Poughkeepsie Day School

Poughkeepsie Day School is an independent progressive school serving 250 students in the Mid-Hudson Valley region, from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students come from as far south as Peekskill, Woodstock in the west, as far north as Germantown and all the way from Sharon, CT, in the east. Families who come are seeking an academically challenging environment in a small school that recognizes the importance of having a steadfast commitment to developing the social intelligence of each student.

Our students are sophisticated thinkers. Our role is to keep them interested. Our collaborative learning environment, with dedicated faculty open to new ideas and challenges, provides a springboard for engaged and reflective learners. Our teachers design curriculum with their students in mind, providing many different pathways into a rich, integrated learning experience. We know that (1) fostering individual expression, (2) providing interdisciplinary opportunities and (3) having a steadfast commitment to social and emotional learning feeds a learning environment that will allow our students to thrive.

Poughkeepsie Day School develops educated global citizens with a passion for learning, leading and living. At PDS, we see school as a place for curiosity, creativity, collaboration, integrity, courage, self-awareness, compassion, contribution, wonder and connection – where students develop the essential academic, practical and social capacities to make a creative contribution to the world.

Poughkeepsie Day School’s philosophy of progressive education has upheld the dignity of each individual since the school’s founding in 1934. We the PDS faculty, students, families and trustees acknowledge that dealing with the human condition is complex and sometimes challenging. We strive to foster a spirit of optimism and courage. We expect all members of the community to uphold and model the principles of equity and justice.

The PDS community embraces democratic ideals. It works to create a learning environment that encourages and supports conversation, regardless of difficulty, around issues of diversity. Through the curriculum we encourage students to consider multiple perspectives. These include the languages we speak, customs we observe, ways in which we learn, our belief systems, racial identities, age, gender, sexual orientation, family configuration, ability and socioeconomic level.

Students learn to examine and express their own identities. In turn, they learn to respond with respect and empathy to the identities, ideas and beliefs of others. In this way, we pursue our mission to graduate informed, competent, compassionate leaders of the global community.

We embrace and encourage the qualities that determine success which include the ability to think independently, collaborate effectively, listen, give and receive feedback, adapt to change and explore a wide range of information and knowledge. All of this important work takes a steadfast commitment to social and emotional learning. Without directly cultivating these skills, students will not be able to fully participate in an active learning environment that requires interaction, discussion and feedback. By building knowledge and facilitating collaboration and self-reflection, PreK through Grade 12, our program lays the groundwork for academic excellence and joyful learning.

Our students love to be at school. So we encourage coming in early or staying late to take advantage of additional outside play, individual music lessons, many crafts and a space for independent work. Our extended day options (morning and afternoon) and enrichment classes provide both structure and engagement. Music lessons and summer camps are also offered.

At Poughkeepsie Day School, we recognize that children are curious and strive to give them the time and space to pursue ideas and knowledge. Students discover how glass is blown, see what connects them to the people and places of their community, and come to understand the ecosystem of the Hudson River.