Guest Blog by Joseph L. Ricca, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
Spotlight on Primary Education
Westchester County boasts some of the finest opportunities for families, entrepreneurs and corporations on the East Coast. Whether in search of the excitement of city life or the desire for bucolic pastures – Westchester has it all! Just miles from the heart of Manhattan, or the beach, Westchester is truly a unique county community. Of course, when it comes to growing business and raising families, the cornerstone of our attractive foundation for economic growth remains the effectiveness and opportunity offered by the public school systems serving our communities. With outstanding comprehensive public education opportunities, Westchester offers families, and nearly 150,000 children, some of the most exciting academic and extracurricular prospects in the United States.
Academic Rigor
As evidenced by the most recent Business Council of Westchester’s Data Exchange Report on Primary Education, the schools in Westchester County continue to flourish and offer students with the highest quality educational opportunities available in diverse and positive learning environments. Student enrollment reflects a consistent pattern in many communities, as does student achievement. In the county’s public schools, where enrollment continues to increase in many communities, solid academic programming offers children and families access to the highest level, rigorous curricular opportunities. Access to high level instructional technologies, including the focus on innovative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs are common place throughout the county.
Extracurricular Excellence
Additionally, students have the chance to participate in robust extracurricular activities and athletic programs that rival any in the country. Whether on the stage, in the band or on the field – there is something for everyone on Westchester’s schools. In every unique community within the county, students have the opportunity to achieve and prepare for college, career and community engagement.
My District: White Plains Schools
In my own school district, the White Plains City School District, we are committed to providing all of our students with amazing opportunities to unlock their own unique potential – we have worked to capture that spirit and goal for our children in the short movie linked here: https://youtu.be/MXFW_RQShQU
Stellar Schools
When parents/guardians make the conscious decision to call Westchester County home, that decision is one that can be made with the confidence that their children will have the unencumbered opportunity to learn, grow and develop positively with the support of their local municipality and the greater county community firmly in their corner.
Westchester County offers an amazing opportunity for families to work, live and thrive. With the continued attractiveness of outstanding public schools, in addition to all of the additional supports and services, Westchester will remain a highly desirable location for our families and our businesses.