Terrible school, IB English should be special, stop pushing unnecessary rules and forcing classes…read moreon kids, your ruining IB for the kids who want to take it, and forcing kids who don't want to take it to take it. It is honestly ridiculous that our fearless school leaders care more about the image of themselves and the school than the well being of its students. If you think forcing kids to take IB classes is a good idea, you shouldn't be teaching children. IB should be a class for those who want to go above and beyond with their education. Dumbing it down so that all kids can take it defeats the whole point of IB. If you truly believe that full IB English is a good idea, you are a pompous asshole who should be kicked off your high horse. This is honestly ridiculous.

I had graduated in 2002, so this review is a bit old, but the school has undergone several…read morerenovations-not just the one, but all 3. Although the high school has had a separate gym proposal on the agenda since 1995, its never gonna pass. But it is necessary. Outside of that, one of my twin brothers had a teacher just a few years ago(6th grade). She was super mean to him. She threw out reports right in front of his eyes. But he wasnt the only one that this teach picked on. And it wasn't just his class she did this to. Several other things abound with this teacher-but the district refuses to fire this teacher. This teacher has moved from kindergarten to first to third grade back to kindergarten. Finally she got moved to 6th-the highest position she can literally teach. Outside of this teacher, there are several nice teachers, including one department head, who is currently putting in her 51st(2011-2012 school year) year of teaching Math. Outside that, they have a German teacher that is not quite as mean as teacher #1- and when shes the only german teacher in the school, it makes this pretty hard. Although the German teacher in high school has her roots in Germany and because she won't teach middle school classes (like some teachers here do during the day), my brother will find out why he shouldn't have quit languages when it comes to graduation time in 2016. There are several teachers that were there when I went there, but most teachers are new. Contact me, if you want in-depth info on a single teacher, and I'll give you my list. And before I sign-off for today, I'd like to mention that Red Hook has always had a superb over the top music program, with well-talented teachers who care about their students. Although some may act a bit weird (like the one in the middle school) she cares just as much as every other teacher (in some way shape or form). I have been watching my previous performances and watching my brothers and it seems that Red Hook picks harder music pieces to perform, than the school level should have waited for. Pieces that were designed for high school chorus' and bands, were played in middle school, pieces in middle school were played in elementary school, and early college-level pieces were performed in the high-school. Some pieces, especially in the middle school are better known than others(like Glee's version of Don't Stop Believin' and We Are the World.) It seems like everyone turns up, just to listen to their performances.

Mill Road Elementary School, a symbol of early childhood in this small town, seems to be in a state…read moreof continual change and progress. Whether that progress is forwards(with it's ever positive music department) or it's teachers who most seem to have brought along with them a love of the subjects they teach at these early age group-kids, it all seems to come to fruition here. Not only that, but with a gradual shift to the technological nature of most educational systems in the US, this school, even in the child's young agehood, the child starts to learn the basics and intermediate levels of technology here too. I know I graduated Red Hook Central Schools in 2002, but some of the teachers I had back then, are still here when my brothers' graduated this school in 2009. There were some teachers that were very influential in my life that continue to make an impact on every child who receives the "training" from them. Although they all try to make a positive influence(so as not to exclude teachers that neither them nor I had not met), just a small group of teachers can mean a lifetime of memories. From the ever excellent Mr. Schubert(who is as devoted to the school to spend his day from 6:15AM till 7pm most weekdays and who raises a venus fly-trap plant in his room to the Mrs. Longendyke to lots of others, they all mean to this community, a lot! They brought us all up, and continue to be a generosity to our community. It's interesting to note though that this school is actually 2 parts in one. It has an elementary school in one half the school(which grades Kindergarten through second attend) and an intermediate school connected right on(which houses grades three through five), and, starting with the 2011-2012 school year the business department in the one end of the school(which still uses their former address in a separate building south of town). The school itself has undergone several renovations. It's gotten a new roof, but that's just a small tad information of what is expected of them to achieve in the upcoming years. And before I sign-off for today, I'd like to mention that Red Hook has always had a superb over the top music program, with well-talented teachers who care about their students. Although some may act a bit weird (like the one in the middle school-http://www.yelp.com/biz/linden-avenue-middle-school-red-hook#hrid:hnrYM80Dmis0KGd7sqNtRA) she cares just as much as every other teacher (in some way shape or form). I have been watching my previous performances and watching my brothers and it seems that Red Hook picks harder music pieces to perform, than the school level should have waited for. Pieces that were designed for high school chorus' and bands, were played in middle school, pieces in middle school were played in elementary school, and early college-level pieces were performed in the high-school.

Not to be missed. Leon Botstein, President of Bard College, is an accomplished musician, conductor…read moreand historian of music. He has overseen the development of Bard as a powerhouse of musical activities. The Summer Music Festival is focused this August on Puccini. But beyond the festival itself, Bard is a virtual buffet of music of all genres set in unique venues set in a bucolic Hudson Valley setting. I just saw a cabaret performance in the Spiegeltent. It's an easy trip north to Bard from Grand Central Station and a reason to plan a trip to the Hudson Valley. There's nothing comparable in Napa Valley, and New York even has some decent wines now. I cannot overstate how beautiful Bard College and the surrounding countryside is and how much music is packed into these few months. BTW, Leon Botstein and I were in the same year at Music & Art High School many years ago. Even though he definitely doesn't know me-he never did-I admire what he has achieved, and the pleasure it brings to music lovers.

