How the Transfer Program Changed Everything: A Family’s Journey from Riverview to Parkway

By Robert Colyer

When Riverview Gardens lost its accreditation, our family faced a tough decision. We believed in our district, and we hoped that by the time our sons Nehemiah and Joshua reached high school, the accreditation would be restored. High school is critical, and we knew that grades during those years shape college prospects and future opportunities. But as our boys were set to enter the ninth grade, Riverview still hadn’t regained its accreditation.

That’s when the transfer program began, allowing students in unaccredited districts like Riverview to transfer to accredited districts. This opportunity was a lifeline, and that’s how our journey with the transfer program began. We sought out the best options for our boys and were fortunate enough to get them into the Parkway School District.

The Fight to Stay

The transfer program offered hope, but it wasn’t without its challenges. When our sons were about to enter their senior year, the program ended. However, we were determined to ensure Nehemiah and Joshua could finish where they started. We filed petitions, rallied community support, and even gained national attention. Faculty members and people across the nation supported our cause, and we did interviews with news media to keep the momentum going.

This fight taught us a lot about perseverance and advocacy. At one point, I received a letter from Keith Marty, the superintendent of Parkway Schools, assuring me that Nehemiah and Joshua would be able to complete their senior year. That letter meant the world to us—proof that when you fight for what you believe in, you can see the benefits. Our boys finished high school at Parkway, and that experience set the stage for their future success.

What They Did After High School

After high school, both of our sons pursued different paths, but their experiences at Parkway played a significant role in shaping their futures.

Nehemiah received both football and track scholarships, but he chose the track scholarship because it aligned with his passion for medicine. He attended Central Methodist University, where he excelled in both academics and track, traveling across the country and gaining valuable life experiences. Nehemiah graduated in 2021 with two degrees—a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and an Associate in Allied Health Sciences. He then continued his educational journey and applied and was accepted into multiple physical therapy programs, including Washington University, which is the top-ranked physical therapy school in the country. He graduated from Washington University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and started working at a hospital right after graduation. We are incredibly proud of him.

Josh, on the other hand, didn’t see himself at a traditional university. He chose to attend Ranken Technical College, where he studied system control technology and automation. He worked hard and took an extra semester to earn two degrees. Although he graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic and missed out on a traditional ceremony, he didn’t let that stop him. He found a job right after graduation and has been thriving in his field ever since. We were so proud that he also graduated with two degrees and has a successful career. 

What If They Hadn’t Transferred?

Looking back, we often wonder what would have happened if Nehemiah and Joshua hadn’t transferred to Parkway. When they first arrived at Parkway, despite earning straight A’s in Riverview, they quickly realized they were behind compared to their new peers. They had to work hard to catch up, and the curriculum at Parkway challenged them in ways that prepared them for college and beyond.

Without the transfer, I doubt they would have had the foundation needed to excel at the next level. The education they received at Parkway made all the difference in their SAT scores and grades allowing them to get accepted to the post-secondary schools of their choice. 

Advice for Other Parents

I wouldn’t change anything about our experience. Yes, the 45-minute drive to Parkway was long, and the trips back and forth for practices added to the time. But every minute was worth it. We understood the assignment—to give our boys the best possible start—and we all bought into it.

To any parent considering a similar move, my advice is this: take it one day at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by thinking about four years down the line. Focus on the present and stay committed to your child’s future. The transfer was well worth it, and I encourage anyone considering it to take the leap. The experiences and education your child will gain will be worth every effort you put in.