Nathaniel Conard

Chairman

The RD American School Difference in Singapore: Rooted in Riverdale’s Legacy

Nathaniel Conard

Chairman

Welcome Message from the Chairman

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to RD American School.

In partnership with Riverdale Country School, we are committed to cultivating a vibrant community in Singapore where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking flourish.

Our educational program is based on what cognitive science research tells us about learning and the brain; our innovative learning spaces, designed by award-winning architect Trung Lê, promote exploration and collaboration; and our teacher training program in partnership with Dr. Kevin Mattingly of Teachers College, Columbia University, ensures our educators implement the most current research-based practices.

It is my honor, as Chairman, to bring my years of leadership experience, including 14 years as Head of School at The Pingry School, one of the top private schools in the United States, to the launching of RD American School—a true learning accelerator.

This journey is made possible by the visionary leadership of our founder, our outstanding faculty, and a supportive team of forward-thinking educational leaders. Together, we aim to build a school that ignites minds, nurtures dreams, and prepares students to make a meaningful impact in the world.

I invite you to discover the transformative experiences awaiting you at RD American School. Let’s work together to shape a bright future for every child.

Regards,
Nathaniel Conard

CEO

Tony Wang

Tony Wang is the Founder and President of Three W International, a global leader in international education. Since 2016, he has led efforts to expand access to quality education across Southeast Asia, building expert teams and strong school partnerships.

Under his leadership, Three W has facilitated the enrollment of thousands of students into top institutions worldwide, with offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and collaborations with over 200 schools across North America.

Head Of School

Jeffrey Bradley (M.A)

Jeffrey Bradley is a respected figure in international education, having served as Director of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on International Education, where he led the accreditation of over 400 schools across 90+ countries. He is the Co-Founder of Online Education Strategies for Independent Schools (OESIS) Group, a global ed-tech and learning innovation network.

A former Headmaster at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) Switzerland and Founding Director of School Year Abroad Italy, Jeffrey also advises schools on strategy and innovation. He holds an M.A. from Georgetown University.

Elementary Principal

Gary Bradshaw (M.A.)

Gary Bradshaw brings over 25 years of experience in international education, with a focus on bilingual and inquiry-based learning. As former Head of School at 3e International School in Beijing, he led one of the region’s premier bilingual early years and elementary programs.

His expertise includes curriculum development, school leadership and cross-cultural education. Gary is a graduate of Victoria University, Wellington and the University of Tasmania and holds a master’s degree from Newcastle University, Australia.

Chief Commercial & Operations Officer

Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales, and operations across global finance, healthcare, insurance, and education. A Cannes Lions Bronze winner and the creator of HSBC’s first global Online Savings product, he holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School.

A Singapore Permanent Resident since 2008, Patrick has led cross-border teams and driven growth in both corporate and educational sectors. He also served as Head Rugby Coach at Centaurs for ten years and helped secure a four-year EduTrust license for Knightsbridge International School.

Academic Advisor

Dr. Kevin Mattingly

A leading expert in translating cognitive science research into educational practice, Dr. Kevin Mattingly consults with private and public institutions on curriculum design and research-informed instructional approaches. He has served as Lead Learning Designer at Riverdale Country School in New York City and as Director of Teaching and Learning at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, shaping pedagogical excellence in top-tier institutions. He has also been a faculty member at the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College Columbia University for over 25 years, and holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University.

Board of Advisors

Nathaniel Conard (MBA)

Nathaniel Conard is a seasoned leader in independent education, having served for over 14 years as Head of School at The Pingry School, one of the top private schools in the U.S. Previously a Strategic Management Consultant at Bain & Company, he now advises schools in the U.S. and internationally on leadership, governance and strategy.

He is a graduate of Yale University and holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Board of Advisors

Dr. Stephen Robinson

Dr. Stephen Robinson is a prominent educational leader, serving as President of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and a member of the Education Reimagined initiative. He has held leadership roles as Superintendent of Bilingual Schools for the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and as Headmaster at two U.S. boarding schools.

A Fulbright Scholar in Germany, Dr. Robinson pursued postdoctoral studies at the Wharton School and Harvard University. He holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.

Board of Advisors

Richard Gehman (M.A.)

Richard Gehman is an internationally recognized leader in education, known for driving innovation in curriculum design. As Head of School at one of the U.S.’s top independent schools, he led the development of interdisciplinary research programs, progressive STEAM initiatives and a nationally acclaimed Global Studies program.
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He is a graduate of Princeton University and holds a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Board of Advisors

Dr. Edward Shanahan

Dr. Edward Shanahan is a respected leader in international education, with a career spanning senior roles at Dartmouth College, Wesleyan University and a 20-year tenure as President and Headmaster of Choate Rosemary Hall. He also has served as Founding President and Executive Director of the distinguished Eight Schools Association for 5 years. And for almost 15 years, Dr. Shanahan has been a senior member of the Board of the Icahn Charter Schools in New York City.

Before serving as President of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Dr. Shanahan served as chair of both the NEASC Commission on Colleges and Universities and its Commission on Independent Schools.

Board of Advisors

Kari Ostrem (M.A.)

Kari Ostrem is Riverdale’s seventh Head of School, joining in July 2023 with more than 25 years of experience in education. Kari has served in independent, public, and charter schools across the U.S. and abroad. Most recently, she was the founding Head of School at Haile-Manas Academy in Ethiopia—a groundbreaking residential school uniting students from diverse ethnic backgrounds through a design-thinking approach. Kari has held senior leadership roles at schools known for academic excellence and innovation, including Academic Dean at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, and Co-Founder of Bronx Lab School, a public high school focused on rigorous, college-prep learning. As Director of Science for KIPP NYC, she led curriculum design that emphasized critical thinking and data analysis for younger learners. She has taught math and science at both high school and university levels and was a founding faculty member at The Island School in the Bahamas. Before entering education, Kari trained as an engineer, earning a B.S. from Princeton and an M.S. from Columbia University in Environmental Engineering.