Ichabod Crane Senior High School

Very poor!! Interaction with school is sad.

As the parent of two boys who survived Ichabod, I can tell you that there is both good and bad aspects to the district. Primary school was a positive experience, with many capable and dedicated professionals. Middle school was awful. Strong anti male bias. Several grossly incompentant educators. High school is a mixed bag. Very clikish. The whole town seems to work in the district. Upside is that they spend alot of money on the kids. Many opportunities for those in the inner circle.

Our children were honor students carrying A averages when they began atttending ICHS. The community is wonderful, supporting the district emphasis on athletics and the arts. State and federal mandates ensure adequate resources for students with disabilities but there is little regard for truly bright children, and most students who are educated at ICMS and considered to be "honors" level students have demonstrated an ability to conform, not to have developed critical thinking or subect aptitude. This is reflected in looking at class rankings in test scores and who teachers select for the "honors track." ICHS students rely on a homework policy that grants greater grading emphasis to homework & classwork than to actual test scores - resulting grades don't reflect learning. Our college students are happy again, graded by real-world standards that reward demonstrated knowledge (tests/quizzes) over the processing and filing of paperwork. A+ arts/music; D guidance/administration.

As a former parent of this school district. I have to admit this school does not prepare our youth to real world. There is life outside of Valatie and it will be rude awakening to students entering college how behind they are in subject matter and material.