📚 Language Arts: Tell Your Story, Share Your Voice
This level of success is the result of Riverdale’s consistent focus on whole-child development and academic mastery—an approach nowDo you love stories? At RDAS, you'll read books that take you to faraway places, write your own wild adventures, act out scenes with your friends, and even create your own poems and comics. You'll learn how to become a strong speaker, a creative writer, and a deep thinker. Whether you're reading about a talking dragon or giving a presentation about your favorite animal, you'll learn how to use words in powerful and exciting ways! available to RDAS students.”
📝 What you'll do:
Read awesome stories, plays, poems, and more
Write your own tales and share them with friends
Perform mini-plays and create classroom magazines
Talk and listen in group circles to build your ideas
Our language arts program integrates the proven Riverdale Country School framework with international best practices, creating confident readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.
Grade 1: Building Reading Foundations
Phonics Mastery: Systematic instruction using research-based progression with multisensory techniques
Reading Comprehension: Strategies for understanding diverse texts including poetry, stories, and informational books
Writing Development: From drawing stories to complete sentences expressing original ideas
Speaking & Listening: Collaborative discussions, attentive listening, and confident presentation skills
Global Literature: Stories and poems from around the world, fostering cultural understanding
Grade 2: Developing Fluency & Expression
Advanced Phonics: Complex sound patterns with increasing reading accuracy and speed
Creative Writing: Original stories, poetry, and personal narratives with proper structure
Genre Exploration: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama with understanding of text features
Research Skills: Using multiple sources to gather information and present findings
Multilingual Opportunities: Home language projects and world language exposure
Grade 3: Critical Thinking & Analysis
Literary Analysis: Character development, plot structure, and author's purpose
Advanced Writing: Persuasive essays, research reports, and creative fiction with editing skills
Reading Comprehension: Complex texts with inference, summarization, and critical evaluation
Public Speaking: Formal presentations with visual aids and audience engagement
Cultural Literacy: Literature from diverse cultures with historical and social context
Grade 4: Research & Argumentation
Advanced Research: Primary and secondary sources with proper citation and bibliography
Persuasive Writing: Arguments with evidence, counterarguments, and logical reasoning
Literary Criticism: Analyzing themes, symbolism, and literary devices in classic and contemporary works
Media Literacy: Evaluating sources, understanding bias, and digital communication ethics
Cross-Cultural Communication: Language variations and communication styles across cultures
Grade 5: Mastery & Leadership
Advanced Composition: Multi-paragraph essays with sophisticated structure and style
Literary Leadership: Book clubs, peer editing, and mentoring younger students
Research Mastery: Independent projects with original analysis and presentation
Debate & Discussion: Formal debates with research, evidence, and public speaking skills
Global Perspectives: Literature and communication styles from around the world
➕ Math: Make Sense of Numbers and Solve Real-Life Puzzles
Math at RDAS isn't about worksheets—it's about solving problems like a detective! You'll use blocks, pictures, and games to explore math in action. You might measure ingredients for a pretend bakery, build shapes out of straws, or find patterns in nature. Step by step, you'll become a number ninja who's not afraid of a challenge!
🧮 What you'll do:
Use tools like cubes, drawings, and bar models to solve problems
Play games that help you learn math facts and strategies
Explore cool topics like shapes, time, money, and data
Learn how math connects to cooking, building, shopping—even sports!
Our mathematics curriculum uses the proven Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) progression, ensuring deep conceptual understanding through hands-on learning, visual models, and abstract thinking.
