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 Our
future is our children. Ulster County demonstrates its commitment to
this principle by providing high-quality education from pre-K through
college, as well as in alternative venues such as continuing
education and vocational training, in public and private schools
throughout the county. Ulster County school districts share a common
belief that everyone has a right to a good education, beginning with
basic skills, reinforcing values taught in the home, and involving
parents and the community in the learning process.
Elementary and Middle School Ulster County elementary and
middle schools provide students with basic concepts of math and
science, and progressive reading skills. These schools focus on
developing strong writing and communication skills.
High School As students progress through their high school
years, the curriculum becomes more specific to the needs of the
individual student and his or her planned educational path. College
preparatory and job training programs allow each student to chart his
or her own success, while meeting new, higher state standards.
Vocational Training Ulster County high schools participate in
the BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) program, which
guides juniors and seniors through a variety of vocational
disciplines. Among the BOCES facilities in the county are a computer
center, an audiovisual center, and a modern conference center located
in New Paltz. Students attend half days at their home schools and the
BOCES Vocational Education Center for training the remainder of the
day. BOCES programs offers state-of-the-art facilities and
instruction to Ulster County students, either as a foundation for
advanced training or for direct entry into a technical field.
College
The State University of New York(SUNY) at New Paltz is a highly selective
college of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students located in the Mid-Hudson Valley between New York City and Albany. Degrees are offered in the
liberal arts and sciences, which serve as a core for professional programs in the fine and performing arts, education, healthcare, business and
engineering.
Ulster County Community College (SUNY) Ulster, located in Stone
Ridge, offers a wide variety of advanced technical training programs,
as well as a comprehensive two-year undergraduate program. Students
in technical programs can earn associate degrees or certificates in
their chosen field, to get a competitive edge in the job market.
Students in academic concentrations earn associate degrees after two
years of study, and may then transfer to a four-year college or
university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has
other locations in the county, including a Business Resource Center
in Kingston.
Among the other academic centers within easy reach of Ulster County
are Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson; Marist and Vassar Colleges,
Poughkeepsie; Mount St. Mary’s College, Newburgh; and the State
University of New York at Albany.
Adult Education
Most area colleges also offer Adult Education programs. Equivalency programs are available in a number of Ulster County high
schools for returning adult students. In addition, the BOCES program
offers continuing educational programs for adults, as well as
in-service skill training for employees of local companies.
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