Dutchess Ter
Rhinecliff, NY 12574

For a small school in an affluent area, this school punches far below its weight class. It is a case study in declining academic standards. Any student caught excelling in a subject will quickly be pulled back down. There is little to no communication from the teachers. They rely on a software package called Canvass that neither the teachers nor the parents understand how to use. They do not learn how to write, instead always producing bullet-points for powerpoint. Good experience, I guess, if you plan on tweeting professionally. The math is dumbed down where they seem to focus more on building edible art projects rather than learning algebra. Many other parents, with bright kids, tell me that the teachers have absolutely squashed any interest in the subject. Band has no support for those playing stringed instruments that do not start with G. Theater is supported by the community, not the school. Feel free to ask for a meeting with the administration -- they will nod knowingly and deflect all action like Akido masters.

I watched my grandchildren grow up in Rhinebeck and attend the public schools here for their entire primary, secondary and high school experience.Covid slowed everything down for everyone, but both grandchildren are now in top schools, Granddaughter is at Washington University and grandson is at Rensselaer Polytechnic Ins. Both graduated with honors and have multiple friends in top Schools. Many of the sports programs are awesome. Soccer is very popular producing State championship teams over the years.

Rhinebeck is a good public school. It is small and everyone knows each other. The school is responsive to students needs and teachers are accessible. The general school population is motivated. Many of the teachers have been teaching a long time and seem to be going through the motions of teaching. Unfortunately the quality of teachers varies greatly. The school is very invested in sports and could use more academic clubs and focus from the administrators. Most of the children see well adjusted and work hard. A more hands on curriculum would stimulate the students. Not very creative atmosphere.