Article by Matt Kellmer

The Village of Tarrytown, New York is located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River near the Tappan Zee Bridge. It is a convenient 40-minute train ride to New York City (about 20 miles) and provides an array of seasonal activities such as golf, hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing. Since the Tarrytown area was first settled in 1645 by Dutch settlers, the area’s industry has grown from growing wheat to housing corporate offices such as Hitachi America. Today, the area is home to about 11,500 people.

While looking for homes in Tarrytown, a common question regarding the the area’s schools is often asked. Although there are plenty of private schools in the area, most people choose to send their children to the local schools. The school district that serves the children of Tarrytown, New York is the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns. The school district instructs about 2400 students in grades K-12. There are about 18-20 students per class and about 210 teachers in the district according to the New York State Report Card for the 2004-2005 school year.

Six schools make up the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns. Pre-K and Kindergarten students attend Tappan Hill Elementary School where they begin their education. In this nurturing environment, each child learns at his or her own rate and each program is aimed at developing the whole child – cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially. First-graders attend John Paulding Elementary School where they continue on their learning career in a challenging and fun environment. The Winfield L. Morse Elementary School is for children in grades 2 and 3. Here they will further develop their reading and writing skills. With a focus on hands-on learning, students at Winfield L. Morse Elementary will begin to explore the concepts of community, multicultural awareness, and American History. At Washington Irving Elementary School students in grades 4-6 will continue to challenge and develop their learning skills. Graduates of Washington Irving Elementary School will move on to the 7th grade at Sleepy Hollow Middle School and then on to the 8th grade. All students moving up from Sleepy Hollow Middle School typically attend Sleepy Hollow High School to complete their primary education. Sleepy Hollow High School is a high-achieving school – over 90% of the Class of 2006 attending an institution of higher learning and each year, an impressive number of state, federal, and private foundation grants fund programs that broaden and enhance the curriculum.

With its convenient location to New York City, its many shops and restaurants, great school school district, and hometown feel, the Village of Tarrytown is a great place to live and it is no wonder why homes in Tarrytown are so sought after. For more information about the Village of Tarrytown, please visit the official Village of Tarrytown website.

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