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PECONIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL
CUTCHOGUE, NY · EIN 460627620 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE B20 · Education · Medium ($1M-$10M) · peconiccommunityschool.org
revenue
$2.3M
expenses
$2.5M
net assets
$761K
employees
42
volunteers
15
program ratio
83%
mission · from form 990

TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR INTERESTED FAMILIES AND STUDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.

profile · synthesized from sources

Peconic Community School is a progressive K-8 school located in Cutchogue, NY, offering an alternative education model centered on project-based, place-based, and community-integrated learning. The school serves students through a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on inquiry, social-emotional development, and real-world engagement with the North Fork community. Its approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and civic responsibility in a nurturing, student-centered environment.

named programs · 6 · from sources

What they call their work

Celebrations of Learning
Tri-annual exhibitions where students present their trimester-long project work to families, peers, and community members in interactive gallery-style formats
Community Engagement
Program connecting students with over 150 community partners such as CAST, Watermill Center, and Group for the East End for real-world learning and civic involvement
Integrated Studies Unit
Trimester-long, thematic, project-based learning units that span science, social studies, and current events, with interdisciplinary integration of math, literacy, and enrichment areas
Place Based Education
Curriculum rooted in the local North Fork environment and community, involving field research, exploration of local ecosystems, and engagement with community leaders
Project Based Learning
Student-driven, collaborative projects addressing real-world questions, integrating academic skills and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving
Social Emotional Growth
Curriculum-integrated practices supporting self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and communication skills as foundational to student well-being and success
activities · 9 groups

What they do

  • Safe and Inclusive School Environment 1 activity
    • Advances equity, diversity, and inclusion in school programs
      Implements non-discrimination policies across admissions, educational programs, hiring, and financial aid, and actively works to increase equity and diversity in all aspects of school operations.
  • Independent and Charter K-12 Schools 1 activity
    • Delivers alternative education curriculum with individualized instruction
      Provides a progressive, child-centered education for approximately 95 students in grades Pre-K through 8, featuring small class sizes (average of 10 students), individualized learning support, and a curriculum designed to foster independent and creative thinking. The program prepares students for success in high school and beyond, with 95% of alumni remaining on high school honor rolls.
  • Admissions Outreach and Enrollment Support 1 activity
    • Hosts community engagement and admissions outreach events
      Conducts school tours, classroom observations, prospective family meetings, child shadow days, and monthly open classroom visits and informal parenting events to support admissions and community involvement. Tours include individualized meetings with co-founders and student-led components.
  • Project-Based Learning Programs 1 activity
    • Implements project-based, interdisciplinary learning programs
      Conducts trimester-long Integrated Studies Units centered on themes from science, social studies, and current events, culminating in tri-annual Celebrations of Learning where students present interdisciplinary projects in interactive exhibitions. Students design and implement real-world projects such as rain gardens, multimedia galaxy tours, and films on equity.
  • Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
    • Integrates outdoor and experiential learning into daily education
      Uses a 10+ acre campus with outdoor classrooms, trails, gardens, and a yurt outpost to provide daily hands-on learning. Students spend time outdoors at least twice daily for recess and structured activities, including gardening, trail hikes, and exploration of local forests and beaches.
  • Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
    • Operates a summer camp program for children
      Runs the Little Sprouts summer camp program at Hallockville, providing educational and recreational activities for children.
  • Before and After School Childcare 1 activity
    • Operates after-school and extended care programs
      Offers trimester-long after-school programs in Drama, Art, Science/Technology, Language Learning, and private music lessons, as well as before and after school care that includes outdoor play, free choice activities, and art projects, available to all enrolled students.
  • Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 1 activity
    • Organizes community-based field research and field trips
      Coordinates approximately 30 field trips annually and maintains over 150 community learning partnerships with local organizations, experts, and professionals to support student field research and real-world learning experiences on the North Fork.
  • Sliding-Scale Tuition Programs 1 activity
    • Provides financial aid and tuition support programs
      Offers need-based tuition assistance to families across grades Early Childhood through 8, along with tuition discounts: 2% for full payment by July 1st and $375 per additional child in families paying full tuition.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.31M
Contributions & grants$574K25%
Program service revenue$1.72M74%
Investment income$980%
Other revenue$17K
expenses
Total expenses$2.50M
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$1.84M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.22M
Cash$392K
Investments$0
Liabilities$454K
Net assets$761K
Liquid reserves1.9 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -11.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 2
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
ELIZABETH CASEY SEARL TRUSTEE 45 $109K
KATHRYN CASEY QUIGLEY TRUSTEE 45 $109K
board members · 5
  • ALISON DELANEY — TRUSTEE
  • ANITA HABER — TRUSTEE
  • LUCY WOHLTMAN — TRUSTEE
  • MARISSA GIBBONS — TRUSTEE
  • MELISSA HOBLEY — TRUSTEE
relationships · 15

Who they work with

  • CAST Partner — Collaborated with PCS second graders on the Feed-a-Kid program as part of a service learning initiative.
  • CAST Partner — Community learning partner supporting field research and real-world learning experiences for students.
  • CAST North Fork Partner — Collaborates with CAST North Fork, which recognizes the school’s intentional teaching of service and community engagement.
  • CCEMarine Partner — Partnered with PCS Middle School to engage students in reef restoration as Reef Raisers.
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension Partner — Community organization partnered with for topic-specific learning experiences
  • Group for the East End Partner — Community learning partner collaborating on environmental and civic engagement initiatives.
  • Group for the East End Partner — Community organization partnered with for topic-specific learning experiences
  • Hallockville Partner — Hosts Peconic Community School's summer camp program, Little Sprouts.
  • Liz Casey Partner — Co-founder who directly receives inquiry forms and communicates with prospective families about enrollment and school visits.
  • National Association of Independent Schools Network — Accredited member of NAIS
  • National Association of Independent Schools Network — Organization of which Peconic Community School holds full membership status.
  • New York State Association of Independent Schools Government — Accrediting body that granted Peconic Community School full ten-year accreditation in 2023.
  • New York State Association of Independent Schools Network — Accredited member of NYSAIS
  • The Watermill Center Partner — Community learning partner providing experiential and cultural learning opportunities for students.
  • The Watermill Center Partner — Community organization partnered with for topic-specific learning experiences
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Authentic Assessment and Metacognitive Development
    methodology: authentic_assessment_metacognition
    By replacing traditional grading with narrative reports and emphasizing how to learn, we cultivate self-awareness and long-term academic success, because students become more autonomous and reflective learners when assessment is descriptive and focused on growth.
  • Learner-Centered, Project-Based Learning Model
    methodology: learner_centered_project_based
    By structuring education around student interests, hands-on projects, and real-world inquiry, we develop critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning, because engagement and ownership are deepened when learning is personally meaningful and experiential.
  • Place-Based Education Integrated with Community
    methodology: place_based_education
    By grounding academic learning in the local environment, culture, and community partnerships, we make inquiry relevant and meaningful, because students develop deeper understanding and civic connection when learning is rooted in real places and local expertise.
  • Whole-Child Development Through Integrated Experience
    methodology: whole_child_education
    By engaging students' intellect, emotions, body, and spirit through collaborative, hands-on learning and reflection, we foster holistic growth, because sustainable academic and personal development arises from education that addresses the full human experience.