Welcome to Riverdale School District.We are a unique, distinctive and successful educational organization that demonstrates how a focused vision can have a profound effect on the learning outcomes for students.Among the many strengths of the District, first and foremost are our students.This is clearly evident in the range and depth of school activities they are involved in on a daily basis.Dedicated faculty enhances the strength of our students and involved parents who shine a light on the vibrant educational community we call Riverdale.

Our schools embrace the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) principles and benchmarks. Adopted in earnest at the High School and practiced as well at the grade school, these principles (listed below) create a framework in which teachers engage students in authentic learning. The vision of CES is to equip all students with the intellectual, emotional, and social habits and skills to become powerful and informed citizens who contribute actively toward a democratic and equitable society.

The Coalition of Essential Schools provide a guiding philosophy that embrace 10 core principles:

• Learning To Use One's Mind Well
• Less is More, Depth over Coverage
• Goals Apply to All Students
• Personalization
• Student-As-Worker, Teacher-As-Coach
• Demonstration of Mastery
• A Tone of Decency and Trust
• Commitment to the Entire School
• Resources Dedicated to Teaching and Learning
• Democracy and Equity

Classroom Practices

• Culturally responsive pedagogy
• Differentiated instruction
• Essential questions
• Habits of mind and heart
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Performance-based assessment
• Student-centered teaching and learning

• Access, opportunity, and post-secondary preparation
• Family engagement and community partnerships
• Continuous school improvement
• Culture of fairness and trust
• Maximizing resources for equitable outcomes
  
• Professional learning community
• Transformational leadership

Teachers and administrators at both schools are involved in Professional Learning Communities (small groups of teachers focused on common discussions and actions to improve student learning). During these discussions, teachers and administrators keep in mind the guiding principles and practices to insure so that every child reaches their potential.