From focusing on the arts to training for a career, learn more about the many educational philosophies and opportunities available in the Hudson Valley. In the Q&A below, area schools share unique aspects of their programs and activities that help set them apart.
How can your child benefit from The Art Effect’s summer programming?
The Art Effect helps children explore, experience, and excel in the arts! At Dutchess Arts Camp, children find their creative voice and explore the arts through personal expression, imagination, and teamwork. The Junior Art Institute teaches adolescents fundamental art principles, preparing them for intensive art programs in high school. When teens graduate to The Art Institute, they develop world-class art portfolios, preparing them for college and a career in the arts. Visit feelthearteffect.org to register!
The Art Effect
45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie
845.471.7477
What is active curriculum?
Through active curriculum and project-based learning, Darrow School is transforming the ways in which students learn. Whether deconstructing a Happy Meal to learn about the environmental impact of mass-produced food; publishing their own book on sexual education for teens; or exploring sustainable ecosystems through designing, constructing, and marketing composting worm bins, Darrow students take agency in their own education. In this community-focused, hands-on, and design-oriented work, failure is not only expected, but is seen as a valuable learning experience.
Darrow School
110 Darrow Rd, New Lebanon
518.794.6000
What’s going on outdoors at Dutchess Day School?
You name it! On our 25-acre campus students explore pond ecology, read Shakespeare, plant vegetables, compost, and, of course, play sports, including field hockey, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse. Teachers design historical reenactments for the children to immerse in, like the Gold Rush in 3rd grade. Art classes are held en plen air in our courtyards, or under the willow trees on the banks of the pond. The study of trees, plants, various campus eco-systems, and more is woven into science curricula across the grades. Learning does not just happen at a desk!
Dutchess Day School

415 Rte 343, Millbrook
845.677.5014
Why did Immaculate Heart Academy decide to implement a department solely dedicated to College Counseling?
At Immaculate Heart Academy, we find that a major key to our students’ success is for our school to remain on the cutting edge of educational programming. We recently introduced a College Counseling Department after recognizing that it was both a need and want of our faculty, students, and teachers. This impressive department allows us to have a more focused, individualized plan for each of our students to ensure they are attending the colleges that will allow them to reach their goals and exceed their highest expectations. Our College Counseling Department also works diligently to educate parents about the ever-changing landscape of college admissions. The department’s creation was truly a collaborative effort, and we are proud that it proved to be successful.
Immaculate Heart Academy
500 Van Emburgh Ave
Township of Washington, NJ 07676
201.445.6800
How is the Oakwood Friends School teaching students to think critically and inclusively?
When our middle school students study sustainable practices in the greenhouse, they incorporate discussions on food scarcity and distribution within the Hudson Valley. Students in the darkroom or the ceramics studio look to the chemistry lab to discover what drives their art. Data, reflection, and discussion lead to deeper understanding. Engaging within a diverse community, Oakwood students learn to appreciate and see the world through the lens of a classmate from another country, a different culture, religion, orientations, or backgrounds. Blurring the lines between subject disciplines and respecting diverse views helps create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment at Oakwood.
Oakwood Friends School
22 Spackenkill Rd, Poughkeepsie
845.462.4200
How does Poughkeepsie Day School keep students interested, creative, and knowledgeable?
We know that all children are interested in learning, so we actively encourage their curiosity and questions. We were founded in 1934 by a group of parents committed to active learning, who valued independent thought and sought to build strong foundations in both mathematics and literature. We have stayed committed to our progressive roots while constructing science and technology programs that meet the needs of current students. Poughkeepsie Day School serves 250 students in the Hudson Valley region, from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Poughkeepsie Day School
260 Boardman Rd, Poughkeepsie
845.462.7600
What benefits does Touro Dental Health offer over traditional dental practices?
With the opening of Touro Dental Health, the clinical training facility of Touro College of Dental Medicine, the Hudson Valley has a new option for affordable dental care. Patients can find a complete range of oral health care in a modern, digitally advanced setting unlike any other in the region. Our student dentists work alongside some of the region’s top dental specialists, including general dentists, periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric and cosmetic dentists, orthodontists, and dental radiologists. This collaboration benefits patients because there is an entire team of experts ensuring quality care and reviewing each patient’s treatment plan every step of the way. Our goal is to provide a more affordable avenue for dental health, while training the next generation of dentists, so patients can save as much as 20-50% on all services.
Touro Dental Health
19 Skyline Dr, 3rd fl, Hawthorne
914.594.2700
What’s this? This content is made possible by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the attitude, views, or opinions of the Hudson Valley Magazine editorial staff.
What’s this?
This content is made possible by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the attitude, views, or opinions of the Hudson Valley Magazine editorial staff.