The personalized approach to teaching found in our schools makes the District one of the most successful in a county known for the high quality of its public schools. Small class size and an exemplary faculty contribute to Croton's superb reputation. The district has been recognized by the state and the nation for its outstanding programs and services. Tompkins Elementary School and the Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School have been named "Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, and are "project" schools in the Columbia University, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Croton-Harmon High School has served as a model and pilot school as new state standards and assessments were developed for higher expectations in student performance. The high school has been named one of Westchester's top high schools and was included in the Newsweek listing of the top high schools in the nation. In addition, the high school has been recognized for its positive reforms in nationally published books on education. The school district encompasses parts of the towns of Cortlandt, Yorktown, and Ossining and includes the village of Croton-on-Hudson. The district population is approximately 15,000 with some 1,700 students attending Croton schools this year. Because of the wide variety of learning approaches and programs, Croton students can reach their full potential, develop the habits of mind and social skills necessary to become lifelong learners, and be able to contribute positively to society. Learning expectations are defined in written form at each grade level and subject area so both students and parents know what to anticipate. Traditional standardized tests, performance-based tests, and individual student portfolios are all used to measure a student's accomplishments. The district provides a full complement of services to each school to ensure that all student needs are met. These include guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, and special education teachers. A wide array of other learning experiences are also available, including athletics, internships, clubs, and workshops. A vibrant after-school program with classes in science, languages, chess drawing, tae kwon do, and much more is available to elementary school children. A privately run before-and-after-school daycare program is available at the elementary level. A middle school program provides age-appropriate after-school care along with enrichment classes. An extensive adult education program features courses in computers, cooking, art, fitness, and foreign languages, among many others. Parents and community members are involved in school activities as volunteers in the schools and on advisory committees that tackle such issues as long-range planning, wellness, the athletic program, and the arts. A Building Planning Council in each school plays a significant role in the process of decision making that focuses on the needs of each school and has teacher, parent, and student representatives. The school district serves as a gathering place not only for students and parents but also for community members who use the buildings for a variety of events. The District Office is located at 10 Gerstein Street, next to the Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School, near Spencer Field. The District Office contains the offices of the Superintendent of Schools, the Assistant Superintendent, the Director of Finance and Administration, and the District Clerk. The District Office can be contacted by calling 914-271-4713. Parents, students, and community members take great pride in, and support, the Croton-Harmon School District.
