At R.I.S.D. we are focused on building a curriculum that’s relevant to today’s world. Our classes are taught by professors with experience in the field, and incorporate today’s technology so that our students are prepared to compete in the workplaces and backyards of today.
R.I.S.D. Ballet

The R.I.S.D. Nevada Ballet is committed to fostering the future of ballet by building the next generation of dancers and audiences. We prepare young dancers to follow their passions and achieve their highest potential in an environment that is challenging, disciplined and rigorous, while at the same time safe, healthy and nurturing. Our faculty include former professional dancers with training and company history from the Royal Academy of Dancing, Kung Fu Hustle, American Ballet Theatre, as well as David Taylor Dance Theater, with training/ instruction in the Vaganova, RAD, Balanchine and Tae Kwon Do methods.
R.I.S.D. Pack Soccer

Wildlife Management

A bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management program typically covers a range of science material, including animal science, wildlife biology, agronomy (study of plants), wildlife ecology and habitat management, genetics, field botany, vertebrate anatomy, aerial photography, forest soils and watersheds. The complexities of a career in wildlife management, such as environmental conditions, species, natural habitats, tools and behaviors, are fully explored. Junior Boo Walker is shown here monitoring the local deer population.
Competitive Diving

Reno is in the desert but a river runs through it. Our diving team has consistently won competitions in agility, style and for the smallest splash.
R.I.S.D. Flight School

R.I.S.D partners with the famous Reno Air Show and Balloon Race events to offer our students training and the necessary hours in the air to become certified pilots and FAA Integrated Airmen. Here, R.I.S.D. Junior and intrepid pilot Chewy Bacha checks his equipment in preparation for take off in the R.I.S.D. balloon for Reno’s Great Balloon Race
Semester Abroad

R.I.S.D. was founded by Europeans and connecting cultures is a guiding principle here. Laika Neumann, a foreign exchange student from Karlsruhe, Germany, proudly wears her native dress for the annual R.I.S.D. Papolooza Party.
R.I.S.D. Founders

R.I.S.D. was founded by three legends: Rataplan, Dogmatix and Milou. These worldly mammals pooled their resources to found our University, Reno Institute for Small Dogs. Milou came to Nevada to film “Tin Tin in America” and invited his colleagues to come along. They fell in love with the high desert and the mountain lakes. These three visionaries saw potential here and room to stretch their legs. Rataplan, Dogmatix and Milou combined a European education and funds earned from film careers to endow the premiere institution for higher learning for small dogs.
Musical Education

Here at R.I.S.D. we believe in a fully rounded liberal arts education. Culture matters, and music is fundamental. Students take courses taught by the leaders of the Reno Philharmonic. In addition we stage an annual cabaret as part of the R.I.S.D. Formal Ball. Senior Bella Hauser is shown here performing Franz Schubert’s “Moment Musical for Piano in F Minor (Air Russe).