named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Design, Innovation, & Technology Program
Integrates engineering, robotics, coding, and digital fabrication starting in Grade 3; includes 3D printing, Minecraft modeling, and participation in FIRST Lego League
Lower School Program
Grades PK-4 curriculum focused on foundational academics, reading, writing, math, world languages, and hands-on learning in a self-contained classroom setting
Music Program
Comprehensive music education from PK-8 including choral performance, instrumental ensembles, world music, and elective courses such as African Percussion and Songwriting
Studio Art Program
Sequential visual arts curriculum from PK-8 emphasizing creative expression, technical skill, and artistic development through painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking
Upper School Program
Grades 5-8 program featuring Harkness method discussions, advanced mathematics, Latin, Model UN, and interdisciplinary projects with field trips to Washington D.C. and Cape Cod
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 2 activities
- Deliver interdisciplinary, experiential curriculum using local environmentsImplements an interdisciplinary curriculum that uses the Hudson Valley’s historic landmarks, local museums, New York City, and natural surroundings—including fields, woods, streams, wetlands, ponds, and working gardens—as outdoor learning environments to enhance studies in history, science, arts, and literature.
- Organize grade-specific educational trips and enrichment programsConducts biennial weeklong trips to Cape Cod for fifth and sixth graders focused on environmental and biology studies, and to Washington, D.C. for seventh and eighth graders emphasizing history and art. Also organizes regular field trips to cultural institutions, farms, and partner organizations such as the Cary Institute for science exchange programs.
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Comprehensive K–8 Academic Curriculum 2 activities
- Operate a PK-8 educational programProvides a comprehensive pre-kindergarten through 8th grade school program that integrates academic excellence with character development, enrolling 184 students from 36 towns. The school employs 35 faculty members and maintains dedicated facilities including 3 athletic fields and specialized instructional spaces.
- Provide subject-specific instruction across core and specialist disciplinesOffers structured instruction in core academic areas including reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, and world languages (Spanish and French), supported by co-curricular programs in physical education, library skills, technology, art, music, and theater. Programs include writing workshops, hands-on science experiments, data literacy projects, and sequential language learning beginning in kindergarten.
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Student-Led Community Service Programs 1 activity
- Foster cross-grade collaboration and community engagementImplements cross-grade partnerships and community-based projects that integrate service learning with interdisciplinary academics, enabling students to collaborate across age groups on shared educational goals and civic initiatives.
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Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
- Offer robotics and technology-based extracurricular learningProvides a Robotics Club for fifth-grade students and above that participates in the regional FIRST Lego League competition, along with technology-integrated projects such as Minecraft modeling of Greek temples and student-produced newscasts using video editing and green screen tools.
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Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
- Provide financial aid to enrolled studentsOffers financial aid to 26% of enrolled students to support accessibility and socioeconomic diversity within the school community.
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High School Placement Support 1 activity
- Support secondary school transition for upper school studentsOffers comprehensive support for students applying to independent secondary schools, including informational events, personalized counseling, assistance with applications and deadlines, teacher recommendations, mock interviews, and access to an online secondary school guide.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$7.00M
Contributions & grants$617K9%
Program service revenue$5.93M85%
Investment income$363K5%
Other revenue$87K
expenses
Total expenses$7.20M
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead14%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$4.47M
Grants paid out$737K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$17.06M
Cash$2.07M
Investments$7.30M
Liabilities$2.92M
Net assets$14.15M
Liquid reserves15.6 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +1.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATTHEW HEARD | HEAD OF SCHO | 45 | $378K |
board members · 22
- AMELIA WILSON — TRUSTEE
- ANDREW GARCIA — TRUSTEE
- CINDY MCWILLIAMS — TRUSTEE
- CLAUDIA KUNKLE — TREASURER
- DEBBIE-ANN MORLEY — TRUSTEE
- ELIOT CLARKE — TRUSTEE
- HEATHER PATTERSON — SECRETARY
- JASON PAGE — TRUSTEE
- JEFF SMITH — RESIGNED 12/
- JENNIFER NISI — TRUSTEE
- JEREMY MICHAEL — TRUSTEE
- JOHN ALLEN — VICE PRESIDE
- JOHN HETTINGER — TRUSTEE
- NANCY HATHAWAY — PRESIDENT
- NAOMI ELDREDGE — TRUSTEE
- NICOLE DRURY — TRUSTEE-EXEC
- NORAH QUINN — TRUSTEE
- PATRICK MCCURDY — TRUSTEE
- REBECCA SEAMAN — TRUSTEE
- REED MINOR — TRUSTEE
- SCOTT BRIEN — TRUSTEE
- SHANNON VOLLMER — TRUSTEE
relationships · 7
Who they work with
- Cary Institute Partner — Collaborates on an environmental science exchange program for students.
- Cary Institute Partner — Provides opportunities for students to explore the sciences through collaboration and field-based learning.
- FIRST Lego League Partner — Dutchess Day School's Robotics Club competes in the regional FIRST Lego League competition.
- Kathy McNeiece Partner — Technologist/Media Specialist responsible for the library program
- NYSSMA Partner — Students have the option to participate in NYSSMA solo evaluations.
- Vimeo Network — Hosts school videos on Vimeo platform under the Dutchess Day School account
- Vimeo Partner — Hosts a video about the preschool program on its platform.
strategies · 5
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.
- Data-Informed, Individualized Instructionmethodology: data_informed_instructionBy combining standardized assessments with classroom insights, we tailor instruction to meet individual learner needs because sustained academic growth requires ongoing feedback and responsive pedagogy.
- Experiential and Interdisciplinary Learningmethodology: experiential_interdisciplinary_learningBy using project-based, hands-on, and interdisciplinary methods across subjects like STEAM, music, and theater, we deepen understanding and retention because students learn best through active creation, real-world application, and cross-domain connections.
- Holistic Education with Integrated Social-Emotional Learningmethodology: holistic_education_with_selBy integrating academic rigor with character development and social-emotional learning, we cultivate empathy, resilience, and ethical reasoning because student success depends on both intellectual and emotional growth.
- Structured Dialogue and Collaborative Inquirymethodology: collaborative_inquiryBy using the Harkness Method and cross-grade mentorship, we promote equitable participation, respectful discourse, and social cohesion because deep learning emerges through dialogue, reflection, and interdependence.
- Student-Centered, Developmental Learning Modelmethodology: student_centered_developmentalBy centering education on the natural development, curiosity, and individuality of each student, we foster deep engagement, critical thinking, and long-term academic success because learning is most effective when it is joyful, personalized, and respects developmental stages.