We provide our students dozens of opportunities to participate in their education in unique and challenging ways, asking them to take ownership of their learning to become interdisciplinary experts across a variety of fields. They see their attempts succeed – or fail – knowing that faculty members are there to help draw meaningful conclusions from those experiences.
Researchers
In all divisions, Riverdale students desire a deep understanding of the subjects they study. Through research led by talented and curious faculty members, students are taught to ask questions and explore the world around them with a critical lens. Some examples of our student research this year include: Grade 5 has worked to better understand the composition of NYC water, the Lisman Lab presented research findings at a professional forest ecology meeting, and Middle and Upper Schoolers used primary sources to learn more about Jewish daily life in turn-of-the-century New York.
Creators
At Riverdale, we ask students to bring a creator’s mindset to all aspects of their learning. By inviting students to invest in more than the outcome of a project or idea, they begin to understand that the process of working through an idea is essential to the result. This year, our students: performed in plays that they also wrote, stage-managed, and for which they built the set; used their programming knowledge to address meaningful projects to create change; and built unique kinetic machines to participate in the Lindy 500 campus race.
Athletes
Our student-athletes operate with passion and integrity both on and off the field at Riverdale. Over the years Falcons across all sports have put in countless hours of teamwork and dedication while becoming leaders and good teammates – and all of this hard work translates to wins on the field. Longstanding sports, like football, competed in championship games while newer teams like ice hockey took home the Big Apple championship trophy.
Explorers
Essential to Riverdale is the exploration of the world around us. From the school’s founding, abundant play in the outdoors has been integral to educating the whole student. By immersing themselves in new experiences, our students can also discover more about themselves. This year, students: explored New York City through Project Knowmad courses; participated in Middle School Project week to learn through interactive projects; explored the outdoors and camped out on the River Campus; and engaged in trips that helped develop teamwork and communication skills in Washington, D.C., discussed the arts at Storm King, and researched nature at Black Rock Forest.
Stewards
Riverdale students strive to embody the school’s mission – to change the world for the good. Through community partnerships and showing care for one another, our community seeks to share with others and bring visibility to causes that could benefit from our support. Not only have students formed relationships with organizations like Best Buddies and BluePath Service Dogs, they also work to care for our campus and our planet in meaningful and impactful ways.
Lifelong Learners
A Riverdale education is meant to extend beyond the classroom – and past graduation. By instilling a passion for learning in students at all ages, our community is dedicated to continuing their education, whatever form it takes. We believe in the importance of remaining connected through learning, offering opportunities like book clubs and panel discussions for alumni, parents, and current students, as well as supporting faculty members as they learn something new or pursue a subject meaningful to them and their work.