About

Mission and History

The RCS Mission

Rippowam Cisqua School creates independent thinkers, confident communicators, and engaged leaders who respect and contribute meaningfully to a diverse and increasingly complex global society.

List of 3 items.

  • We specialize in the wonder years.

    We know how to capture the wonder and magic that results in joyful learning. We focus on your child’s academic, intellectual, and socio-emotional growth as it ebbs and flows from early childhood through the early teen years with a program based on academic play that nurtures your child’s natural instincts and inspires discovery, exploration, and experimentation.

    We approach our program with these three beliefs:

    • Without risking failure, your child cannot truly understand success.
    • We believe in a growth mindset. Children can learn anything if they are taught in a way that speaks to them.
    • Your child’s potential is limitless, and therefore, so is his or her future.
    With this intentional approach to the wonder years, students graduate with the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to succeed as they take the next step in their life’s journey.
  • We teach an immersive and experiential curriculum.

    Fueled by the innate curiosity and imagination of children, we form age-appropriate connections at every grade level that incorporate hands-on, real-life scenarios to engage learners. By integrating active learning and innovation into our core curriculum, students learn the critical thinking skills they need to problem-solve and champion new ideas, in addition to the strong foundational basics inherent in a rigorous academic education.

    Strong student-teacher relationships built on trust and understanding serve as the foundation for richer learning experiences, and small classes in our state of the art facilities provide opportunities for deeper, more meaningful exploration and engagement.
  • We dare to be true.

    Our traditions and forward-thinking ideals help students see themselves as part of a rich history that is deeply connected and responsive to today’s environment. Through character building, service learning, and global citizenship, students develop a strong sense of self and understand how they can have a meaningful impact on their community from a very young age.

    Students also gain a high level of cultural awareness forged from a curriculum and community that values the contributions diverse people and perspectives have in making our society more empathetic, equitable, and just. With structure, principles, and real-world experiences under their belt, students learn how to act, lead, and serve as catalysts for positive change.

History and Traditions

Founded by a group of six prominent local women in response to a lack of adequate education options for their daughters, the Bedford-Rippowam School first opened its doors on Wednesday, September 19, 1917. 

As an institution with a 100+ year history, our traditions are an important part of the life and legacy of RCS. Our traditions foster leadership, sportsmanship, creativity, and camaraderie and remind students that they are part of something larger than themselves.

Discover More

Rippowam Cisqua School
439 Cantitoe Street 
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreK-Grade 9 independent day school in Westchester County, New York. RCS offers challenging academics built on innovation, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, wellness, leadership, service learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Copyright 2023. Rippowam Cisqua School. All rights reserved. We respect your privacy. Read our privacy policy here.