HM vs Riverdale

[Anonymous]

What things set these two schools apart? They are both campus schools and have nice facilities (HM is arguably better), great academics with great exmissions, etc. We did notice that Riverdale seemed to have a nicer community feel (staying on campus for lunch, security seemed to know the kids arriving on campus), where HM had Uber eats delivering lunch to kids outside so didn’t seem to be as cohesive. I know I am splitting hairs here so please tell me what differences you see/know. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

My DS is at HM and has friends at Riverdale. The schools are more similar than different, although HM is more intense academically. The "pressure cooker" reputation is somewhat earned, although you should be prepared to navigate that with your DC at either school when college application time rolls around.

As far as the "community feel" goes, I'm not sure your perception is accurate. The schedule at HM is set up in a way that kids don't eat lunch at the same time, and they are free to fend for themselves for food---but I don't think that makes them socially disconnected. The majority of them eat in the cafeteria.

My DS started there in HS and has made a lot of friends through sports, other ECs, and his classes. He has a really supportive core friend group, and they socialize after school and on weekends.

The HOS is very present and gregarious. He makes the rounds of all the games, concerts, etc. and encourages the kids and their families to attend campus events. The school offers a lot of clubs and after school activities because they want the kids to have safe social outlets on campus at the end of the day.

[Anonymous]

How does the parent body compare? Similar? My child will be going into ninth grade so very different than when kids go into K. But, curious how involved the HS parents may be at HM or Riverdale?