Ardsley High School

Facilities

Built in 1957, Ardsley High School serves students in grades 9-12. Situated at the crest of Farm Road, the two story high school has 45 core academic classrooms, 10 science labs, 2 art rooms, 3 technology labs, 2 gymnasiums, and a music suite. Internet access and instructional software are available in all classrooms, the Library/Media Center, and the technology labs.

Throughout the 2000-2001 school year, essential improvements were made to the gymnasiums and playing fields. A fitness center/weight training facility was created to support the physical education curriculum and extra-curricular sports. The outdoor playing fields include a regulation track, a football/soccer complex, and four full sized baseball and softball fields.

In the 2005-2006 school year, an 11 million dollar construction project added 15 new classrooms, 2 new technology labs, and an additional music rehearsal space. Interior renovations included a new art room, science lab, and guidance offices.

Organization/Curriculum

Ardsley High School is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and is a member of the Tri-States Consortium of Accredited Schools. The staff includes a principal, assistant principal, 4 guidance counselors, 3 school psychologists, a school social worker, a librarian, a school nurse, and 72 teachers.

Ardsley High School is predominantly an academic high school with a large number of course offerings. Regents level college preparatory subjects are emphasized, but there are courses designed to serve the needs of students with a wide range of interests and abilities.

Honors courses are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, French, Latin, Math B, and Pre-Calculus. Advanced Placement courses are offered in American History, Art, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Politics, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language, Government, Psychology, Spanish Language, and Statistics. All students who enroll in an AP course are required to take the AP Exam. Ninety-four percent of our students earn a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam.

Students with special education needs receive co-teaching/collaborative/integrated assistance within the regular classroom, or in the Learning Resource Center. English Language Learners receive the support of a certified ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. In 2007, 100% of our special education students passed the Biology Regents and the English Regents.

There are special opportunities included in the instructional program at Ardsley High School. Intensive Writing Seminar is a locally developed required course for all ninth graders to help them in all aspects of their writing. A Work Study/Externship Program enables students to gain valuable job and volunteer experiences by working with local businesses and public agencies.

Ninety-eight percent of Ardsley High School students attend college upon graduation. Ninety-six percent of the Class of 2007 received Regents diplomas and 74% earned a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. The Class of 2007 had 2 National Merit Scholarship winners, 1 National Merit Corporate Scholarship winner, 3 National Merit Finalists, and 16 National Merit Commended students.

Activities

Each student is encouraged to participate in one or more extra- or co-curricular activities. Activities include athletics, music, drama, and subject-oriented clubs. Current athletic offerings include baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, fencing, lacrosse, golf, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. Co-curricular activities include Academic Challenge Team, African American Club, the Ardsleyan (yearbook), Art Club, Asian Club, Book Club, Chess Club, the Criterion (literary magazine), Drama Club, French Club, Film Club, Gay/Straight Alliance, Key Club, Math Team, Mock Trial Team, Model UN, National Honor Society, the Panther (newspaper), Political Awareness Club, SADD, Spanish Club, and Student Council.

An active music performance program of Band, Orchestra, and Chorus is complemented by after-school audition groups in Select Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. The after-school Drama Club productions include a fall dramatic play, a winter Senior Review, and spring musical.

The ninth period at Ardsley High School is used for a variety of purposes. Primary among them is the opportunity for students to conference with teachers for additional academic support or enrichment. Teachers are available in their classrooms Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Athletic practices and events begin after the end of ninth period so that students may participate fully in the opportunities available to them. Our athletic program is coordinated by Mr. Hank Roth, Athletic Director. Ardsley High School has a strong tradition of athletic success that includes league and section championships. In 2008, the volleyball team was Section 1 Champion and the wrestling team had three individual Section 1 Champions.