VISIT US

We work with every family to make
SRDS a possibility for their children.

 

To discuss your family's options, contact Kris Sweeny
in the Office of Admissions at ksweeny@saddleriverday.org
or 201-327-4050.

 

 

We love the type of learning that blends art, science, math, writing—that’s anything but standard. We love learning because we love students—all students.

  • Pre-K to Grade 12
  • 147 Chestnut Ridge Road
  • Saddle River, NJ 07458
  • Tel: 201.327.4050

HOW IT FEELS TO

… discover how food influences life all over the world.

Sixth graders explored the role of food through study of how the body processes food, mathematical analysis of nutrition, research on other countries’ cuisines, tracking food waste, and discussing world hunger and food scarcity.

… create a living ecosystem and observe the impact of pollution.

Fifth-grade students worked in teams to create soda bottle biospheres with fish, grass, insects, snails and tadpoles. They made notes and sketches; then each team introduced a different pollutant to their system to observe the effects of contaminants on our world.

… Skype with a Google designer to learn about game design and coding.

Though our library offers a rich digital collection, our students also understand the research value of primary sources. Students have interviewed experts from around the country via Skype, including filmmakers, a 3D-printing guru, a programmer at MIT and many others.

We love learning that feels like this.

One of our greatest strengths is our ability to anticipate what students need to be successful - and to adapt quickly to meet those needs.

Through innovation and individual focus, learning feels challenging and satisfying.

For example, as technology continues to grow as a learning tool, we’ve implemented a “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) program and adjusted teaching styles accordingly.

“With their laptops or iPads in front of them, students have so much at their fingertips,” explains Laura Hollis, director of technology. “Our new role as teachers is to lead them as they explore, and to show them how information connects to their lives.”

Technology is also part of our STEAM initiative. STEAM integrates the classic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics with the applied sciences of technology and engineering using the languages of art and mathematics. One assignment involved writing a short film about a math and physics superhero, which students produced with the school’s top-of-the-line A/V equipment. Reflecting real life, STEAM doesn’t segment knowledge into disciplines—it invites students to bring everything they know to bear on a project.

Our K-12 research curriculum, developed by teachers and administrators, shows students how to gather, analyze and synthesize information. An abundant digital resource catalog and tech-ready collaborative spaces in our library and media center support independent and group research.

“Our students can’t wait to get in the lab. They think of themselves as scientists, and as part of a team.”

–Eileen Lambert, Head of School

Excellence in Teaching

SRDS teachers create active learning opportunities that go beyond content knowledge to develop deeper understanding. As part of our strategic plan, the Excellence in Teaching initiative requires all teachers to earn their master’s degree within five years of their hiring. Currently, 65 percent of our faculty holds advanced degrees, and five additional teachers are working toward their masters. One hundred percent accessed our generous professional development funds last year.

“The disciplines are porous. We teach students to apply knowledge and skill sets to create a framework for understanding the world and themselves as learners.”

–Middle School faculty member

We love learning.

Jeremy Tchack ’11 earned degrees in human development and regenerative biology, Spanish, and Mandarin at Harvard University. While working as an undergraduate researcher, he visited SRDS to talk to students about stem cell research.

We love teaching.

Laura Hollis, director of technology, earned her bachelor’s in television, radio and film production from Syracuse University and her master’s in elementary education from the University of Southern California. She has produced video for the Discovery Channel and Time Life Video.

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We love learning.

Nina Buchakjian ’11 attends Cornell University and is the lead engineer for her team’s Formula 1 race car in SAE International’s student design competition.