When we talk about community, we refer to the relationships that can be seen in every facet of the school’s life. Empathy, honesty, kindness, and respect are core values that underlie the work that we do and contribute to a capacity for lifelong learning.
Riverdale students in New Orleans work with the Lower Ninth Ward CSED, a neighborhood group focused on coastal rehabilitation, greening the built environment, and increasing food security.
A community of learners
The Riverdale community reaches across generations, continents, cultures, and life experiences. Our youngest members can be found at the Infant and Toddler Center on campus. Our most senior members can still remember Frank S. Hackett, the first head of school (1907-1949). Our ranks include a U.S. senator, a governor, an Olympic medalist, and award-winning scientists, writers, actors, composers, movie directors, entrepreneurs, songwriters, artists, and journalists.
In May, the 10th grade spent the morning at the Citymeals on Wheels distribution center in the Bronx where they packed 3,600 boxes containing 11,000 meals.
In April, an Upper School student group in Detroit met Tyree Guyton, an artist who has transformed his neighorhood into an indoor/outdoor art gallery.
A network that spans the globe
While students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff are at the center of the day-to-day life of the school, the Riverdale community extends far and wide. Repeat visits by student groups to New Orleans; Detroit; Christchurch, New Zealand; and Valladolid, Spain, have led to partnerships with schools, families, and community groups in those cities. Administrators and teachers travel to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and points across the Americas to speak and collaborate with other educators. Visiting educators frequent our campus, bringing with them new ideas and taking away best practices that they can share with colleagues.
5,900active alumni in our network
112Alumni parents of students
8alumni grandparents of students
46“LIFERS” in the class of 2019
Stories
Part service-learning, part leadership training, part cultural experience, the New Orleans trip shows how creating community can change the world for the good.
Riverdale students work with groups such as the Riverdale Neighborhood House and Best Buddies. Through these relationships, they learn how they can contribute to others.
The Riverdale swimming program includes several families whose children and grandchildren have swum for the school.
Coach Al Davis, who died in 2019, holds a special place in the history of the school. Former students and colleagues describe how Al exemplified the best of the Riverdale community.
Students explain how they discovered who they are and what is important to them at Riverdale.
Meet some of the people who turned out for Riverdale’s Homecoming Day celebration.
