
A private school in Bettendorf can now enroll "boarding" students once again. Friday Rivermont Collegiate held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the renovation of the Carriage House into co-ed living space for up to 16 students, with two faculty apartments and a commons area and classroom.
Headmaster Max Roach says their goal is to increase enrollment and help the school financially, but it also fits in with important community goals.
"The revitalization of downtown Bettendorf, the launch and the prevalence of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and the preparation of global citizens. They all fit together - a thriving Bettendorf, a thriving Rivermont, and a thriving Quad Cities, is a thriving tomorrow."
Work on the 102-year old Carriage House began last December, led by Russell Construction, and cost 1.5 million dollars.
Roach says so far Rivermont has enrolled four boarding students for the fall, with up to four more possible.
He says the possible, next phase of construction at the school would include classrooms and labs for science, technology, engineering, and math, plus a boys dormitory with room for up to 30 students.