Why Riverdale?
Riverdale’s founder Frank S. Hackett emboldened our school with the motto: It is the spirit that quickeneth, instilling in the fabric of our community the drive to seek out what excites us and to pursue those passions. We continue in this tradition of finding what enlivens our students, knowing that it will motivate them to become active in their own learning. Riverdale educators foster this spirit by answering these questions in their approach to teaching and learning.
- How do we create a sense of belonging within and beyond our campuses?
- How can we maximize opportunities for our students to purposefully engage in authentic work?
- How does our use and design of Riverdale’s campus reflect our values?
- How can we be good neighbors within Riverdale, within the Bronx, and beyond?
Growth in world citizenship is a cumulative process and should be a goal of education at every age. It is dependent upon the healthy development of the whole personality – emotional and physical, as well as intellectual.
Frank Hackett, Founding Head of School, 1949
Principles of School Life
We are a school of individuals who have diverse beliefs, feelings, backgrounds, experiences, and habits, and it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment in which everyone can learn and work. We believe that community members’ ability to thrive is directly related to our concern for each other and for the community itself. We demonstrate this concern by upholding our Principles of School Life.
- Consideration and respect for the identities, feelings, and well-being of others at all times.
- Honesty in all personal, academic, and professional endeavors.
- Respect for all property, that of individuals, and that of the school.
- Compliance with the school’s program, regulations, and routines.
School-Home Partnership
A strong bond between home and school supports student wellness and learning. We strive to create this connection through our dean structure that ensures families hear from the school not solely when something is wrong. We prioritize proactive open communication via narrative feedback and student updates, and by intentionally sharing about school life and programs in our newsletter, Riverdale Now.
We rely on this home-to-school connection as we explore issues students navigate at school and beyond. The impact of social media on young minds, the use of AI and technology to enhance learning, co-creating a sustainable environment, practicing the techniques of discourse, and how to support student wellness are just some of the areas where we work in partnership with families to support students.
The involvement of our alumni, friends, supporters, and trustees further enhances students’ education at Riverdale. Add to this our connections with organizations and community leaders close by in The Bronx, across the country, and around the world. Altogether, we create a community that focuses on students’ development as lifelong learners.