When parents respond to our annual survey, they often point out that the strength of our school lies in the fact that it is "small." In fact, the student population at Schuylerville Elementary School is twice the size of the average elementary school in New York State. Our parents’ perception of a small school is directly related to the caliber of personalized care provided. It is related to the individual attention and quality of interaction found in our cooperative and accommodating school community.

This mission is carried out each day as we educate approximately 1,011 students in grades kindergarten through six. To achieve this mission, we strive to create a school without the typical boundaries of time, physical space or restrictive teaching styles. Here’s a small sampling of what makes us unique:

• Extended School Days. A child care program is offered before and after each regular school day. Elementary students can participate in the Early Risers remedial reading and math programs before school and the Homework Help program after school.

• Extended School Year. Students in all grade levels (from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade) can participate in summer school programs to help them develop and maintain academic and social skills. Our physical education teachers offer an array of sports camps over the summer months, as well.

• Parent and Community Involvement. As the center of the community, the district as a whole and the Elementary School enjoy an enormous amount of support from parents, residents and local businesses. Students are able to take advantage of many educational programs, cultural events and field trips funded by volunteers and local organizations. [top]

• Computer Training. Each elementary student receives computer training...yes, even kindergartners!

• Parent Resource Center. Parents are invited to borrow books and videos from an extensive resource library that covers such topics as discipline, homework, child development and communicating with children.

• Intergenerational Projects. Elementary students are involved in numerous projects and events with Schuylerville’s senior citizens. We even had a volunteer who was 102 years old! Grandparents enjoy a breakfast with their grandchildren every year. Fourth graders "buddy up" with kindergartners for reading sessions. Students from the Jr.-Sr. High School volunteer their time to help Elementary students with homework and art projects.

• Summer Technology Program. Each summer, students are invited to learn about robotics, engineering and computer applications. Participants in the program also build computers, which are used in district classrooms and labs.

• Teaching Styles. Teachers are encouraged to use the research-based style of teaching with which their students find the most success.

• Teacher Mentors. Mentoring by veteran teachers is provided to all of our new teachers.

• Respect and Responsibility. Various peer mediation programs give our elementary students the skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively. Fifth graders participate in the DARE program, and all grade levels are involved with raising funds for local, national and international humanitarian programs.  [top]