Mission

Riverside University High School is committed to being a diverse multicultural urban high school with a primary emphasis on the preparation of students for success in post-secondary educational settings. The shared efforts of students, parents, and staff will result in lifelong learners and productive citizens in the global community.

Vision

Riverside is a welcoming school community with a culture that fosters a passion for learning. Our graduates grow to be responsible, socially aware citizens who are prepared for a variety of post-secondary options.

Our rigorous college-preparatory program ensures that every student is well-prepared for life after graduation—whether in college, careers, or the workforce. As one of the top five Advanced Placement (AP) high schools in Milwaukee, RUHS offers a wide range of challenging courses, including career exploration, PLTW, STEAM, visual and performing arts, and world languages. Students benefit from our proximity to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) through dual enrollment course offerings, gaining valuable experience and earning college credits while still in high school. They can also earn the Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating high levels of proficiency in multiple languages and readiness for a global workforce.

At Riverside University High School, learning happens through a social justice lens—both culturally and academically. This ensures that all students feel valued and represented while also challenging them to think critically about the world. Learning is hands-on and future-focused, and our state-of-the-art PLTW lab gives students direct experience with real-world applications. They also benefit from our bilingual program and our comprehensive arts program that includes choir, band, orchestra, visual arts, and our annual spring musical.

Academic success at RUHS is built on collaboration. The RUHS Learning Team, which includes teachers and administrators, works together to continually improve through data-driven decision making. On an individual level, our staff members dedicate countless hours to tutoring, extracurriculars, and mentoring to make sure that all students have the support they need to achieve their goals. Most of our teachers hold advanced degrees, and many have earned national, state, and local recognition for their excellence.

Outside the classroom, students can get involved in a variety of extracurricular opportunities. RUHS offers comprehensive sports programs, clubs for a wide range of student interests, and an active student government that builds leadership, collaboration, and school spirit.

Enrollment

For students entering ninth grade, please review the MPS High School Enrollment page for instructions on how to enroll.

For the 2025-2026 school year, students entering grades 10–12, please complete the RUHS Student Application. Be sure to attach your transcript(s) before submitting the form. Someone will reach out to you! 

For the 2026-2027 school year, ALL INTERESTED STUDENTS should complete the RUHS Student Application. Be sure to attach your transcript(s) before submitting the form. Someone will reach out to you!

History

Riverside University High School is the direct descendant of Milwaukee High School, the very first public high school established in the city in 1868. After several moves (in which the school became East Division High School), we moved to our present site in 1915. Due to the location on the east bank of the Milwaukee River, our school was renamed Riverside High School. In recognition of our special relationship with nearby UWM, we became Riverside University High School in 1984.

Alumni

Did you miss out on ordering a yearbook? We have inventory available for previous years going back to 1975; prices vary depending on the year. (Recent yearbooks are $40, and yearbooks that are more than five years old are $20.)

Please contact our Yearbook Club advisor, Amani Asad, at asadal@milwaukee.wi.k12.us to purchase a copy. (Be sure to include the year you’re looking for in your message!)