All About Our Schoool

In 1965, the Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School, originally named Grove Place Elementary School, was established to serve approximately 900 students. Nearly a decade later, in 1974, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands passed Act 3521, renaming the school in honor of the late Mrs. Eulalie R. Rivera, a distinguished educator who devoted many years to advancing education in the territory. Nestled on a ten-acre property at Estate Mount Pleasant, Frederiksted, St. Croix, the school offers a spacious and enriching environment for learning and personal growth.  

The campus is composed of several buildings, including seven wings that serve as classroom facilities. These wings house a total of 36 classrooms, accommodating students from PreK through 8th grade.  In addition to the classroom wings, the school features three separate structures:  

1. The Administration Building: This hub includes the library, primary computer lab/media center, central office, administrative offices, and offices for the school counselor and nurse.  

2. The Cafeteria Building: This structure houses the kitchen and cafeteria, which also serves as the venue for monthly assemblies, fostering school spirit and a strong sense of community.  

3. The Specialized Facilities Building: This building includes special education offices, a teacher’s lounge, a custodial room, a parent room, and an intermediate computer lab, providing vital resources for both staff and students.  

Eulalie R. Rivera PreK-8 School is dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and social development. Guided by its mission to cultivate  Responsible, Accountable, Mindful, and Safe students, the school prepares its learners to achieve success in their future endeavors.

Eulalie "Marlee" Castella Rohlsen Rivera
August 2, 1907 - January 2, 2009

Mrs. Eulalie "Marlee" Castella Rohlsen Rivera was an exceptional educator who was deeply involved in all aspects of her community. She gave a firsthand account of the Transfer Day activities of 1917, and a vivid description of what transpired between the Democratic Party and the Unity Party (Motar and Pestle).

Making the most of what educational facilities were available in her time, Eulalie Rivera eventually became one of the Territory's most dedicated and effective educators. A daughter of Carl Rohlsen and Henrietta Williams, she was born on August 2, 1907 in Frederiksted, St. Croix. After completing the 9th grade, which at that time was the highest level of education offered, she subsequently earned her assistant graded teacher's license in 1932 and her principal's license in 1934. After suffering the loss of her mother at a very early age, she grew up in the Ebenezer Orphanage on St. Croix. During her teens, the officers of the orphanage assigned her to teach the kindergarten class. This task was the beginning of her teaching career. Entering the public school system, she taught briefly at Christiansted Kindergarten and later at the Diamond School. When the Diamond School closed twenty-five years later, she was transferred to La Grande Princesse School. In 1960, she was assigned to Claude O. Markoe School and remained on its faculty until she retired in 1974.

A civic-minded Virgin Islander, she was affiliated with several organizations, and served with distinction as past president of the Women's League of St. Croix, Frederiksted Democratic Club, Frederiksted Hospital Auxiliary, supervisor of the Lutheran Church Sunday School, charter member of the St. Croix Business and Professional Women's Club, St. Croix Unit of the Virgin Islands League of Women Voters, Committee on Aging, and the Friends of Denmark. Mrs. Rivera was also actively engaged in cultural preservationCommittee on Aging, and the Friends of Denmark. Mrs. Rivera was also actively engaged in cultural preservation and was involved with initiating the Christmas Festival, which has become an annual community event.

In recognition of her contributions several organizations paid tribute to Mrs. Rivera. In 1967, she was named Woman of the Year of the Frederiksted Business and Professional Women's Club and Teacher of the Year at Claude O. Markow School. On February 19, 1974, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands approved Act 3 521 which renamed the Grove Place Elementary School the Eulalie Rivera School in honor of her years of devoted service in the field of education. Maintaining an active interest in the affairs of her community, specifically education, she served two terms on the Virgin Islands Board of Education, where during her tenure, she was elected to Vice Chairman of the Board and served with distinction on several committees before retiring from the Board in 1985. She served on the Eleventh (1987) and Twelfth Boards of Education (1989). In her book Growing Up in St. Croix (1987), Mrs. Rivera presents an account of her girlhood on St. Croix to encourage an understanding of the Island's cultural heritage by present and future generations

Mrs. Rivera and her husband, Diego, had two children, Grace Rivera Russell and Angel Miguel Rivera and adopted son, Luis Davila. Mrs. Rivera was proud of her grandchildren: Former Senator Ronald Russell, Edwin Russell, Monica Rivera, Michelle Rivera and Judy Rivera, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing domino and occasionally played and won games at the Casino.

Successes for School Year 2024-2025

1. Chartering and Induction of National Elementary Honor Socity

2. Revitalize the Library and Media Center

3. Implementation of Lunch Time Clubs

4. Partnership with the Village, Eco Waters program, The Market, Heavy Materials Springfield Quarry, and Jungle James.

Successes for School Year 2023-2024

1. Territorial Spelling Bee Winner Joseph Greaux

2. Revitalized elementary and junior varsity sports leagues volleyball, basketball, track and field and cheerleading.

3. Junior Varsity Football Territorial Champions

4. Art club attained second and third place winners in the agricultural art competition.

5. Partnership with the Village, Eco Waters program, The Market, and Heavy Materials Springfield Quarry.

6. Chartering of the Future Business Leaders of America Chapter