About PCSD
Our District
Welcome to Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD). Our mission “We are champions of children who inspire and nurture the whole child by providing innovative, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare all students to embark on individual paths of success in a globally diverse community.” serves as the foundation for the strategic work currently underway.
Established in 1843, the Poughkeepsie City School District is organized into one high school, one middle school, and five elementary schools.
As with many school districts across New York, the Poughkeepsie City School District has seen a decline in student enrollment and a shift in student demographics. Today, the Poughkeepsie City School District services approximately 3,600 students annually. In 2023, 46% of the student population identified as African Americans, 41% identified as Latino, 8% identified as multi-racial, 5% identified as white, and 1% identified as Asian.
As part of the district's overall transformation strategy, in 2020, the Poughkeepsie City School District designated all seven of its schools as Community Schools. The decision behind the designation was to create schools that serve as community beacons, bringing together school and community resources to improve student success and create stronger families and healthier communities. Given the fact that a child’s waking hours between kindergarten and high school amounts to 20% in the school environment and 80% in the community, a school, home, and community approach must be employed to holistically address the evolving and emerging needs of children. Across the country, community schools build bridges between school, home, and community to facilitate a holistic approach that will better guarantee that children find success in and out of school.
Early successes in the implementation of the community school design have resulted in each elementary school achieving "Good Standing" status by the New York State Education Department during the 23-24 school year. This achievement was last attained 13 prior. While there has been tremendous success at the elementary level, the school district continues to stress focus on student achievement at its secondary schools.
Through the district's school, home, and community approach and through partnerships with the Poughkeepsie Children's Cabinet, and other critical partners, the outcomes of Poughkeepsie City School District students continue to rise.
Mission, Vision, Values
Mission
We are champions of children who inspire and nurture the whole child by providing innovative, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare all students to embark on individual paths of success in a globally diverse community.
Vision
We work in partnership with the community to provide an education with high expectations for all students, each day in a safe, inclusive and challenging environment where students are empowered to become successful members of their community.
Our Core Values
WE believe that we can achieve our vision and accomplish our mission if, in all of our work, we strive to uphold the following core values:
Collaboration: Working together by sharing ideas, resources, and responsibilities to achieve common goals while valuing diverse strengths and perspectives.
Accountability: Taking ownership of actions and outcomes with honesty and responsibility.
Commitment: Demonstrating unwavering dedication to goals, values, and the success of others.
Transparency: Communicating openly and honestly to build trust and foster understanding.
Professionalism: Consistently upholding high standards of conduct, competence, and respect in all interactions.
Integrity: Acting with honesty, fairness, and strong moral principles, even when it's difficult.
Passion: Bringing energy, enthusiasm, and purpose to the work we do.
Compassion: Approaching others with kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to help.