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Our Mission
The Scarsdale Public Schools seek to sponsor each student's full development, enabling our youth to be effective and independent contributors in a democratic society and an interdependent world. To this end, we endeavor to help them to think and express themselves clearly, critically and creatively; to understand themselves and others within the broad fabric of human experience and the natural universe; to appreciate their rights and responsibilities as citizens; and to become people of integrity, maturity and generous spirit. A measure of our success is the degree to which they fulfill their potential for the common good, non sibi -- not for themselves alone. Valuing our individuality, we unite to keep the flame of learning.
About the Scarsdale Public Schools
Our District is comprised of seven schools—five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Total District enrollment is approximately 4,800 students in grades K-12. At the elementary level, we strive to provide an education whose aim is to promote achievement and intellectual challenge, but within a child-centered environment. Each school maintains a special relationship with its neighborhood as well as a unique character and traditions. Students are asked to participate actively as writers, historians, problem-solvers, and scientists, and there is a strong and lively arts program.
The Middle School, with approximately 1,100 students, has long recognized the special character of pre-adolescent youngsters by providing a strong preparation within smaller communities or "houses" that promote close relationships and learning. So that teachers will know their students better, they work with overall loads of no more than 100 students. House counselors also know each student and maintain communication between school and home. While the School is concerned for youngsters' personal development, it first and foremost immerses them in a deep and varied academic program. Ninth graders typically report that they have been well-prepared for high school.
The High School, with approximately 1,450 students, is known nationally and internationally for its independent, self-motivated students and faculty. High expectations translate into a college-like atmosphere, but the School program has been planned carefully to support the particular needs of young adults. As part of the middle to high school transition, for instance, ninth graders participate in a humanities course combining English, social studies and guidance support.
Scarsdale is recognized for academic quality. At the same time, our motto, non sibi, communicates the value we place on collaboration, opportunities for service, and global interconnectedness. We want our students and our graduates to make a positive contribution to others and to their world.
The Scarsdale Strategic Plan (2019-2024)
The Scarsdale Public School District has developed a Strategic Plan that provides clarity and focus for our work with students and their learning over a period of five years. The plan is constructed upon Scarsdale’s tradition of excellence and shared values such as non-sibi and the whole child and emphasizes our long-standing belief in blending a classical education with progressive practice. Supported by seven pillars and expressed through thirteen student- and learning-focused goals, we seek to further enhance the educational experience of our students by de-compartmentalizing our work, and strategically linking practice across grade levels, subjects, departments, and schools. We believe we are at our best when our people, resources, and contributions align, and everyone knows how those efforts contribute to ambitious, student-centered learning outcomes.
A graphical representation of our plan and thirteen goals follows.
The Scarsdale Center for Innovation
The Center for Innovation (CFI) was founded to support The Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow, through site visits, speakers, and project grants.
CFI is focused on reimagining education for all students. It is empowered to develop, nurture, and provide feedback for innovative ideas relating to teaching and learning. The Center links educators throughout the community so they can develop, test, and implement, and evaluate innovative ideas and methodologies in order to imagine a future that has yet to be invented. By focusing on large-scale educational change and partnering with members of our community, CFI intends to demonstrate how public education can be transformed, helping to prepare all students for the world of tomorrow.
Scarsdale Teachers Institute
Supported by the Scarsdale Teachers Association, the Edgemont Teachers Association, and the Scarsdale and Edgemont Boards of Education, the Scarsdale Teachers Institute reaffirms the principles of professional autonomy and professional collaboration inherent in the highest quality of professional development. STI offers continuous professional education to the faculty of the Scarsdale and Edgemont schools, teachers in other school districts, and community residents. Scarsdale teachers began this program nearly fifty years ago, with the belief that the best teachers are alert, open-minded people who continue to learn, and translate their insights into appropriate experiences for their students. Offering a variety of professional experiences in response to the needs of those working with children, the Institute contributes to an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry that stimulates the staff to continue learning.
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