Lehman College Department of
Middle and High School Education
Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy
660 W. 237 Street BRONX, NY 10463
Phone: (718) 796-8516 | Fax: (718) 796-8657
Principal: Ms. Daniella Phillips
Parent Coordinator: Amy Kaminski (347) 563-4835
The Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy serves children in grades 6 to 12 who are zoned for MS 141. Perched on a hill, the school has gorgeous views of the Hudson River. A new addition provides a cafeteria, a library, two high school science laboratories, and additional classroom space.
Parents describe Principal Daniella Phillips as "young, vibrant, innovative" and a "dynamo" with a "vision" who's "really there for the kids." There is a solid stable of longtime teachers, many of whom favor traditional methods. There are also some interdisciplinary projects, and the principal is encouraging teachers to try more innovative techniques.
The school uses technology in interesting ways. One science teacher rigged up slides under a microscope attached to a projector -- so children could observe cells on a big screen. In another class, students researched Native American tribes on the Internet, then used the information to make authentic masks. There are veteran teachers in the art and music program. Children get instruments for free -- they don't have to rent them.
The administration welcomes parent involvement. A parent--child book club encourages children and their parents to read together. A psychologist gave a talk to parents about how to deal with adolescents.
The school was rezoned in 1999, excluding children from poorer neighborhoods such as Marble Hill, to make room in the building for a neighborhood high school to serve Riverdale and Kingsbridge students. Neighborhood parents say that the school is now smaller and more cohesive, and that discipline has improved.
In the middle school, three out of seven of the classes in each grade are honors level. The high school program is modeled on Townsend Harris, the successful humanities high school in Queens.