The school opened this year as a ninth-grade only facility housed on the lower level of Mill Creek Middle School.
In August, the neighboring high school facility will open for ninth- and 10th-graders, with a grade to be added each year for the following two years.
Establishing a new school involves more than just providing space and materials for classes, officials point out, as they are also tasked with providing extra-curricular activities to suit their students' needs.
River Ridge, which serves 306 freshmen, has launched a long list of clubs in its inaugural year.
These include fine arts clubs such as drama, band, chorus, orchestra, art and multmedia; academic-related clubs, such as math club, science Olympiad and academic bowl team; and others such as the yearbook club, newspaper club, environmental club, chess club, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Students, student ambassador club and foreign language club.
The school's athletic program was kicked off with baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, fast-pitch softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball and wrestling.
Principal Darrell Herring said about three-fourths of his students are involved in at least one extra-curricular activity.
"I see them going to different things and getting involved with things," he said.
Officials said choosing which activities to offer depends on student interest and whether there are teachers with expertise or interest in a particular club.
Along with adhering to the county school board's policy, extra-curricular activities such as athletics and drama may also fall under the bylaws of the Georgia High School Association.
Herring said he did an assessment to see which clubs most interested students.
One of the more popular clubs is the Excalibur Leadership Society, the school's student government association. Also popular are the yearbook, newspaper and environmental clubs.
River Ridge's drama program has taken off as well.
Counselor Jeff Bennett, who is helping to launch the program, said about 30 students are involved so far. He said he expects more students to show an interest as the football season comes to an end.
The school will present its inaugural production, a Medieval Madrigal Dinner and Concert, at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in Mill Creek's cafetorium.
The production will incorporate the band, chorus, orchestra and drama students as they take the audience back to the 16th century with song, dance and acting.
Tickets are $15 and can be reserved 24 hours in advance by e-mailing Bennett at jeff.Bennett@cherokee.k12.ga.us.
Bennett said because the school is new, students have the challenge of creating its identity and tradition.
"I'm trying to make sure we do a variety of shows," said Bennett, who previously led Etowah High's drama program while serving as a counselor there.
Bennett is also helping to coordinate the Excalibur Leadership Society.
He's set up monthly leadership training sessions conducted at the school on Saturdays. The sessions, which last for seven hours, have drawn 40 students.
"They are just having a really good time with it," he said.
Wendy Cope, the assistant cheerleading coach and the journalism and yearbook adviser, said the River Ridge freshmen are excited about launching the school's newspaper.
Ms. Cope also is in the process of putting River Ridge's yearbook online and allowing Wordpress.com to host the school's newspaper online. Comments would be moderated by her, she added.
For next year, Herring already has ideas for adding more clubs to River Ridge's roster.
For example, he would like to see River Ridge have a debate team, a mock trial club, clubs relating to criminal justice and health services, a mountain biking club and a friend's club, which fosters friendships between students with and without disabilities.
"You never know what interests kids will bring up," he said, adding he would like to see a lacrosse team added to the school's athletic selection.
With the creation of clubs and activities, River Ridge's first class is helping to form its history. It's something Bennett said the students are taking in stride.
"They are having to develop a close bond with one another," he said.
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