Riverdale Country School
The Bronx, New York City · coed, pre-K–12 · two campuses
On this page
Short answer
Riverdale expects 20–25 new students in grade 6, in a grade of 85–90. Grade 5 applications are considered only when places open through attrition. Applicants for grades 5–12 take the ISEE or the SSAT. The preliminary application is due November 16, 2026, and decisions for grades 1–8 go out on February 10, 2027.
At a glance · 2026–27 season
- Admits grade 5
- As space allows
- Admits grade 6
- Yes about 20–25 places
- ISEE, grade 6
- Required
- Application deadline
- November 16, 2026 preliminary application
- Decisions
- February 10, 2027
- ISEE, grade 5
- Required
- Score ranges
- Not published
The SSAT is accepted instead
Glentavo has no connection with Riverdale Country School. This page summarizes what the school publishes; the school's own pages are the authority, and dates can change during the season.
What kind of school is Riverdale?
Riverdale Country School is a coed school in the Bronx, New York City, from pre-K to grade 12, on two campuses: the River Campus for pre-K to grade 5 and the Hill Campus for grades 6–12. A grade 6 student moves to the Hill Campus, which is the year the school plans to add new students.
Does Riverdale admit grades 5 and 6?
Grade 6: yes. The school anticipates 20–25 openings in grade 6, with 85–90 students in the grade.
Grade 5: as space allows. Applications for grades 1–5 are considered based on attrition (grades of 60–70 students), and the school notes that financial aid in these grades is limited.
Does Riverdale ask for the ISEE? Can the SSAT stand in?
Grades 5 and 6: required, either test. The school says students applying to grades 5–12 must take the ISEE or the SSAT. The page gives no test registration deadline or school code.
Does Riverdale publish score ranges?
No. The school's pages give no score ranges or minimum scores. The admissions page says the committee looks for kindness, honesty, self-discipline, resilience and independence.
This season's timeline (2026–27)
- Virtual open housesVirtual open houses for grade 6–12 applicants, 7–8:15 p.m.; register in Ravenna.
- Preliminary application duePreliminary application due.
- Fall – winter 2026Interview (required; sign-up depends on grade, in Ravenna), recommendation forms and transcript requests in Ravenna, and the ISEE or SSAT.
- Financial aidFinancial aid application due for prospective families (Clarity).
- DecisionsDecisions for grades 1–8, on the ISAAGNY date.
- Enrollment contractEnrollment contracts for grades 1–8 due by noon.
As listed on Riverdale's Admissions Process, Admission Events and Financial Aid pages on October 25, 2026. The school's pages are the authority.
How do the interview and tour work?
Every applicant has an interview. How families sign up depends on the grade and is shown in their Ravenna account. Families who apply tour the campus as part of the interview.
How to prepare
Grade 5 and grade 6 applicants take the ISEE Lower Level or the SSAT. Riverdale's preliminary application is due early, on November 16, but the page sets no separate test deadline; check the date your file must be complete in Ravenna. How often a child may sit the ISEE is covered in our ISEE guide.
Glentavo's practice tests follow the ISEE Lower Level format.
Common questions
Does Riverdale accept the SSAT?
Yes. Applicants to grades 5–12 take the ISEE or the SSAT.
Can my child apply to Riverdale for grade 5?
Yes, but only places that open through attrition are filled, and financial aid in that grade is limited.
What is the November 16 deadline?
It is the preliminary application deadline. Interviews, recommendations and testing follow in the fall and winter.
When does Riverdale release decisions?
February 10, 2027, for grades 1–8.