Grade 1: Number Sense & Foundations
Number Concepts: Understanding quantities to 20 with one-to-one correspondence and subitizing
Addition & Subtraction: Concrete manipulatives, picture representations, and number line strategies
Geometry: 2D and 3D shape recognition, position, and spatial relationships
Measurement: Comparing length, weight, and capacity using non-standard units
Data Handling: Simple graphs and charts with real classroom data
Problem Solving: Mathematical thinking through hands-on investigations
Grade 2: Fluency & Patterns
Number Operations: Addition and subtraction to 100 with mental math strategies
Place Value: Understanding tens and ones with base-ten manipulatives
Multiplication Concepts: Equal groups, arrays, and repeated addition foundations
Measurement: Standard units for length, time, and money with practical applications
Geometry: Properties of shapes, symmetry, and basic fractions
Data Analysis: Bar graphs, tally charts, and probability concepts
Grade 3: Mathematical Reasoning
Multiplication Mastery: Times tables to 12 with understanding of factors and multiples
Division Concepts: Sharing, grouping, and relationship to multiplication
Fractions: Understanding parts of a whole with visual models and equivalence
Measurement: Area, perimeter, and volume with standard units
Problem Solving: Multi-step word problems with strategic thinking
Geometry: Angles, parallel lines, and coordinate systems
Grade 4: Advanced Operations
Multi-digit Operations: Multiplication and division of large numbers with algorithms
Fraction Operations: Adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions with like denominators
Decimal Understanding: Place value to hundredths with real-world applications
Measurement Conversions: Between metric and imperial units with practical contexts
Geometric Reasoning: Properties of quadrilaterals, triangles, and circle measurements
Statistical Analysis: Mean, median, mode, and range with data interpretation
Grade 5: Pre-Algebraic Thinking
Advanced Fractions: Operations with unlike denominators and mixed numbers
Decimal Operations: All four operations with real-world problem solving
Percentage Concepts: Understanding proportions, ratios, and percentage calculations
Algebraic Thinking: Variables, expressions, and simple equations
Advanced Geometry: Coordinate graphing, transformations, and geometric proofs
Data Science: Creating surveys, analyzing data, and making predictions
🔬 Science: Discover How the World Works
Science at RDAS is all about asking questions and finding answers like real scientists! You'll do hands-on experiments, look at bugs through magnifying glasses, build mini volcanoes, and test out your own ideas. You'll learn how things grow, move, change, and connect—and you'll love every messy, exciting minute of it!
🧪 What you'll do:
Investigate plants, animals, weather, rocks, and planets
Make observations and test your ideas with real experiments
Build cool contraptions and design inventions
Learn how scientists solve big problems in the real world
Our hands-on science program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, scientific method application, and real-world connections across biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences.
Grade 1: Exploring Our World
Scientific Inquiry: Making observations, asking questions, and simple investigations
Human Body: External body parts, senses, and healthy habits
Plants & Animals: Basic needs, life cycles, and habitat connections
Materials & Properties: Sorting objects by characteristics and uses
Weather & Seasons: Daily weather patterns and seasonal changes
Forces & Motion: Pushes, pulls, and simple machines in everyday life
Grade 2: Patterns & Systems
Scientific Method: Forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and recording data
Life Cycles: Detailed study of plant and animal development
Habitats & Ecosystems: Food chains, adaptation, and environmental connections
Matter & Changes: States of matter and physical changes
Earth Processes: Rock types, soil formation, and erosion
Energy & Motion: Sound, light, and heat sources and effects
Grade 3: Investigation & Analysis
Advanced Inquiry: Controlled experiments with variables and fair testing
Human Body Systems: Skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems with health connections
Plant Structures: Photosynthesis, plant parts, and environmental factors
Chemical Properties: Material testing, mixtures, and separation techniques
Solar System: Earth, moon, and sun relationships with space exploration
Electricity & Magnetism: Circuits, conductors, and magnetic properties
Grade 4: Engineering & Innovation
Engineering Design: Identifying problems, designing solutions, and testing prototypes
Ecosystems: Complex food webs, energy flow, and conservation efforts
Earth's Processes: Plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and geological time
Chemical Reactions: Mixing materials, combustion, and environmental chemistry
Physics Principles: Force, motion, simple machines, and mechanical advantage
Environmental Science: Pollution, renewable energy, and sustainability projects
Grade 5: Advanced Research
Independent Research: Student-designed investigations with authentic scientific methods
Human Impact: Genetics, medicine, and biotechnology applications
Space Science: Planetary exploration, astronomy, and space technology
Advanced Chemistry: Atomic structure, periodic table, and chemical bonding
Physics Applications: Energy transformation, waves, and electromagnetic spectrum
Global Challenges: Climate change, biodiversity, and technological solutions
🎨 Visual Arts: Create, Imagine, Express
At RDAS, your ideas matter—and art class is where they come to life! You'll paint with brushes, sculpt with clay, draw comics, build with recycled materials, and even try digital art. You'll also learn about amazing artists from around the world and use their styles to inspire your own creations.
