As our School District succeeds, so do our students... 

Pocantico Hills Central School District has rich traditions, supported by the Rockefeller family and the close-knit Pocantico Hills community, since its inception in 1932.  A uniquely wonderful place to live and learn, Pocantico Hills has an unparalleled physical plan and surroundings adjacent to Rockefeller State Park Preserve with ready access to both the cultural resources of Westchester County and New York City and the beauty and natural resources of the Hudson Valley countryside.  The Pocantico Hills Central School District includes parts of the towns of Mount Pleasant and Greenburgh.

The District’s mission is built upon seven Guiding Principles that ensure rigorous academic programs with high expectations for all are delivered in a personalized learning environment where every individual student is known and cared for.  From pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, students attend central school campus and then make the choice to attend Briarcliff High School, Pleasantville High School or Sleepy Hollow High School.  Opportunities to explore interdisciplinary connections and make learning relevant and meaningful extend from a strong core academic program to include the fine and performing arts, science, technology, home and careers, gardening, physical education, world languages, health and well-being.  Pocantico Hills graduates demonstrate a record of achievement we can be proud of, attending a wide range of impressive colleges and universities. The District embraces the concept of community as campus, building partnerships with local industry and organizations and developing civic responsibility through service. The District is supported in its work by a very active PTA and Pocantico Hills Foundation, which have raised funds to support initiatives such as artists in residence, playground equipment and STEM programming.

Pocantico Hills provides recreation programs for all District residents during the summer months. There is an Olympic sized swimming pool, a child’s pool, tennis courts and picnic area.  The District also runs a six-week day camp for students during the summer, which is also open to all non-residents. 

The Pocantico Hills School staff believes that each student is a complex and unique person. We are committed to helping our children realize their complete personal potential – academic, creative, physical and emotional. We will ask the students to stretch themselves and help them to discover the rewards of working hard.

We will treat the students with respect and understanding and encourage them to be caring and contributing members of society, students who are thoughtful, honest, fair, kind and self-disciplined.

The Pocantico Hills Central School District aspires to become the pride of the community, where all students are empowered to excel to the highest academic standards guided by highly qualified professionals and dedicated citizens.

• The Common Core Standards are only the first step toward academic achievement and student growth.

• Technology should be a tool that supports the growth of reasoning skills and critical thinking.

• Joyful and passionate teaching and learning should set the tone for our school environment.

• Collaborative teams must promote personal accountability, broad skill exposure, and cohort understanding and acceptance.

• Perseverance and determination are essential characteristics of student growth and should be fostered thoughtfully and with support.

• Community partnerships provide opportunities to promote communication and global awareness.

• A strong sense of ethics must ultimately come from within, and we must develop and nurture that growth.

The Pocantico Hills Central School District envisions a community of students, teachers and parents who partner to develop and support the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century, including:

• Self‐Advocacy and Self‐Direction
• Critical Thinking and Problem‐Solving
• Communication, Relationships, and Socialization
• Global and Community Awareness
• Ethical Learning and Decision‐Making

As part of our successful transition back to school, our 8th grade students were charged with creating a school-wide character pledge that reflects our core values—kindness, respect and perseverance.  Their successful work was chronicled throughout the week and captured on video Pocantico Character.  Our Pocantico Character Pledge is recited each morning following the Pledge of Allegiance as a school community.  Again, a special thank you to the class of 2019 and Mr. Murray, Mrs. Carruth and Mrs. Hongell, who facilitated this important work with our students.

As a student of character at Pocantico Hills …
I pledge to not give up when obstacles are in the way.  I will persevere.
I will listen to others and use careful words.  I will be respectful.
I will smile and greet people in the hallways.  I will be kind. 

ACADEMIC GOAL 

Pocantico Hills’ instructional program will become the standard for academic excellence for Pre-Kindergarten – 8th grade education.  We will coordinate the curricula of the District’s academic programs across the grades and improve instruction throughout the District in order to challenge and encourage our students to act, think, write and speak creatively and critically so that each student is fully prepared to excel academically, emotionally, socially and physically in any high school, public or private.

FINANCIAL GOAL

To manage, streamline, and improve the financial processes of the District and to (a) meet the needs of students, staff, parents, and the community; (b) communicate the fiscal position of the District in a simple and concise manner, facilitating open and transparent discussions regarding the District’s goals and needs; and (c) ensure the continued maintenance and modernization of the District’s facilities.

COMMUNICATION GOAL

To use 21st century communication tools to communicate with all constituencies to be as transparent as possible about the business of the District, so that each group will be fully informed and encouraged to help meet the District’s goals and needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOAL

To improve and streamline all of the District’s organizational systems and structures to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the District in meeting the District’s goals and the needs of the students, staff, parents and the community.