Why Riverdale

A Place of
Possibility

On any given day, you might find Upper School students building a solar-powered drone or Middle School students playing pickup soccer on the lawn. Lower School students might be taking a “brain break,” engaging in imaginary play or climbing a tree. “Scholarly, intimate teaching” and “healthful outdoor activities” were the promise of Riverdale’s founder, Frank S. Hackett, in 1907. Today, the world-at-large continues to beckon as our students take their energy, curiosity, and creativity beyond the classroom walls.

At the Forefront
of Educational
Innovation

Riverdale continues to evolve as scientists find out more about how students learn to think and develop into thriving adults. We work with dozens of partners around the world to identify best teaching practices and support our students as they grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

A Supportive
Community

Riverdale is sometimes described as high-challenge, high-support. A balanced diet improves cognition; nutritious (and delicious) food is served on both campuses. Sleep is important; the faculty manages homework so that students can participate in an array of activities without undue stress. Regular exercise and time outdoors are important for learning and emotional wellbeing; all students have time in their day to take advantage of the campuses. Mentors abound. Deans, counselors, faculty, coaches, and administrators all get to know students as people on trips, service-learning events, and co-curricular activities.

Diverse and
Inclusive

There is no one Riverdale archetype. There is no one Riverdale experience. Our students travel to campus each day from 117 zip codes. Nearly 40 percent identify as students of color. Riverdale students have multiple interests — Mandarin and dance, science research and crew, entrepreneurship and feminism. They learn how to be a part of diverse teams and how to engage with local and global communities.