Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District
Superintendent
Dobbs Ferry, NY
The Village of Dobbs Ferry is home to approximately 11,000 residents. As one of the “Rivertowns” along the Hudson River in southern Westchester County, it enjoys a small-town, eclectic feel while also being conveniently located only 20 miles north of Manhattan, easily accessible via commuter rail.
The community is extraordinarily supportive of its public schools, consistently passing the annual school budget and approving needed capital projects by wide margins. The District is home to approximately 1,500 students K-12, attending Springhurst Elementary School (K-5), Dobbs Ferry Middle School (6-8), and Dobbs Ferry High School (9-12). We encourage our students – and staff – to think critically, take risks, learn from one another, and create a school environment that is welcoming to all.
The Dobbs Ferry School District’s values are reflected in its vision statement “Independent Thinkers Prepared to Change the World.” Want to learn more? Here are the “Top 10” things you should know about the Dobbs Ferry School District:
Small Classes & Innovative Instruction- Average class size is 20-21 in K-5 and 22-24 in the upper grades. Approximately 98% of the District’s faculty holds graduate degrees. Ongoing staff development, the Teacher Leader model, and a strong mentoring program support classroom innovation and reflective and engaging instructional practices.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program- In 1998, Dobbs Ferry High School became the first “IB World School” in Westchester County, offering the 2-year college preparatory course of study for 11th and 12th graders recognized worldwide for its academic rigor, interdisciplinary approach, authentic assessments, international mindedness, and in-depth study of subject content. One-third of graduating seniors receive the full IB Diploma and all high school students take at least three IB courses. In 2016, the District expanded its commitment to IB and obtained official authorization to offer the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) in grades 6-10.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)- The District is committed to providing a learning environment for every student that is safe, inclusive, just and equitable. The District embarked on a multi-year, multi-pronged approach in 2017, beginning with a focus on staff diversity that resulted in the formation of a (now annual) Quad Village Diversity Career Fair. The DEI work is aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan and consistently captured in the District’s annual goals. In the spring of 2021, the Board adopted a DEI Policy that codifies the District's commitment to creating an environment where all students feel welcome and have equitable opportunities to succeed.
97% College-Bound- DFHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020. Its graduates attend the most selective private and public colleges and universities in the country including the Ivy League, “Little Ivies,” Big Ten and State University of New York (SUNY) schools.
Strong STEM- DFHS Science Research Program boasts Intel Science Talent Search semifinalists, Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology national finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) participants, WESEF and Acorda Scientific Excellence Award winners. State-of-the-art science labs support all the science disciplines. Elementary school students use the renowned Singapore Math Program, which fosters deep thinking, basic conceptual understanding and higher-level problem solving skills.
21st Century Technology- The District’s high-speed wireless internet network and redesigned classrooms support students bringing their own devices (BYOD) to school. The 1:1 Chromebook initiative with students in grades 4-12 has been a huge success. The schools also use G Suite for education, powered by Google. The District has its own fully operational television station, DFTV, with cutting-edge media production capabilities.
Something for Everyone- Approximately 60% of High School and Middle School students participate on 44 interscholastic athletic teams. Off the field, each school “fields” Destination Imagination teams that qualify regularly for the Global Finals, the largest creative problem solving competition in the world. The High School offers more than 30 unique clubs for students to join. The Middle School hosts 20 extra-curricular clubs and Springhurst has an active student government and ecology club, among others. All students at the Elementary School care for the Outdoor Classroom and take part in the Compost Kids program.
Social Emotional Learning - The District has a strong emphasis on SEL, a distinct area of focus in our strategic plan. Using data from Panorama surveys and BIMAS assessments, the mental health staff work collaboratively with classroom teachers to integrate SEL into instructional practices. The District embraces mindfulness practices from elementary through high school and has enhanced mental health services for students as part of COVID response planning.
Cultural Arts-Students participate in music, theater and the arts including yearly musicals and dramas, artist-in residency programs, choral recitals, band/string orchestra concerts, art exhibitions and dance ensembles. Springhurst’s renowned Harmonaires have sung at Yankee Stadium, the White House and made recordings with professional pop vocalists.
Parents Welcome! Parents play a pivotal role in supporting the Dobbs Ferry Schools and are partners in the education process. Thank you to the PTSA, Dobbs Ferry Schools Foundation, Trailguides, SPRING Community Partners, Booster Clubs and many other parent volunteers who dedicate countless hours to support our schools.