Parents are a very important part of the A-School experience. Whether interacting through the SAS-PTA, as an internship sponsor or directly with the staff, parents make significant contributions to the education and moral development of our students.
The A-School sends student representatives to high school ninth-grade English classes in early February to explain the program to freshmen and invite them to apply. There is an evening informational meeting in mid-February which prospective parents and students are invited to attend. Applications are typically due immediately following February vacation. If you are interested in your child attending the Scarsdale Alternative School, please check back in late January for further information regarding the application process
“The Alternative School offers a unique intellectual and values-based education. It is a small and intimate culture by design the helps develop confidence in students as both critical thinkers and members of a community that holds them accountable for how they live, learn and grow together.”
“The community-based atmosphere, the amazing staff (teachers, guidance counselor, and support staff), and the internship program have all contributed to the tremendous growth, both academically and social, of our son.”
“A-School internships taught our son incredible valuable life lessons: how to define his interests beyond school and sports, where to look for work opportunities, how to prepare for and succeed on an interview, how to devise and keep a complex schedule, and how to deal with a variety of people—peers, co-workers, and employers—in the larger community beyond Scarsdale.”
“The close relationship with teachers and students combined with the focus on community facilitated Sarah’s transition from a passive to an active learner. Her enthusiasm is evident from her increasingly proactive approach at school.”
“It’s a community of inclusion where they learn to appreciate the thoughts and ideas of their peers through discussions and activities. My son says it’s the greatest opportunity of his life.”
“My daughter is now a senior and has blossomed in the A-School environment. She feels supported by her follow students and faculty, who are all passionate about learning and sharing ideas.”
The A-School "PTA Reps" provide a valuable service to the A-School by acting as liaisons between the Director and the A-School parent body and as liaisons to the SHS PTA, by facilitating various events for parents, and by acting as sounding boards and resources for the director. The basic responsibilities are to make themselves available to the A-School parents and to help coordinate various A-School events and activities during the year. Additionally, PTA Reps are asked to deliver a brief report at each of the SHS PTA meetings.
PTA Representatives 2023-2024
Senior Parents:
Joanne D’Agostino
Leah Shandler
Junior Parents:
Jennifer Newman
Toni DiMartino-Stebich
Sophomore Parents:
Pramila Kolisetty
Wendy MacMillian