Celebrating Strength Through Student Diversity

Focusing on providing the very best education rooted in putting the student first

The City School District of New Rochelle is shaping an educational environment rooted in inclusion, distinction, and forward-thinking strategies. Situated just outside New York City, New Rochelle is classified as one of New York State’s 57 small city school districts—a unique designation for a suburban community of over 175,000 residents that houses 10 schools and approximately 9,800 students.

“We are a lovely hamlet,” says Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, Superintendent of the City School District of New Rochelle, highlighting the district’s strategic advantage of diversity and proximity to one of the world’s most dynamic cities. “We’re not one of the Big Five, but we certainly punch above our weight.”

The district operates under a five-year strategic roadmap built on four foundational pillars: student learning, superb staff, safe and connected schools, and resource management. Each pillar is designed to uplift the mission of preparing globally competent citizens, from the early stages of childhood education through graduation.

“Our goal is to meet students where they are,” Dr. Reynolds explains. “We focus on creating individuals who will make meaningful contributions to society.”

Diversity, Inclusion, and Growth

New Rochelle’s greatest strength and, at times, its greatest challenge is its diversity. The district features a richly multicultural student body, reflective of a global society. Monica Mahaffey, Director of Public Information, emphasizes, “Our students frequently tell us that they feel better prepared for the world because they’ve been educated alongside peers who are culturally, racially, and socioeconomically different from them.”

The daily exposure helps students build empathy, broaden their perspectives, and become more adaptable in complex social and professional environments. It fosters a school culture where diversity is not only acknowledged but also celebrated as a vital asset in shaping responsible and open-minded citizens.

Many of the children currently enrolled are part of families that span three or even four generations of New Rochelle students. These longstanding community ties build a strong sense of legacy and pride, but they can also present unique challenges. “There are often comparisons between what was and what is,” notes Dr. Reynolds. “But our current students are thriving in ways that reflect a 21st-century educational model.” By balancing the district’s rich history with innovative practices, New Rochelle continues to honor its past while evolving to meet modern demands.

Facing Fiscal Realities

The district, while proud of its achievements and deep community roots, is currently facing significant fiscal challenges. A $33 million deficit for the upcoming school year has prompted difficult but necessary budgetary measures, including the potential reduction of approximately 193 positions through retirements, unfilled vacancies, or attrition. Although not all of these represent current employees, the district recognizes the weight such changes carry within the community.

In response, New Rochelle voters recently approved an increase above the state-imposed tax levy cap to generate around $10 million in additional revenue. “It’s not about reducing the quality of education but reorganizing how we deliver our programs,” Dr. Reynolds assures. To help bridge the remaining gap, the district is also reevaluating transportation strategies, including changes to elementary school start times that will allow for more efficient bus routes and reduce operational costs.

Throughout this process, administrators remain persistent in upholding the district’s strategic priorities. The focus continues to be on student learning and success, ensuring that despite fiscal constraints, students still benefit from high-quality instruction, rich academic programming, and a supportive school environment. The challenges are real, but so is the district’s determination to adapt with integrity and transparency.

Academic and Extracurricular Excellence

Among New Rochelle’s standout features is its comprehensive high school, which serves approximately 3,000 students, and a thriving alternative high school option known as Huguenot Academy. The district is quickly gaining recognition for its expansive dual enrollment and AP course catalog, which Dr. Reynolds proudly states rivals that of local colleges.

Students have access to a college-level Science Research Program that partners with organizations such as Regeneron and NASA; a well-known forensic science program culminating in a live crime scene investigation, supported by local and state law enforcement agencies; and the PAVE (Performance and Visual Arts Education) program, which nurtures talent in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

“Many of our students graduate with college credits already under their belt,” Dr. Reynolds says. “This gives them a head start in their post-secondary journeys and a significant cost advantage.”

Athletics are equally emphasized. “Our girls’ flag football team is the fastest-growing sport,” notes Mahaffey. New Rochelle’s longstanding dominance in basketball and football is complemented by evolving offerings that ensure inclusivity and participation across genders.

