St. Margaret of Cortona-St. Gabriel School was formed at the end of the 2022-23 academic year through the merger of St. Gabriel School with St. Margaret of Cortona School. These two schools combined have educated thousands of children in the Riverdale community for over 90 years, with a curriculum based on Catholic philosophy and values. Each school brings its rich traditions and a dedicated approach to serving the community.

St. Margaret of Cortona School grew from a parish school called Lavelle Hall, built in 1911 by the pastor of St. Margaret of Cortona Parish, Father Murray. Financial restraints prevented the school from opening so Father Murray leased the building to the public school system. This original building still stands with its large entry hall, library and art center on the first floor, and the huge staircase that leads to the former offices of the principal and administration on the second floor.

When Monsignor Joseph Doyle became pastor in 1925, he wanted the building to be a parish school. Monsignor asked the Sisters of Charity to staff St. Margaret of Cortona School. Sister Regina Concepta Mulhall, principal, and five other Sisters became the first faculty. As enrollment continued to grow, it was decided in 1928 to expand.  After WW II the population of Riverdale exploded with new apartment buildings, and there was a need for additional space. In 1955 another eight classrooms were built (known as the “new school”) joining the “old school” on the Southwest side facing out toward Riverdale Avenue and cutting the school yard in half.

St. Gabriel School was established by the Archdiocese of New York and the Sisters of Charity in 1941 to serve children of the Riverdale community from three years of age through eighth grade. For eighty-two years, St. Gabriel has provided a creative and rigorous academic education in a faith-filled environment fostered by the central belief that all people are created in God’s image and likeness.

At St. Margaret of Cortona-St. Gabriel School, our students continue to receive the finest Catholic and scholastic education available. We are so proud of our legacy and the accomplishments of our graduates!

Read about the life of St. Margaret of Cortona
Read about St. Gabriel the Archangel