Its purpose, according to its nine[5] founding families, was "to provide a sound substantial education for the growing boy, equal to the best, derived from institutions of a similar level.

The school offers a sports program, including baseball,[11] basketball, cross-country, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, soccer, squash, and track.

[12] They have three gymnasiums on-campus (including one that is middle school regulation size)[13] As an after-school elective, Saint David's also offers an ice hockey program which begins in kindergarten and is available until 8th grade.

In early June 2019, the school was visited by Justin Tuck, formerly of the New York Giants, to speak at an athletics networking event for alumni, parents, and students.

They work with New York Cares for their annual coat drive,[17] the Graham Windham Mitten and Hat Collection,[18] Project Cicero for book donations,[19] City Harvest for annual food drives, Ronald McDonald's Fun Run,[20] Florence Nightingale Nursing Home[21] and Terence Cardinal Cooke Nursing Home[22][23][24] for nursing home visits and carols, and It's My Park Day[25] to rejuvenate New York City Parks.