Motley
Private schoolP
PrivatePrivate

ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL

452 WEST 260 STREET

At a Glance

A Catholic Elementary Community in Riverdale Where Diversity Is the Norm

Best suited for

Families seeking a Catholic elementary education in a diverse, tight-knit community in the Riverdale area of the Bronx — particularly those who value faith-based formation and are comfortable with larger class sizes in a smaller school setting.

What stands out
  • Roman Catholic identity with daily prayer, religious education, and service learning
  • Very high diversity for a Catholic school — nearly 57% non-white enrollment
  • Small school community of ~200 students across Pre-K through 5th grade
  • Located in Riverdale, a quiet, family-oriented Bronx neighborhood near Van Cortlandt Park
Things to consider
  • Student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than typical for private schools — expect larger class sizes
  • As a Catholic school, families should be comfortable with religious instruction and practice
  • Private tuition applies — factor into budget
  • Only serves elementary grades (Pre-K to 5th) — families will need to plan for middle school transition
IdentityRooted In Roman Catholic Tradition, St. Margaret Of Cortona Integrates Faith And Values Into Academics. The School Emphasizes Character Development, Community Service, And Preparing Students For Middle School With A Moral Foundation.

A small Roman Catholic elementary school (Pre-K through 5th grade) in Riverdale where Catholic identity — prayer, service, and moral formation — shapes the culture. About 200 students across six grades.

CommunityVery High Diversity — The Student Body Is Majority-Minority With Strong Representation Across Racial And Ethnic Groups.

This is a genuinely diverse Catholic school — nearly 57% of students are Black, Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial, with 43.5% white. The diversity index of 0.86 is notably high for a parochial school, reflecting a community that draws families from across the borough's demographic spectrum.

NeighborhoodRiverdale-Spuyten Duyvil

Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil sits in the northwest Bronx, known for its hilly terrain, tree-lined streets, and quiet residential character. It's one of the more family-oriented and affluent neighborhoods in the borough, with good access to green space and a community feel despite being part of the city.

Riverdale is a car-friendly neighborhood with moderate walkability to the school. Families living in the area can manage without a car, though many drive for errands.

Notable Programs

ADD/ADHD SupportLearning Difference ProgramsCYO BasketballAfter-school ProgramSchool Band

What Parents Are Saying

Mixed reviews on GreatSchools (2.7/5 stars); positive feedback about attentive teachers and caring environment; concerns raised about principal responsiveness, discrimination issues, and bullying in middle school grades

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions
Is ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil.
What grades does ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL serve?
ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL?
ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL is a private school.
What neighborhood is ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL in?
ST MARGARET OF CORTONA SCHOOL is in Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil, Bronx.
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