SAR Academy

SAR Academy (Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy) is a coeducational, private Modern Orthodox Jewish day school located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York City. Founded in 1969 through the merger of three schools — Salanter Yeshiva, Akiba Hebrew Academy, and Riverdale Hebrew Day School — SAR serves students from nursery through 8th grade, with its sister school, SAR High School, continuing education through grade 12.

SAR is dedicated to the philosophy that every child possesses a divine spark, and its educational goals include fostering a community of students who demonstrate sensitivity for their peers, respect for teachers and environment, and an appreciation for the differences in others. Students pursue a dual curriculum encompassing rigorous General Studies (math, science, English, social studies) alongside Hebrew language and Judaic Studies, aiming to build a lifelong connection to Torah, mitzvot, and the State of Israel.

Situated on the former estate of conductor Arturo Toscanini, SAR Academy has grown into one of the largest Modern Orthodox day schools in the New York area, with an enrollment of roughly 1,000 students. The school is known for its warm, inclusive community culture and strong academic reputation, earning accreditation from the New York State Association of Independent Schools and national recognition for academic excellence.