🎨 What you'll do:
Try fun materials like paint, charcoal, pastels, and clay
Make art that shows your feelings, ideas, and dreams
Learn about famous artists and create in their style
Showcase your masterpieces in gallery walks and school displays
Our comprehensive arts program develops creative expression, cultural appreciation, and design thinking through diverse media and techniques.
Grade 1: Creative Foundations
Basic Techniques: Drawing, painting, collage, and simple sculpture with confidence building
Elements of Art: Line, shape, color, and texture through hands-on exploration
Cultural Art: Traditional crafts and art styles from different countries
Creative Expression: Art projects connected to thematic learning and personal experiences
Art Appreciation: Looking at and discussing artwork from diverse artists and cultures
Mixed Media: Combining materials like paper, fabric, clay, and natural found objects
Grade 2: Skill Development
Advanced Techniques: Printmaking, weaving, and 3D construction with improved dexterity
Design Principles: Pattern, balance, and composition in creating original artworks
Cultural Studies: Art traditions from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas
Collaborative Projects: Group murals, installations, and community art initiatives
Art & Technology: Introduction to digital art tools and photography basics
Critical Thinking: Analyzing artworks and expressing personal opinions with reasoning
Grade 3: Artistic Mastery
Complex Techniques: Advanced painting methods, sculpture, and fiber arts
Art Elements: Form, space, and value with sophisticated understanding
Historical Context: Art movements and how historical events influence artistic expression
Personal Style: Developing individual artistic voice through experimentation
Environmental Art: Using recycled materials and addressing environmental themes
Portfolio Development: Collecting and reflecting on artistic growth and achievements
Grade 4: Creative Innovation
Advanced Media: Ceramics, printmaking, digital design, and mixed media installations
Design Process: Research, sketching, prototyping, and refining artistic concepts
Global Perspectives: Contemporary artists from around the world and cultural art traditions
Art & Social Issues: Creating artwork that addresses community problems and social justice
Exhibition Skills: Presenting artwork professionally with artist statements and critiques
Interdisciplinary Projects: Combining art with science, history, and literature themes
Grade 5: Artistic Leadership
Master Techniques: Advanced drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art production
Art Criticism: Analyzing and interpreting artwork using art vocabulary and historical context
Independent Projects: Self-directed investigations into areas of artistic interest
Community Impact: Public art projects and exhibitions that engage broader audiences
Art Careers: Exploring professional paths in art, design, and creative industries
Mentorship: Teaching younger students and leading collaborative art initiatives
🏃 PE, Health & Wellness: Move, Play, Grow Strong
You'll run, jump, dance, stretch, and play lots of fun games in PE! But you'll also learn how to stay healthy in body and mind. From learning how to be a team player to understanding how your body works, you'll gain confidence, strength, and skills that last a lifetime.
🏀 What you'll do:
Play sports like soccer, basketball, and tag games
Try gymnastics, dance routines, and outdoor adventures
Learn how to eat healthy, stay safe, and care for your body
Practice mindfulness and teamwork
Our PE program promotes lifelong fitness, character development, and healthy lifestyle choices through diverse physical activities and health education.