I applied to Bard, got in, and it was in my top ten, but ultimately, I didn't feel a deep…read moreconnection to the college when I spent a weekend there. It was the EXACT opposite experience when I visited Hampshire College (which is why Hampshire was my top choice and is now my Alma Mater) comparatively. I also found Western Massachusetts FAR more beautiful than the Hudson Valley. Bard's campus is indeed beautiful, BUT, isolated in my opinion. It's a single institution, surrounded by small hamlets of towns. It's fairly close to some good skiing at Hunter Mountain (skiing in New England is better) than a lot of the Catskill Mountains though, if you ask me. I prefer the Adirondacks. All that aside, Bard just didn't "connect" with me entirely. I don't think it was the right college for me, but it does have a GORGEOUS campus.

A remote place, even though it's only a couple of hours' drive from NYC. The students are for the…read moremost part personable and well prepared, and the faculty has many stars on it. They just lost President Botstein, though, so the college's future seems uncertain.

I've visited the Catskill Animal Sanctuary on a few different occasions, with one accidental…read morestumbling upon a festival of some kind where they had food trucks and live music and more (that was super fun). It's a gorgeous spot, with plenty of animals to see and engage with, and if you're not careful, you may get a pig who smears mud all over your butt. That's really part of the charm though, and mud washes off. The folks that own and work here are super nice in my experience (shout out to the director who had the exact same shoes as my four year old - in a different size). They make it a fun and educational experience for everyone, but especially little kids. As a general warning though, they make a harder push for veganism than you might expect coming in, so if that sort of pressure isn't your thing, you may want to avoid the walking tours.

Cows, goats and pigs oh my! Wonderful day where you can feel the "love is spoken here!" If you have…read morea couple of hours to spare, you will not be disappointed by this fun experience! Wonderful and compassionate tour guides and employees on beautiful grounds and of course, sweet rescues to pet! Cute gift shop and delicious gf cookies! Highly recommend you see for yourself! Kindness looks good and feels good!# Levi love

Had the absolute best first time learning pottery!!! Something I have been coveting and meaning to…read moretry Judi was an amazing instructor and we booked a group lesson for 8 individuals. Everyone got as individualized attention as humanly possible and learning pottery on the wheel was way more intricate than anyone could have guessed. The best part was the way in which Judi walked us through centering and coning in order to keep our pieces still spinning together! Colors were picked towards the end and we were all able to add stamps or indentations as well. There was (still might be) discounts for 2 hour lessons with big groups at a set rate so check it out if you and a group want to make something! Not to mention, some of Judi's pottery was available for sale! Got the last two for a few dollars each and super satisfied!

I've spent a lot of this past summer in and around HVP My…read moredaughter attended Clay Camp and several Teen classes. I was really proud of her work and she really enjoyed it The teachers and other Potters that come and go were all very friendly and supportive I loved the spot when it was a bakery / cafe and it's still a pretty place to sit outside As a small business / artistic endeavor it can change open hours & classes on the fly so call ahead

I am writing up a follow up review after being at Middle Way School from K-6 and now my daughter…read morehas just transitioned to public junior high school and I can very highly continue to recommend the Middle Way School!! Our daughter's transition to public school has been very easy, she is ahead of many of her peers academically , which has been proof to us that Middle Way ,as well as giving her a wonderful love of learning and social- emotional skills also did a great job preparing her academically! Our years at the Middle Way School were wonderful..they hire excellent teachers and the culture of the school fosters independance, mindfulness and compassion in the kids and our daughter has benefited enormously from having her primary education there. She has a love of learning that I dont think she would have had if we had been in a public school setting for elementary school. I have witnessed how critical the early educational years are to fostering curiosity and fun in learning and Middle Way was excellent for that. We also loved how much outdoor time they get as young children which is so important! We highly recommend Middle Way to families, it was a wonderfully inclusive and educational space for our daughter to flourish and with that great foundation she seems to be set up well to continue her educational journey.

Our experience at Middle Way School has been very positive. This is our second year and our…read moredaughter is in first grade. MWS's approach is a very nice balance of academics and experiential learning. The children are given lots of outdoor time as well as a complete afternoon outdoor program where they learn wilderness skills, gardening and play with their peers. The teachers are phenomenal and the academic curriculum is structured to meet children where they are as they can move between class rooms and are not stuck in one grade, the school hires wonderful staff. Our one concern going in to the school is that although we are spiritual people we do not consider ourselves "religious" and we wondered about how Buddhism would be represented in the school. So far we are very happy with the Buddhist philosophy and tenants that are foundational to learning at the school and that their has been little in the way of religious doctrine. We feel that our whole family is benefiting from the tools and wisdom my daughter is surrounded by at the school and this also radiates out on the campus of the school that is very sweet and compassionate in it's atmosphere. We are very grateful that Middle Way School has fostered in our daughter a very positive relationship to learning early on. She loves it and that happiness translates back to our home!