Learning Through Seeking

Riverdale encourages its Upper School students to chart their own courses. As they balance a challenging college preparatory curriculum, co-curricular activities, athletics, and opportunities for foreign travel, science research, outdoor experiences, and independent study, they create an experience that is unique to their talents and interests and yet shaped by their collaborative community. The Upper School has a "culture of yes," says Upper School Head Dr. Kelley Nicholson-Flynn. The school gives students the freedom and resources to take their interests in new directions while they also contribute to the life of the community.

Rigor by Doing

Upper School Head Dr. Kelley Nicholson-Flynn discusses the ways in which Riverdale students apply their learning in the classroom and beyond.

Why Learn?

Upper School English teacher Shelby Stokes challenges students to take ownership of their learning.

Experiential Learning and U.S. History

Constructing America is an interdisciplinary course that is team taught by the English and history departments and required for all 11th graders. Upper School history teacher Dr. Elizabeth Pillsbury led a trip to the Kaaterskill falls to show students the landscape that helped shape American identity.