Grade 1: Movement Foundations
Fundamental Skills: Running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing with proper form
Cooperative Games: Activities that emphasize teamwork and inclusive participation
Body Awareness: Understanding personal space, safety, and physical capabilities
Health Habits: Nutrition basics, hygiene, and the importance of physical activity
Traditional Games: Sports and activities from different cultures around the world
Rhythm & Dance: Movement to music and simple choreography
Grade 2: Skill Development
Sport Skills: Introduction to basketball, soccer, tennis, and swimming fundamentals
Fitness Concepts: Understanding heart rate, flexibility, and strength development
Team Cooperation: Working together in groups and understanding fair play
Health Education: Food groups, dental health, and emotional well-being
Outdoor Education: Nature activities, environmental awareness, and adventure games
Creative Movement: Dance styles from different cultures and expressive movement
Grade 3: Athletic Competence
Advanced Skills: Refined techniques in various sports with strategic thinking
Physical Fitness: Personal fitness goals and understanding different types of exercise
Leadership Skills: Taking turns leading activities and helping classmates
Health & Nutrition: Making healthy food choices and understanding nutritional labels
Mental Health: Stress management, emotional regulation, and positive self-talk
Cultural Sports: Traditional games and sports from around the world
Competitive Sports: Modified games with rules, strategies, and sportsmanship
Personal Fitness: Creating individual exercise plans and tracking progress
Conflict Resolution: Solving disputes fairly and maintaining positive relationships
Advanced Health: Understanding body systems, puberty preparation, and personal safety
Environmental Activities: Hiking, orienteering, and environmental stewardship
Performance Arts: Advanced dance, gymnastics, and rhythmic activities
Grade 5: Leadership & Wellness
Sport Leadership: Officiating games, coaching younger students, and organizing activities
Fitness Planning: Comprehensive understanding of exercise science and personal wellness
Character Development: Integrity, perseverance, and positive role modeling
Health Advocacy: Understanding global health issues and promoting healthy communities
Adventure Education: Risk assessment, outdoor skills, and environmental challenges
Career Exploration: Understanding careers in sports, health, and fitness industries
🎵 Music: Sing, Play, and Move to the Beat
Get ready to make music! You'll sing songs, play instruments, create rhythms, and even compose your own music. You'll learn music from different cultures—especially from Southeast Asia—and you'll get to perform for others. Whether you're a future rock star or just love tapping your pencil to the beat, there's a place for you in music class.
🎶 What you'll do:
Sing, clap, and dance to music from around the world
Learn to read music and play classroom instruments
Create your own songs and share them
Discover how music tells stories and brings people together
Our music program develops musical literacy, performance skills, and cultural appreciation through listening, creating, and performing.
Grade 1: Musical Beginnings
Singing: Simple songs from diverse cultures with proper posture and breathing
Rhythm: Clapping patterns, using percussion instruments, and moving to beats
Listening: Identifying different sounds, instruments, and musical styles
Creating: Simple compositions using voice, body percussion, and classroom instruments
Musical Elements: High/low sounds, loud/soft dynamics, and fast/slow tempo
Cultural Music: Songs and dances from Southeast Asia and around the world
Advanced Singing: Two-part songs, rounds, and call-and-response patterns
Instrumental Play: Recorder, ukulele, and world percussion instruments
Music Reading: Simple notation, rhythm patterns, and musical symbols
Composition: Creating original songs and instrumental pieces
Music Appreciation: Famous composers and different musical genres
Performance: Class concerts and informal presentations for families
Grade 3: Musical Literacy
Music Theory: Staff notation, note values, and basic music vocabulary
Ensemble Skills: Playing and singing in groups with harmony and cooperation
World Music: Traditional music from different countries with cultural context
Creative Projects: Writing lyrics, composing melodies, and arranging music
Technology: Using music software and recording equipment for compositions
Critical Listening: Analyzing musical elements in classical and contemporary pieces
Grade 4: Musical Expression
Advanced Performance: Complex rhythms, harmonies, and musical interpretation
Composition Skills: Creating music in different styles and forms
Music History: Major periods and composers with historical and cultural connections
Instrumental Mastery: Advanced techniques on chosen instruments
Music & Emotion: Understanding how music conveys feelings and stories
Collaborative Performance: Chamber groups and student-led ensembles
Grade 5: Musical Leadership
Advanced Theory: Key signatures, scales, and chord progressions
Independent Performance: Solo opportunities and student-directed ensembles
Music Technology: Digital composition, recording, and music production basics
Cross-Cultural Study: Comparing musical traditions from different cultures
Music Careers: Exploring professional opportunities in music and sound
Teaching Others: Mentoring younger students and leading musical activities
🐉 Chinese Language: Speak, Sing, and Celebrate
Learning Chinese is like unlocking a new world! You'll learn to talk, read, and write in fun ways—through games, songs, stories, and even calligraphy. You'll celebrate holidays like Chinese New Year and learn how people live, eat, and play in Chinese-speaking countries.
