beginning of a new chapter that expands its mission of hands-on, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) focused learning from kindergarten all the way through middle school.

“This school opened about 10 years ago, and by the end of that first year, parents were saying, ‘We want to keep this going,’” said Principal Lari Powell. “We finally did it and parents are ecstatic. One of the things we've noticed about our kids is that they have STEM from kindergarten and so what was happening was they were leaving us after fifth- grade with a skill set most high schoolers didn’t have. Now, we get to continue that momentum.”

Riverview STEM Academy is welcoming its first cohort of sixth-grade students this year, with seventh- and eighth- grades to be added in the 2026–27 school year. The expansion is a collaborative effort between the school, the district and the City of Rancho Cordova, which has increasingly positioned itself as a regional leader in technology and innovation.

“Riverview STEM Academy’s expansion to a K–8 school is a milestone that reflects Rancho Cordova’s shared commitment with Folsom Cordova Unified School District to investing in high-quality, hands-on education,” said Mayor Siri Pulipati. “We’re proud to support the future of learning right here in our city.”

For Powell, the expansion is not just about curriculum continuity, it's about relationships, community and emotional well-being.

“I know every single one of these students, many since kindergarten. Instead of sending them into a school with 1,600 kids where they might feel lost, they’re staying somewhere they are known, seen and heard. Middle school is hard. This is the time they need us most.”

Powell’s vision resonates with students and parents alike.

“They can stay at the same school, they are familiar with it, their friends and it’s focused on the same learning program,” said parent Ursula Chase. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Another parent, Eshita Chandan, added: “Schools like this that are STEM-oriented are important because they take a hands-on approach. Teachers aren’t just teaching; they’re trying to understand how kids learn and help them progress accordingly.”

For Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Eric Swanson, Riverview STEM Academy represents the district’s long-term vision to create a seamless K–12 STEM pathway for families that chose to follow this path.

“Riverview STEM is kind of like a magnet school, it’s open to families across the district,” Swanson said. “We heard clearly from our families that they wanted a way to continue that learning beyond fifth-grade. Eventually, we want to build out a STEM academy at Cordova High School so students can go from kindergarten through 12th- grade in a STEM environment. Rancho Cordova is an AI tech hub, we’re saying, ‘Learn here, work here.’”

Rancho Cordova Vice-Mayor Garrett Gatewood echoed that sentiment, pointing to the city’s transformation into a high-tech ecosystem.

“We were a city with an Air Force base that closed. Now, we’re becoming the hub of AI and technology in Northern California,” Gatewood said. “There’s a 200-person waiting list to get into Riverview. That’s never happened before here. It shows what happens when you invest in schools and believe in the kids.”

Third-grade teacher Troy Martinez, who has taught in Folsom Cordova Unified School District since 2003, was already getting started with science activities on day one.

“It's very interactive here. We’re starting science today. It’s going to be fun,” Martinez said. “What I love most is the stability this school provides. Kids grow up here, build friendships and develop the confidence they need to succeed.”

Even younger students were embracing the new school year with enthusiasm. Fourth-graders Scarlett Ollenger and Zadie Chase shared their excitement for their favorite subject, math; and their participation in “Little Buddies,” a program that pairs older and younger students for collaborative projects and playtime.

With continued support from the city, district and families, Riverview STEM Academy staff showed just how ready they are for this new school year.

“This was a celebration in the making all summer,” Powell said. “Every single adult on this campus, from teachers to custodians, is here to serve these kids. That’s what makes this school special.”