Safety and Infrastructure Investments

Student and staff safety is a keystone of New Rochelle’s current infrastructure projects. The district is in the second phase of its “hardening of schools” initiative, which includes the installation of dual vestibule entryways and security booths across all schools.

“Safety isn’t just about preventing incidents; it’s also about the perception of safety,” says Dr. Reynolds. “We want our community to feel secure in every building we manage.”

Additional projects include a multi-year renovation of the district’s pool facility, damaged by Hurricane Ida. Rather than opt for a quick fix, the district is taking a comprehensive approach to address underlying drainage issues in collaboration with city agencies.

Empowering Educators Through Learning

Professional development is treated with the same strategic importance as student learning. New Rochelle’s Teacher Center serves as a regional hub for professional education, complemented by partnerships with Southern Westchester and Putnam/Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

“Teachers can pursue compliance-related and interest-driven learning,” Dr. Reynolds explains. “We’re even training general education teachers in the Orton-Gillingham method to boost reading proficiency.”

Moreover, experienced district teachers serve as in-house facilitators, sharing best practices with peers through workshops and conferences.

Engaging Families and Institutions

Community integration is a pillar of the district’s success. New Rochelle partners closely with the Boys and Girls Club to support a wide range of initiatives that benefit students and families beyond the classroom. These include before- and after-school programs that reinforce academic learning and promote social development in safe, structured environments.

One of the standout efforts is the “Saturday Deep Dive” initiative, which combines engaging student activities with meaningful parent workshops. While students participate in fun, hands-on learning experiences—many of which align with curriculum goals—parents receive valuable guidance on navigating the school system, enhancing their parenting skills, and strengthening their role in their children’s education. These sessions are free and widely accessible, making them a crucial bridge between school and home life.

The district also benefits from partnerships with several institutions of higher learning. These collaborations go beyond traditional outreach to include dual enrollment programs, student teaching arrangements, and the co-location of programming. Monroe College, Iona University, Mercy College, and Syracuse University all play significant roles in supporting the district’s educational mission.

For example, Huguenot Academy is located on Monroe’s campus, providing high school students with a collegiate learning atmosphere in a smaller, more personalized setting. These partnerships not only expose students to college-level coursework early but also help them accumulate transferable credits, build confidence, and envision a future that includes post-secondary education or career training.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

The district actively celebrates its diversity. One standout feature is the International Embassy located at the high school—a multicultural hub adorned with flags and cultural displays that students pass through daily.

Dr. Reynolds recalls how, during recent global tensions, New Rochelle’s students took the lead in fostering unity. “They exchanged stoles at graduation as a symbol of mutual respect between Jewish and Palestinian students,” he says. “That speaks volumes about the culture we are cultivating.”

Student organizations are also proactive in ensuring cross-cultural engagement. Clubs make intentional efforts to collaborate across different racial, ethnic, and religious groups, fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Classroom to Career Readiness

When asked about his vision for the district’s future, Dr. Reynolds is clear: “In three to five years, I want our graduation rate to be above 90%, and I want our students to leave us with options—not just for college, but for careers, trades, and entrepreneurship as well.”

The district is exploring expanded trades training, envisioning a system where all students graduate with hands-on experience and optional certifications. “A good public education gives you choices,” Dr. Reynolds asserts. “Whether you want to attend college, start a business, or pursue a trade, we want you to be well-prepared for these opportunities.”

A Community Worth Coming Home To

As the district navigates a shifting educational landscape, it remains committed to equity and evolution. “We want New Rochelle to be your first choice,” Dr. Reynolds says. “And we’re seeing families return because they’re discovering what we have to offer.”

“New Rochelle isn’t just a district; it’s a community of lifelong learners, future leaders, and individuals who celebrate what makes us different while working together for a common future,” concludes Mahaffey.

As it continues to innovate and grow, the City School District of New Rochelle stands as a model of what a 21st-century educational institution can be: grounded in tradition, propelled by innovation, and united in purpose.

AT A GLANCE

Who: City School District of New Rochelle

What: A diverse and innovative public school district in Westchester County, New York, serving approximately 9,800 students across ten schools.

Where: Westchester County, New York

Website: www.nred.org