Schuylerville Preparatory High School

Schuylerville Prep is an orderly, well-run school. Academics have a ways to go but the school is improving under new leadership. Teachers overwhelmingly recommend the school to prospective families. Most students graduate on time, including students with special needs. 

Melissa R. Ramos took the helm in 2016. On school surveys, teachers say she is an effective manager. In a letter to parents on the school’s informative website, Ramos said she used to believe students “should be quiet and not voice concerns unless I called on them,” but her belief system changed and, as she got teens talking more in class, “my teaching went from a mere performance to having impact.” The newsletter has friendly profiles of individual teachers and students. 

The Quality Review says the school is good at welcoming parents. Teachers and administrators explain what is expected in academic classes and invite parents to workshops and events. 

On school surveys, some students say they would like more personal attention and support. To address these concerns, staff implemented a four-year small group advisory program: in grades 9 and 10, students explore their identities and address social concerns; the older grades focus on college and career. 

Several faculty and staff are trained in restorative justice practices, designed to help students address friction before it turns into larger conflicts. The school also hosts fun events, such as a talent show, movie night and spirit week to build a positive community. 

Student who need extra academic support may participate in after school tutoring, a Saturday program or get help at lunch time. Teachers also help students develop study skills to help them in high school and college, according to the Comprehensive Educational Plan. 

Founded in 2013, the school originally offered two years of Latin but that is no longer part of its curriculum. Today, it offers a typical sequence of high school courses, as well as visual arts classes that explore photography, painting, printmaking and the art of paper craft.

Schuylerville shares the Lehman High School building.  The building has a Montefiore health clinic where students have daily access to a licensed social worker. Students may join campus-wide sports and AP for All classes. Students pass through metal detectors to enter the building. 

Admissions: Educational option. The school seeks a mix of low-, middle- and high-achievers. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, December 2018)