🗣️ What you'll do:
Practice speaking with classmates and teachers
Learn to write beautiful Chinese characters
Sing songs, read stories, and play language games
Take part in cool cultural events and celebrations
Our Chinese language program is designed to develop students into confident and proficient users of the language through a balanced focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Novice learners typically have little to no prior exposure to Chinese. The program focuses on building foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction begins with mastering Hanyu Pinyin (the romanization system) and the four tones to develop accurate pronunciation. Students learn basic vocabulary, simple sentence structures, and everyday conversational phrases to communicate in common situations. Emphasis is placed on stroke order and character recognition to introduce reading and writing gradually. Teaching methods include interactive activities, songs, and role-play to engage beginners and build confidence.
Native speakers enter with natural fluency in spoken Chinese but may vary widely in literacy skills and formal language knowledge. The program for native speakers focuses on refining reading and writing abilities, expanding vocabulary, and deepening grammar understanding. Instruction addresses regional language variations and standard written Chinese. Advanced learners engage in more complex texts, writing exercises, and cultural studies to enhance literacy and academic language skills.
Students participate in cultural activities such as Chinese New Year celebrations and language workshops, fostering a deep connection to Chinese language and culture. Our dedicated native-speaking teachers employ dynamic methods like songs, role-play, and collaborative projects to make learning engaging and effective.
🛠💻 Integrated ICT and Design, Technology & Innovation Program: Build, Code, Invent, and Create Solutions!
Welcome to a dynamic learning experience where Information & Communication Technology (ICT) meets Design, Technology & Innovation. Here, you don’t just use technology—you create with it! From coding your own animations and games to designing inventions and solving real-world problems, you’ll develop skills that prepare you for a tech-savvy, innovative future.
💡 What You’ll Do:
Code stories, games, and control devices using kid-friendly programming languages.
Design and build inventions that solve everyday and global challenges.
Use digital tools like AI, videos, 3D printers, and design software to bring ideas to life.
Collaborate with peers to tackle challenges and create projects.
Learn digital safety and ethics to use technology responsibly.
Explore emerging technologies such as robotics, virtual reality, and app development.
Mentor and lead younger students in technology and design projects.
Our integrated program nurtures digital literacy, computational thinking, creative problem-solving, engineering skills, and innovation through hands-on, age-appropriate projects.
Grade 1: Foundations in Digital and Design Skills
Digital Citizenship: Safe internet use, password security, and appropriate online behavior.
Basic Computing & Creative Tech: Using devices, digital drawing, simple presentations.
Simple Structures & Tool Safety: Building with blocks and recycled materials, learning to use tools safely.
Problem Solving: Designing solutions for everyday challenges.
Communication: Email basics, video calls, and collaborative digital tools.
Grade 2: Building Functional Skills
Advanced Research & Multimedia: Evaluating sources, digital note-taking, combining text, images, and audio.
Coding Basics: Block-based programming and algorithm development.
Functional Design: Creating simple machines with wheels, levers, pulleys; introduction to design software.
Food Technology & Textile Skills: Basic cooking, sewing, weaving.
Cybersecurity: Understanding digital footprints and protecting information.
Grade 3: Developing Computational and Engineering Thinking
Programming Concepts: Loops, conditionals, variables in visual programming.
Data Analysis & Digital Design: Collecting data, creating websites, apps, and interactive media.
Engineering Challenges: Building bridges, towers, simple electronic circuits.
Sustainable Design: Using recycled materials and eco-friendly solutions.
