Over a period of two years, over 100 sites were evaluated and rejected for a variety of reasons until finally the search committee selected Digger Bend Ranch, recommended by the Etchell family, which was located on a bend in the Russian River outside the town of Healdsburg. Combining easy access, cultivable land, and pure water with a serene and beautiful rural setting, this site offered the perfect setting for a new school whose goals were to foster rigorous academic study, healthy physical development in an invigorating natural environment, spiritual growth with an emphasis on unselfish service to others, and positive and lasting social relationships among both students and staff.

That dream became a reality on Sunday, September 2, 1962 when Rio Lindo Adventist Academy was opened with an elegant ceremony. Students moved into new dorms and labs were equipped with the latest technology.

Principal Walter T. Will and his faculty of 32 led an unforgettable school year for over 300 students. Highlights from that first year were electing the SA officers, taking a ski trip to Tahoe, and many worships and students’ encounters with God.

“Some of the friendships you have made this year will be dear to you through your life. This summer when we look back on our good old RLA we will remember the many good times we have had,” wrote one senior to her friends after graduation.

During the first five years of Rio’s existence, over 500 students graduated, taking subjects like German, business, architectural drafting, welding and shop classes, and French. The cost of tuition in 1968 was $1,650 a year. Service became an integral part of Rio’s culture and students collected cans from the community instead of going trick-or-treating on Halloween. In 1969, Rio students rebuilt the home of a local family who had lost everything in a fire. Governor Ronald Reagan wrote the students a thank you note to recognize their efforts. Each year, students would perform service projects in the local community, ranging from cleaning up the Russian River, to beautifying Healdsburg, or helping the homeless.

Even though the school was everything the Rio community had hoped for, they knew that one thing could make it even better; a pool. Students campaigned and worked to earn the money to build the pool and during a 30-day fundraising campaign, they raised $13,000, which is equivalent to $84,000 today. The pool was finished in 1970 and was used throughout the year both for recreation and exercise in PE class.

Throughout the ‘70’s, Rio’s curriculum began to grow and change. A counseling center was developed, and faculty member Clinton Conley added ceramics to the art program, saying, “Personally, I feel that ceramics is one of the most durable, creative and useful of the craft areas.”

Ceramics has proven to be a popular medium over the years and is still taught today.  Rio also broadened its elective classes to include auto body and incorporated computing classes in the 90’s.

Rio always emphasized work education, giving students a chance to learn the value and satisfaction that having a job can bring. Students have worked at a redwood furniture factory, called Harris Pine Mills, campus laundry, a broom factory, and many students worked in school offices for teachers and staff.  The work program still employs most eligible students, preparing them for college and the work force.

Rio senior Ernest Simanungkalit says, “When I got to Rio, I applied to the cafeteria for a job. I quickly learned that the people I would be working for were not only my bosses, but mentors.  I learned leadership skills that I believe will help me outside of Rio.”

The original dream for Rio Lindo Adventist Academy is alive today.  Students still receive a quality and well-rounded education. Data shows that the more years a student attends Rio, the higher their standardized tests scores are.  Within the last few years, Rio’s teachers have worked tirelessly with outside educators to continue learning how to teach to all learners. Throughout the professional growth process, teachers discovered the power of collaboration in reaching a student, as well as the continuous need for raising students’ reading and writing skills.  As a whole, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy still desires to provide a safe, educationally enriching, spiritually uplifting experience for generations of students.