The Magic of Learning at RDAS

Where Every Day Becomes an Educational Adventure

Step into a world where curiosity sparks discovery, where every child's potential unfolds
naturally, and where learning becomes the most exciting journey of their young lives.

Imagine walking into a classroom where children's eyes light up with genuine excitement.
Where a seven-year-old confidently explains how plants breathe, not because they memorized
it for a test, but because they discovered it through their own investigation. Where learning feels
like play but builds the foundation for extraordinary academic achievement.

This is the daily reality at RDAS Elementary, where we've woven together proven
methodologies to create an educational experience unlike any other. We blend the proven
excellence of Riverdale Country School's curriculum with demanding U.S. standards and
innovative practices from around the world, ensuring your child receives a truly world-class
education.

Learning How to Learn

At RDAS, we empower your child to lead their own learning from an early age. We cultivate deep, transferable understanding that sticks—sophisticated conceptual knowledge, intellectual skills, and reflective habits they will carry them confidently into college and beyond.

Our approach centers on 21st Century Skills essential for thriving in our rapidly changing world: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Character, Global Citizenship, andInnovation. These form the foundation of how your child learns to navigate and shape their future.

The Science That Changes Everything

Picture Dr. Kevin Mattingly, a longtime faculty member at the prestigious Klingenstein Center of Teachers College Columbia University, working directly with our teachers. For thirty years, he's been at the forefront of training educators worldwide in the cognitive science of how children learn most effectively. His expertise in translating research into practical teaching methods has shaped educational leaders across the globe, and now he brings this unparalleled experience to RDAS through ongoing, systematic professional development that sets us apart.

This collaboration isn't just theoretical—it's transformational for your child's daily learning experience. Rather than simply absorbing information passively, RDAS students learn to lead their own learning journey and think deeply about their thinking processes, a skill called metacognition, creating truly independent, lifelong learners.

We believe that deep, enduring learning happens through productive struggle, which is why we embrace our philosophy of "High Challenge, High Support." We respect your child as a capable, intelligent learner by providing meaningful intellectual challenges that encourage growth, while ensuring they feel completely supported—cognitively, psychologically, and emotionally—when they encounter difficulty, frustration, or uncertainty.

Most importantly, every child develops a profound sense of belonging, both socially and academically, because we know that belonging is absolutely essential to flourishing. Through this supportive yet challenging environment, they learn to understand their own learning processes, transforming into active architects of their education—developing skills and confidence that will serve them not just in college, but throughout their entire lives.

A Legacy of Excellence

For over a century, Riverdale Country School has shaped leaders and innovators. This educational wisdom now flows directly into your child's elementary experience.

These refined practices balance academic challenge with character development, supported by ongoing assessments that tailor instruction to each child's developmental level and learning style. Our interdisciplinary approach enhances critical thinking by connecting multiple areas of learning, preparing learners for success in college, career, and civic life.

Your Child's Personal Adventure

Every child carries within them unique gifts, interests, and dreams. MyPath @ RDAS honors this individuality by creating a learning journey as distinctive as your child's fingerprint.

Picture your child collaborating with their teacher to set meaningful learning goals. Perhaps exploring how mathematicians use patterns or understanding how scientists protect endangered species. These interests become integrated into their learning adventure, with regular reflection celebrating growth and building confidence.

When Magic Meets Method

Now imagine all these elements dancing together through our signature approaches. Your child experiences project-based learning that develops essential skills for our knowledge-based society. Rather than passively learning facts, they collaborate with peers to solve complex problems requiring both fundamental skills and 21st-century competencies. Through this collaborative process, they master the art of listening to diverse perspectives, building on others' ideas, and navigating disagreement constructively—skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Through experiential learning, your child learns by doing—in innovative classrooms and the world beyond. Teachers create environments where learners explore and take intellectual risks, extending learning from classroom to community to the wider world.

Dream Lab provides dedicated weekly time where your child pursues personal interest projects they design and lead themselves. This learner-driven approach fosters agency, creativity, and problem-solving while allowing deep exploration of their passions.

Everything connects. They explore ancient civilizations by creating artifacts, writing stories, and presenting discoveries. Math becomes real through artwork calculations and scientific data analysis. Your child constructs understanding through meaningful collaboration with friends who challenge their thinking, expand their perspectives, and celebrate their successes together.

Charting Progress, Fueling Growth

We see assessment as a conversation—not a score. It’s about understanding each child’s learning journey and celebrating their growth in real time. Rather than relying solely on tests, our teachers observe how learners think, create, and collaborate—whether they’re designing a science experiment, crafting a story, or working through a real-world math problem.

Feedback is ongoing and personal. You might find a teacher sitting beside a learner during a project, asking thoughtful questions or offering a new strategy to try. Learners play an active role, too. During learner-led conferences, they reflect on their learning, share their challenges, and set their own goals. Portfolios filled with journal entries, art, drafts, and reflections tell the story of their progress over time—not just what they know, but how they’ve grown.

We also use formative tools like learning check-ins, peer feedback, and self-assessments that help the learners tune into their thinking and feel proud of their efforts. Grounded in brain science and deep care, our approach builds confidence, ownership, and a love of learning. Because when learners understand how they learn, they’re empowered to go even further.

Cultivating Heart and Character

Nurturing the heart is as important as nurturing the mind. Our social-emotional curriculum is part of daily life, helping children develop empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. During daily ‘Home & Wellness’, learners share stories and practice active listening, building trust and emotional skills. When conflicts arise, restorative conversations teach accountability and forgiveness. Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and respect for diverse perspectives. All of this helps create a warm, supportive community where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered. They leave each day not just a little smarter, but a little kinder and more confident, too.

Your Partnership in Excellence

This magical transformation unfolds through a beautiful partnership between your child, their teachers, and your family. You become collaborators in your child's learning adventure, supporting their goals at home, celebrating their discoveries, and nurturing their growing independence.

Regular conversations keep you connected to your child's journey. You witness firsthand the joy that comes from education done right.

An Invitation to Excellence

At RDAS Elementary, we don't just educate children—we unlock their potential, kindle their curiosity, and launch them toward futures bright with possibility. We've created something rare and precious: an educational environment where academic excellence and joyful discovery dance together in perfect harmony.

Your child's story of learning begins here, guided by science, inspired by innovation, and personalized just for them. In this place where proven wisdom meets cutting-edge research, where beautiful spaces support beautiful minds, your child will discover something wonderful:

They can change the world. And it all begins with falling in love with learning.

Welcome to RDAS Elementary, where every day is an adventure in becoming extraordinary.

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