AI Awareness & Global Connections: Understanding AI and communicating with peers worldwide.
Grade 4: Advanced Applications and Innovation
Complex Programming: Text-based coding and advanced algorithms.
Digital Innovation & Media Production: Designing tech solutions, creating podcasts and videos.
Robotics & 3D Design: Programming robots, digital modeling, and 3D printing.
Systems Thinking & Entrepreneurship: Understanding interconnected systems and developing business ideas.
Digital Ethics & Global Challenges: Exploring technology’s societal impact and designing solutions for world problems.
Grade 5: Technology Leadership and Future Readiness
Advanced Programming & App Development: Building functional applications and mobile apps.
Emerging Technologies: Exploring virtual and augmented reality, digital manufacturing with laser cutters and CNC machines.
Digital Entrepreneurship & Research: Creating tech solutions for community issues, investigating future innovations.
Mentorship & Career Exploration: Leading workshops, mentoring younger students, and understanding STEM career pathways.
Global Issues: Using technology to address climate change, poverty, and social justice.
This integrated program empowers students to become creative thinkers, responsible digital citizens, and innovative leaders ready to shape the future with technology and design!
🌎 Integrated Social Studies Through Thematic Inquiry: Exploring Our World Through Big Ideas and Questions
Embark on an exciting journey to understand the amazing world we live in! Open your eyes to diverse countries, cultures, and the fascinating tapestry of human history. You'll uncover the stories of historical heroes, learn how governments function, and see how people live globally. Through maps, captivating stories, and virtual adventures, you'll become a true global citizen, ready to make a positive impact.
Using a Thematic Inquiry approach, "Big Ideas, Big Questions," allows you to deep dive into captivating topics through stories, science, art, music, and more! It's about connecting knowledge like pieces of a puzzle, making learning meaningful and incredibly fun.
🌱 What you’ll do:
Travel the world through maps, stories, and virtual adventures.
Learn about inspiring people who changed history and shaped our present.
Understand how communities work and discover how you can contribute.
Explore diverse cultures, traditions, and celebrations from around the globe.
Study geography, history, civics, and cultural studies to develop deep global awareness.
Read and write stories linked to real-world topics and grand themes.
Collaborate on exciting projects, presentations, and performances.
Ask BIG questions and discover meaningful answers through inquiry-based learning.
Integrate multiple subjects for a deeper, more connected understanding of our world.
Our thematic inquiry approach integrates multiple subjects through engaging, real-world themes that foster deeper understanding and meaningful connections.
Sensational: Exploring the senses and how we experience the world, touching on personal identity and interaction with the environment.
The Stories People Tell: Focuses on culture, traditions, and storytelling as a way to understand different communities and heritage.
We Are What We Eat: Examines food and nutrition, connecting to cultural practices and daily life, highlighting how food shapes our identity and community.
Living Together: Centers on community life, social relationships, cooperation, and diversity within societies.
Inventions that Changed the World: Investigates historical and social impact of inventions, fostering understanding of human innovation and progress.
Island Life: Explores geography and environment, focusing on how people adapt to and live within specific physical settings.
How Humans Work: Looks at human biology and health, linking to personal well-being and societal roles.
Young Entrepreneurs: Introduces economic concepts, entrepreneurship, and the role of individuals in the economy.
Explorers and Adventurers: Covers historical exploration, cultural encounters, and the impact of exploration on societies.
Moving People: Deals with migration, transportation, and the movement of populations, including reasons and effects on communities.
Building a Village: Focuses on community development, infrastructure, governance, and cooperation in society.
Mission to Mars: Encourages futuristic thinking about exploration and technology, linking human curiosity and societal advancement.
Champions for Change: Explores social justice, leadership, and individuals or groups who drive societal change.
Climate Control: Addresses environmental issues, human impact on the planet, and global responsibility.
What Price Progress: Examines the costs and benefits of development and progress, including ethical, social, and environmental considerations.
Embark on this vibrant learning adventure where every lesson connects to the world around you and the big ideas that inspire change!
