Singapore – In a significant milestone for Singapore's international education landscape, RD American School (RDAS) today announced its official launch in Singapore, with admissions for new students commencing on June 1, 2025. This marks the establishment of Singapore's first premier U.S. K-12 private school, founded through an exclusive partnership with Riverdale Country School, a prestigious century-old institution located in New York City, currently ranked #1 among K-12 private schools in the U.S. by Niche. The official opening is slated for January 2026.

 
Riverdale Country School's Renowned Legacy Continues in Singapore

Riverdale Country School has built an international reputation not only for academic excellence but also for its long history of producing numerous distinguished alumni, including former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The tradition and educational philosophy of this esteemed institution will now be carried forward in Asia through this Singapore partnership.

Kari Ostrem, Head of Riverdale Country School, stated, "Singapore is recognized for its global reputation for excellence in both public and international educational institutions. Since its founding in 1907, Riverdale has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking school built on academic excellence, a vibrant community, and character development." She added, "We believe that through shared programs for teachers, professional development, and ongoing exchanges of expertise, RDAS will rapidly establish its own strong and unique reputation within Singapore's vibrant educational community."

 
Innovative Educational Model Based on Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology

RDAS, supported by a founding team of leading U.S. educators, introduces a curriculum and learning environment designed from the ground up to reflect how students actually learn. This is based on decades of research in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and educational design.

Riverdale's influence extends beyond the school's historical background. Their learning framework is rooted in cognitive science and progressive pedagogy. The individual overseeing RDAS's educational development is Dr. Kevin Mattingly, Riverdale's Director of Learning and an adjunct professor at Columbia University's Teachers College. He will lead the training of RDAS teachers, ensuring that daily classroom instruction reflects research-based strategies that foster deep and lasting learning.

Dr. Mattingly stated, "Our collaboration with RD American School extends Riverdale’s commitment to educational innovation in a meaningful way. Bringing Riverdale's research-based approach to Singapore is an exciting opportunity. By integrating cognitive science with local educational practices, we aim to create a learning environment where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills and competencies necessary for lifelong success."

 
Student-Centered, Flexible Learning Spaces and Teacher Empowerment

Located in Singapore's Changi Business Park, the RD American School campus was specially designed by world-renowned architect Trung Lê. Instead of traditional classrooms, the school features open, reconfigurable spaces that encourage movement, exploration, and interaction. These are conditions proven to support attention, memory, and collaboration.

This architectural innovation is coupled with the school's investment in teacher development. All RDAS teachers participate in an intensive training program focused on the science of learning, led by Dr. Mattingly and his team. The result is a faculty equipped with the ability to transform every lesson into a cognitively rich experience.

 
Pursuing Holistic Growth Through the 'Flourish Framework'

At the heart of the RDAS philosophy is the 'Flourish Framework.' This developmental model aims to cultivate curiosity, resilience, and ethical leadership beyond academic standards. The framework supports students in developing self-awareness, socio-emotional competencies, and a sense of purpose, helping them thrive not only in school but also in life.

RDAS also emphasizes student well-being, character development, and global citizenship. These values are integrated into every aspect of the school's culture, curriculum design, and daily practices.

RD American School's open learning studios encourage experiential and student-led learning, which is central to its science-based educational philosophy. These spaces are designed for students to freely explore, experiment, and actively learn in a collaborative environment.

Nathaniel Conard, Chairman of RD American School, encouraged, "Riverdale is an extraordinary place, relentlessly committed to helping students have the confidence, competence, and commitment to make a positive difference in the world. We carry that spirit forward at RD American School. Imagine what's possible when your child learns in a place where flourishing is the top priority."

 
Esteemed U.S. Education Experts Participate

The RDAS founding team includes some of the most respected figures in American education, such as the long-serving former Head of The Pingry School and the long-serving former Head of Choate Rosemary Hall and founding President of Keystone Academy in Beijing. Alongside Riverdale's pedagogical support, this team provides in-depth operational and educational expertise to the Singapore education landscape.

As the Singapore education system evolves toward a more personalized and student-centered model, RD American School presents a unique and timely alternative rooted in scientific principles, shaped by leading educators, and deeply committed to student flourishing. With well-being and character development at the core of its mission, RDAS prepares students to lead meaningful and impactful lives in the 21st century, going beyond academics to foster purposeful and resilient learners.

Dr. Mattingly concluded, "We are here to prepare young people not just for the tests they will take, but for the lives they will lead."

 
About RD American School

RD American School is the official brand and educational partner of the prestigious Riverdale Country School in New York City. Opening on June 1, 2025, at Singapore's Changi Business Park, RD American School is an innovative international school offering a future-oriented, holistic education based on the science of learning. The school's purpose-built campus features dynamic learning spaces that foster experiential, inquiry-based learning and the development of essential 21st-century skills.

Through an exclusive partnership with Riverdale Country School, recognized as the top K-12 private school in the U.S., RD American School provides access to cutting-edge programs and interdisciplinary education guided by eminent educators such as Dr. Kevin Mattingly. Our mission is to cultivate curious, resilient, socially, and emotionally intelligent learners prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At the core of our philosophy is the Flourish Framework, designed to foster a growth mindset, well-being, and the skills of learning how to learn. Supported by an expert advisory board, RD American School is currently accepting admissions and is dedicated to nurturing confident and future-ready learners.