Riverside Elementary School was built in 1992 at a time of strong enrollment growth in the southeast portion of the Boise School District. The late 80's and early 90's featured the discovery of Boise as a "nice place to raise a family" by immigrants from across the country. Student population in the District began to climb rapidly, and new highs in enrollment were reached yearly in the first half-decade of the 90's.

Riverside sits on an a ten acre site. When the school opened in 1992 enrollment stood at close to 700 students. By 1996, enrollment increased to nearly 800 students. Today, Riverside serves nearly 700 students.

Riverside provides an excellent academic program and is also home to the historic Bown House, which is featured on the grounds of the school and serves as a unique hands-on learning opportunity as students learn about Idaho's pioneer history.