At a Glance
A Small, Intentionally Jewish Elementary Day School in Riverdale
Families seeking a small, intimate Jewish day school with very low student-teacher ratios, who prioritize close community and individual attention over diversity, and who live in or are willing to commute from the Riverdale area or nearby Westchester. Best for families who want their elementary-age child in a setting where they'll be known deeply by teachers — and who are comfortable with the school's particular interfaith character.
- 6.1:1 student-teacher ratio — extraordinarily low and indicative of highly personalized attention
- Tiny enrollment of 182 students across all grades — everyone knows each other
- Preschool through 5th grade in one building — older students can mentor younger ones
- Distinctive interfaith character: Jewish educational identity paired with Church of God in Christ affiliation
- Riverdale location offers a quieter, more residential feel than most of the city
- Very low diversity — nearly 88% white student body may not suit families seeking diverse environments
- Religious affiliation may feel mismatched to some (Jewish name with Christian denomination affiliation)
- Riverdale is less walkable and transit-accessible than Manhattan or central Brooklyn — expect longer or more complicated commutes
- Tiny school means limited extracurricular offerings typical of larger institutions
- Only elementary grades — families will need to plan for middle school transition
Kinneret Day School is a Jewish day school with a dual identity: it maintains Jewish educational programming and values while being affiliated with the Church of God in Christ — a Christian denomination. The name Kinneret (Hebrew for the Sea of Galilee) signals its Jewish roots, while its denominational affiliation reflects an unusual interfaith character. The school serves young children from pre-K through 5th grade.
The student body is overwhelmingly white (87.9%), with modest representation from Hispanic (4.9%), Black (2.7%), and multiracial (2.7%) families. The diversity index of 0.3275 places this among the less diverse private schools in the city — this is a relatively homogeneous community. Families choosing this school are typically looking for a specific cultural and religious environment rather than diversity.
Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil is a hilly, residential neighborhood in the northwest Bronx known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. It sits away from the busiest parts of the city — think tree-lined streets and a suburban feel within the borough. The area has historically attracted families looking for more space and quieter living while remaining connected to Manhattan.
Riverdale is relatively convenient for drivers but less walkable than neighborhoods in Manhattan or central Brooklyn. Families without a car should consider commute logistics carefully — this is a neighborhood where a car is more of a necessity than in denser parts of the city.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Very positive - families describe school as 'hidden gem' with exemplary academics, small class sizes, strong sense of community and Jewish identity. Multiple reviews mention children flourish academically and develop strong Jewish values.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is KINNERET DAY SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for KINNERET DAY SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil.
- What grades does KINNERET DAY SCHOOL serve?
- KINNERET DAY SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into KINNERET DAY SCHOOL?
- KINNERET DAY SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is KINNERET DAY SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- KINNERET DAY SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is KINNERET DAY SCHOOL in?
- KINNERET DAY SCHOOL is in Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil, Bronx.
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