The Ardsley School District is located in southern Westchester County less than 10 miles north of New York City. It is within an hour’s drive from Columbia University, New York University and Fordham University, and is surrounded by numerous institutions of higher education. District residents represent many occupations, professions, ethnic backgrounds and religious faiths. In addition to those from the Village of Ardsley, students live in sections of Dobbs Ferry, Hartsdale, Hastings, Irvington, Scarsdale, and White Plains.

Ardsley is primarily a suburban community. However, a small number of retail businesses and research facilities provide support for the school tax base. Ardsley’s location affords ready access to the New York State Thruway, the Saw Mill River Parkway, Route 9A and the Sprain Brook Parkway. Public bus transportation is also available.

The educational program provides for excellence in ways unique to each school. At the K-4 Concord Road School, a series of innovative programs have been adopted. These include Investigations in Number, Data and Space, a program designed by the Technical Education Research Center to enhance problem-solving skills in mathematics and Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Ardsley Middle School is organized into grade level teams that offer departmentalized, interdisciplinary instruction. The team schedule provides time for team planning and conferencing with students, parents, and/or support staff. The curriculum at Ardsley High School is comprehensive; while predominantly an academic high school with an emphasis on college preparatory subjects, the offerings are designed to serve a wide range of interests and abilities. The program includes honors and advanced placement courses, occupational education through BOCES and a Work Study/Externship that affords students the opportunity to gain job and volunteer experiences. Throughout the District, special education students participate in regular classes. Special Education teachers work closely with grade level and subject area teachers as part of a collaborative/integrated special education program. Specialists in music, art, library, physical education, technology, home and careers and computers enrich the curriculum.

At Ardsley Middle School, the literary magazine, Apogee, recently won the Bronze Award from the Merlyn’s Pen Corporation and the Math League team earned first place in the statewide competition. At Ardsley High School, the Class of 2003 had two National Merit Scholarship winners and six National Merit Commended students.

Each of the schools contains a state-of-the-art library media center complete with computer work stations, Internet access and software that complements and enhances classroom learning and research activities. A District resident recently commented, “When I saw the elementary school library, it seemed like a temple of learning.”

Recently, the District earned two prestigious awards from the United States Department of Education. Ardsley Middle School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and the Concord Road Elementary School received the National Award for Model Professional Development. These awards signify our commitment to excellence. The evaluation teams made the following comments:

“Ardsley Middle School is a clear example of an educational community of students, educators and parents focused on providing the most appropriate level of a challenging curriculum to all students. The overall curriculum provides a picture of a purposely developed and articulated program of studies clearly designed to ensure high levels of achievement for all students.” J. Stephen O’Brien, U.S. Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Panel.

“There is a comprehensive plan focused on teaching and learning. Administrators and curriculum leaders read extensively to acquire knowledge of the research base. Staff uses research and best practice in the professional growth planning process and collaborative planning teams.” Terry Dozier, U.S. Department of Education, Professional Development Awards Panel.

Teachers and administrators in Ardsley have earned advanced degrees from accredited colleges and universities from Maine to California. Teacher salaries in 2003-2004 range from $42,792 (Step 1 BA) to $99,470 (Step 15 Ph.D.).

In addition to a competitive salary schedule, a benefit package is provided to attract superior instructional staff. This includes: family health insurance, welfare fund benefits, unlimited sick-leave accumulation, and participation in Social Security and the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.

Aides and teaching assistants work with professional colleagues to support classroom activities. Office employees and custodial/maintenance employees are selected for their ability to assist the educational process and promote the goals of the District.