Nyack's thrust is for each student to excel in his or her own special way. Through varied educational and enrichment opportunities, each child is encouraged to become a well-rounded, enthusiastic learner. In all subject areas interdisciplinary, hands-on learning is emphasized and critical thinking and communication skills are developed.

Enveloping all District efforts is the fostering of self-esteem and mutual respect which touches on the heart of a Nyack education: believing in oneself to become the best one can be.

A Sample of Programs:

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS encompass foreign language, reading, tutorials in the schools and community centers, and day care provided for a fee by the Nyack YMCA.

ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE enrich curriculum by working intensively with students over an extended period.

BLENDED CLASSES at both the Middle and High School combine Special Education and regular classes to capitalize on teacher strengths to help prepare all students to meet the new Regents requirements.

CENTER FOR SUCCESS is a learning center at the High School, staffed by faculty, where students can go for help with their studies anytime during the day.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION Through varied activities and discussion sessions, students learn how to respect each others' viewpoints and solve problems in a non-violent manner.

DA VINCI CENTER at the High School houses a TV Studio where a State commended Media Communications (English/Technology) course is given. State-of-the-art computer labs there also support courses in desktop publishing and architectural studies.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER The Center, opened by the District in 1998, aims to assist all District families to help their children best develop and achieve. A collaborative project, it is steered by a committee comprised of representatives from community agencies, pre-schools, elected officials, and community members. Jointly funded by the Department of Social Services, the Center develops programs and outreach services to best serve the entire community. Sites at the three elementary schools offer free advice, support and workshops. For more information or help, visit the FRC's web page.

GREAT BOOKS, a nationally recognized literature program, is an integral part of the reading program in grades 2, 3, 4, and 6. It stresses reading for meaning via the study of selected first class literature.

THE NYACK TEACHER CENTER, funded by grants, the District, and the Nyack Teachers' Association, customizes staff training, conducts new teacher orientation, hosts conferences, and provided mini-grants for teaching initiatives. Visit the NTC's web page to find out more information.

OLWEUS BULLYING PREVENTION - On January 29, 2008, the Nyack School District kicked off the Olweus Bully Prevention Program in the three elementary schools and the Middle School. This research-based program, named after founder Dan Olweus, is not a curriculum, but a program that deals with bullying at the school wide, classroom, individual, and community levels.
       Newsletters: March 2009

                             Fall 2008

                             June 2008

                             March 2008

PREVENTION programs include DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) in the 5th and 8th grades led by the local police, VAASA (Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse), Banana Splits for children of divorce, and Rainbow Connection for children whose parents have alcohol or drug problems.

PROJECT S.E.E. - (Student Enrichment Experiences) is a two night, three day camping adventure for 6th Graders that focuses on building interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.

PROJECT WELCOME invites incoming kindergarten families to stop into their District school to borrow a bag of five books to share with their child and then return to exchange them for five more. A gift book is part of the welcome to Nyack Schools learning experience.

ROBOTICS - click here for Robotics News

SISTER SCHOOLS PROGRAM at the High School is now in its 8th year of reciprocal exchanges with schools in France, Spain, and Senegal. The program helps nurture respect and understanding for different cultures. About 15-20 participating students stay with host families.

The WISE (Wise Individualized Senior Experience) PROGRAM, in its fourth year, provides high school seniors the opportunity, with staff members, to design projects that may be internships, research on a topic of interest, or an artistic endeavor. A daily journal, and oral presentation before a panel of students, teachers, and community members is required upon completion of the project. Credit is granted based on the work completed.