New Paltz High School

New Paltz High School is a public high school located in New Paltz, New York, serving students from New Paltz, Gardiner, and surrounding areas, including parts of Rosendale and Lloyd. The school is part of the New Paltz Central School District, which also includes Lenape Elementary School, Duzine Elementary School, and New Paltz Middle School. New Paltz High School has a strong reputation for academic excellence, with many graduates going on to attend top colleges and universities, such as Harvard University, Yale University, and New York University. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in a variety of fields, including STEM fields like engineering and computer science, as well as the arts and humanities.

● History

New Paltz High School has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, with the first high school building opening in 1914. Over the years, the school has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new wing in the 1960s and a major renovation in the 1990s. The school has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools since 1928 and has been recognized for its excellence by organizations such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the New York State Education Department. Many notable figures have visited the school, including Pulitzer Prize winners like Norman Mailer and Suzan-Lori Parks, as well as politicians like Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo. The school has also been involved in various community service projects, including partnerships with local organizations like the New Paltz Food Bank and the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center.

● Academics

New Paltz High School offers a wide range of academic courses, including Advanced Placement classes in subjects like calculus, physics, and English literature. The school also has a strong focus on special education, with programs designed to support students with a variety of learning needs. In addition to its academic programs, the school offers a range of elective courses, including classes in music, art, and drama. Many students also participate in extracurricular activities, such as the school's debate team, Model United Nations club, and National Honor Society chapter. The school has a strong partnership with local colleges and universities, including SUNY New Paltz and Marist College, which offer dual-enrollment courses and other opportunities for students. The school's curriculum is also influenced by national and international standards, such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative and the International Baccalaureate program.

● Athletics

New Paltz High School has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the Mid-Hudson Athletic League and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The school's teams, known as the Huguenots, have won numerous championships in sports like football, basketball, and soccer. The school also offers a range of intramural sports and fitness programs, including classes in yoga, Pilates, and weightlifting. Many students have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, attending schools like University of Michigan, University of California, Berkeley, and United States Military Academy. The school's athletic program is also supported by local organizations, such as the New Paltz Youth Sports Association and the Hudson Valley Sports Dome.

● Campus

The New Paltz High School campus is located on a 40-acre site in the heart of New Paltz, within walking distance of the Wallkill River and the Mohonk Preserve. The school's buildings include a main academic building, a gymnasium, and a performing arts center, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts by the New York Philharmonic and performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The campus also features a range of outdoor facilities, including athletic fields, tennis courts, and a track. The school is also close to other local landmarks, such as the Huguenot Street Historic District and the Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

● Student Life

New Paltz High School has a vibrant student life, with a range of clubs and organizations available to students. These include groups like the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Environmental Club, and the School Newspaper club, which publishes a monthly newspaper that covers local and national news, including stories about The New York Times, NPR, and BBC News. Many students also participate in volunteer work, both in and out of school, with organizations like the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the New Paltz Community Garden. The school also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and cultural festivals, which celebrate the diversity of the student body and the local community, including events like the New Paltz Pride Parade and the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival.

● Notable Alumni

New Paltz High School has a long list of notable alumni, including Academy Award winners like Melissa Leo and Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as Pulitzer Prize winners like Jennifer Egan and Jonathan Franzen. Other notable alumni include politicians like Kirsten Gillibrand and Sean Patrick Maloney, as well as business leaders like Richard Branson and Arianna Huffington. The school has also produced a number of notable artists and musicians, including Grammy Award winners like Norah Jones and Beck Hansen, as well as Tony Award winners like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Many alumni have also gone on to attend top graduate schools, including Harvard Law School, Yale School of Drama, and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. The school's alumni network is active and engaged, with many graduates returning to visit and speak to current students, including events like the New Paltz High School Alumni Association annual meeting and the Huguenot Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony.