About ESM

ESM supports the importance of early childhood education with a pre-kindergarten program serving ages 1-4 at Park Hill School and a full-day kindergarten program in each of its four elementary schools. 

From pre-kindergarten through high school graduation, we strive for academic excellence and rigor by engaging student minds. We value 21st century knowledge and skills that include critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. These skills are integrated throughout our curriculum and are essential for success in college, career and citizenship.

At ESM, our focus is on inquiry-based and trans-disciplinary learning through real-life problems that will prepare our students to develop the skills and decision-making for their futures. Our schools embrace innovative, inter-disciplinary STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning opportunities that focus on problem-based learning to foster curiosity, questioning, creativity, and innovation for college, career and citizenship readiness.

ESM is proud to have one of only 11 schools in New York State designated as a comprehensive high school with numerous Career and Technical Education programs, a student-led credit union and many courses for advanced placement and college credit. 

Digital literacy is a priority for our students/staff to deepen and accelerate learning. We also value youth development and leadership opportunities.

We enjoy strong, supportive relationships with business, higher education and community organizations (locally, nationally, globally) that enhance student learning through innovative collaborative teaching, applied problem solving, program design and professional development.

Noteworthy Recognitions: 

2023: For the 14th year in a row, ESM earned a School Safety Excellence Award from Utica National Insurance Group at the Titanium with Honors level, which is the highest award bestowed. The award recognizes ESM’s outstanding efforts to create a safer school environment.

2023: ESM has made the list of “Best Communities for Music Education” for 10 years in a row

2022-23: ESM began to offer full day pre-k

2021: ESM Central High School was ranked in the top 26% in the U.S. News 2021 Best High Schools Rankings.

2021-22: ESM Superintendent Dr. Donna DeSiato was named 2021-22 New York State Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Council of School Superintendents.

2019: ESM was one of 4 CNY districts listed in the Top 50 safest districts in upstate NY by newyorkupstate.com

2021: The Indoor Percussion Ensemble earned a Bronze Medal in the NYS Percussion Circuit Championships. In 2019 & 2018 the group was crowned NY State Champions after earning a Gold Medal in the Percussion Scholastic Open (PSO) class

2018-19: ESM freshmen because the first students in the Spartan Academy Early College High School.

2017 ESM named to the College Board's 8th Annual AP (Advanced Placement) District Honor Roll  (one of only 447 districts in the U.S. and Canada and 26 in New York State).

2015 ESM selected as 1 of only 27 "ecosystems" across the United States to pilot the multi-year national STEM Ecosystems Initiative. There are now 100 communities (2023) 

2013 Be the Change for Kids Innovation Award for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-related (STEM) programs

2013 Newsweek's List of America’s Best High Schools

2011 American Library Association's National School Library Program of the Year Award (Pine Grove Middle School)

2010 NYS ASCD Educating the Whole Child for the 21st Century Award (Pine Grove Middle School)

Information about the Community