Introduction

From Training to Transformation

What if your child’s teacher knew exactly how their brain learns best—before ever stepping into the classroom?

At RDAS, that’s not a dream. It’s a standard.

Unlike most schools that focus on educational trends, Dr. Kevin Mattingly transforms how teachers understand learning itself. For over 17 years at Columbia University’s prestigious Klingenstein Center, he’s taught educators how the brain truly processes, retains, and uses information—based on real science, not passing fads.

As an adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia, Dr. Mattingly prepares future educational leaders in how memory, motivation, and metacognition actually work. At RDAS, he brings this expertise directly to your child’s classroom—ensuring every teacher is trained in what helps children not just succeed, but thrive.

A Proven Model from the #1 School in the U.S.

Riverdale Country School—ranked the #1private school in America is supported by Dr. Mattingly’s work. As a leader in their professional training work at Riverdale, he didn’t just design programs; he implemented research-backed practices that teachers use every day.

The Results:

Riverdale students are regularly admitted to top-tier universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford—not just because they perform well, but because they arrive as confident learners, ethical leaders, and thoughtful collaborators. Teachers trained under Dr. Mattingly report stronger student engagement and greater professional clarity.

Now, the same training system that shaped Riverdale is embedded into the core of RDAS.

The Five Pillars of Learning Science at RDAS

Memory and Retention Science

Why cramming fails—and what actually works. Teachers learn how spaced practice and retrieval help students remember more with less stress.

Individual Learning Recognition

No two children learn the same way. RDAS teachers recognize diverse learning styles and adapt instruction in real-time to meet each child where they are.

Memory & Retention Science

Instead of relying on rewards or punishments, our teachers foster genuine curiosity and purpose. Homework becomes an act of exploration, not compliance.

Assessment as Learning

Quizzes and assignments aren’t just evaluations—they’re tools for growth. Students learn to learn from mistakes and reflect on how to improve.

Character Integration

Character isn’t a separate curriculum. At RDAS, students build integrity, empathy, and resilience through academic challenge.

When students wrestle with tough questions, lead group projects, or reflect on feedback, they’re not just building skills—they’re becoming the kind of people others trust and admire.

What This Means for Your Child’s Day-to-Day

During Lessons

Teachers observe how your child learns and adjust on the fly—no more one-size-fits-all instruction.

When Struggles Happen

Instead of repeating lessons, teachers look deeper. They use tools and training to diagnose what’s blocking your child’s progress—and unlock new paths forward.

With Feedback

Your child gains metacognitive skills—knowing not just what they learn, but how they learn best.

The Global Impact—and the RDAS Advantage

Dr. Mattingly’s approach is already used in over 40 schools across the globe, from elite institutions in China to innovation-focused academies in Tanzania. The common denominator? When teachers are trained in the science of learning, students thrive.

At RDAS, Dr. Mattingly is more than an advisor—he’s directly involved in preparing every teacher. That means your child benefits from the same level of instructional excellence found at Columbia and Riverdale.

Why This Changes Everything for Your Family

Academic Excellence Without Stress

When teaching aligns with how your child’s brain works, learning becomes more effective—and more joyful.

Character Through Challenge

True confidence grows when students face meaningful challenges and develop the skills to rise to them.

Prepared for a Changing World

Your child doesn’t just get into a great school—they know how to succeed wherever they go next.

Love of Learning That Lasts

The real goal: a child who’s curious, self-aware, and inspired by the world around them.

The RDAS Commitment

When you choose RDAS, you're investing in education grounded in the most current understanding of how children learn and develop. Every teacher has been trained by one of the world's leading experts in cognitive science and educational practice.

Your child deserves teachers who understand not just what to teach, but how they learn best. At RDAS, that's exactly what they'll receive.

Ready to see this transformation in action? Learn how our teachers are trained to unlock your child's potential—meet our faculty or discover how we support students from Day One.

The Science Behind Exceptional Teaching