Poughkeepsie Day School
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 174 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,675
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Poughkeepsie Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
School Overview
Student Body

Academics and Faculty
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Sports
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Academic World Quest, Environmental Club, Foreign Language Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Model UN, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
A Cappella Singing, Chorus, Costume Design, Music Ensembles, Shooting Tape, Studio Art, Vocal and Instrumental Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Volleyball
School Notes
Poughkeepsie Day School is the leading progressive school in the
Hudson Valley, serving nearly 200 students, from PreKindergarten
through grade 12. Our steadfast commitment to providing an
education that liberates the mind and ignites passion and purpose
in our students has made us Poughkeepsie`s premier choice for
education for eighty-five years.
Our Mission
Poughkeepsie Day School offers a progressive education that
liberates the mind, ignites passion and purpose, and provides the
world with the agile, resourceful, self-directed,
community-oriented citizens it most needs.
Our Beliefs:
- Education is freedom. We empower students to claim agency for their own education. We prize independent thinking, original solutions to intractable problems, and critical, creative expression.
- Education begins in joy, and deepens in challenge. We encourage students to take pleasure in productive struggle, to treat failure as an exhilarating opportunity, and to cultivate a buoyant spirit of resilience.
- Education is evolution. In a disciplined, thoughtful way, we explore new ideas, adopt new practices, and adapt to new conditions.
- Education is an invitation. We seek out students and families who bring new stories and experiences into the school community. At our school, inclusivity is a transformative force.
- Education is an act of collective generosity. We believe that every member of our community makes an essential contribution to the flourishing of the whole. Our community shares an enduring principle: we are each the guardian of the other`s learning.
- Education is integration. We cultivate the whole person, mind and body, in the pursuit of well-being. We grow stronger and healthier as we exercise each and every part of ourselves.
- Education is a personal achievement and a community resource. We ask students to learn for their own reasons and act for the common good. We believe that knowledge is power-and power must be used responsibly, with integrity, for the advancement of a more just society.
Diversity Statement
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.
Our History
In 1934, our founding families wanted something distinctly
different for their children. They wanted a school that honored
childhood, took notice of emerging theories about learning and
respected creativity while fostering democracy and intellectual
effort.Students in those early years built colonial log houses,
played on a tire swing, went pond dipping and learned to read and
write. They learned how to use hammers and saws and work with wood.
They acted in plays and pageants and wrote stories and letters to
the White House. They built with blocks, went on field trips, and
learned folk songs. The school has expanded and become more
sophisticated, but many of these early childhood activities
continue on.A high school was added thirty years ago, allowing
students to go from middle school into a demanding writing
intensive setting that stresses critical thinking and problem
solving in all disciplines.
Graduates
Our advisory program and exceptional college counseling reflect our
commitment to producing graduates who are ready to embark on their
future. For a brief overview about outcomes, take a look at
our profile.
Accreditation
Poughkeepsie Day School is accredited by the New York State
Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), and holds membership
in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
The Committee on Admissions considers a variety of factors in
making its decisions regarding applicants to the diverse
Poughkeepsie Day School community. Among the factors taken into
account are the student's:
- Intellectual strength or potential
- Passion for learning
- Curiosity and significant interests
- Creativity
- Potential for leadership and independence
- Ability to work well cooperatively
- Kindness and sensitivity to others
- Potential for making a positive contribution to the classroom and the PDS community
- Please note: Poughkeepsie Day School does not charge a set tuition, instead we have a flexible tuition program. View figures at the top range: https://poughkeepsieday.org/admissions/flexible-tuition
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Poughkeepsie Day School cost?
Poughkeepsie Day School's tuition is approximately $25,675 for private students and $400 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Poughkeepsie Day School?
The acceptance rate of Poughkeepsie Day School is 80%, which is higher than the national average of 78%.
What sports does Poughkeepsie Day School offer?
Poughkeepsie Day School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Poughkeepsie Day School?
The application deadline for Poughkeepsie Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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