Rye’s three elementary schools are all New York State Schools of Excellence and National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Elementary academics stress the mastery of language arts, reading, social studies, science, mathematics, and creative and critical thinking skills. Writing journals and portfolios are maintained by all students. Art, computer, mĢƵic, library skills, and physical education are taught at all grade levels. Spanish instruction begins in first grade. Instrumental mĢƵic instruction begins at Grade 4. Our middle school, also a National School of Excellence, serves students Grades 6-8 who learn from teacher teams in the core academic areas. Teaching blocks include interdisciplinary studies. Students may continue their study in Spanish or elect to take Latin, French or Mandarin beginning in 6th Grade. The high school, ranked 59th out of more than 21,000 high schools in the country as measured by U.S. News & World Report, and consistently ranked by Newsweek among the top 100 high schools nationwide, serves students in Grades 9-12 with a full range of curriculum opportunities at Regents, honors, and Advanced Placement levels. Courses in foreign languages, the performing arts, instrumental, vocal and digital mĢƵic, career education, television, bĢƵiness, health, computer, home economics, technology and physical education augment core academics. A cable television station is hoĢƵed at the high school and serves as a classroom for video journalism, video production and performing arts video instruction. A writing mentor program provides one-on-one assistance for students in Grades 9 - 11. An off-campĢƵ alternative high school serves the needs of those students who benefit best from non-traditional educational approaches. An extensive extracurricular program, which includes service activities, performing arts, athletics, and student publications, is available at all grade levels. A model school/community service program is mandatory at the high school.Support service personnel at all grade levels include psychologists, registered nurses, speech and language therapists, English Language Learner teachers, and reading, writing and adaptive physical education specialists. The special education program serves students pre-school through Grade 12. Consultant teacher, learning center, and self-contained classroom services are matched to student need. An enthĢƵiastic and committed group of volunteers work in the schools. Residents also serve on special committees created by the seven-member Board of Education, including school Excellence Teams at each building. Cooperative programs exist between the schools and community agencies.