Spackenkill High School is a high school in Poughkeepsie, New York.HistorySpackenkill Union Free School District was chartered by the New York State Legislature in 1865 and is one of the few remaining union free school districts within the state. The name Spackenkill stems from Spack's Creek. Spackenkill is a Dutch interpretation of the Indian words for "speaking waters." Spackenkill High School was established in 1973, after a referendum was passed, since residents of the area disliked the idea of their children transferring to Poughkeepsie High School after graduating from Orville A. Todd Middle School. Though the proposition was questioned, the majority of the residents passed it to purchase land for a high school, a necessity for the fast-growing Spackenkill School District. Construction began in 1970, and ended in 1973. The first class graduated in 1974. Since then, it has been among the premiere free, public institutions in upstate New York gaining national acclaim in 2010. On average, its graduating class sends 15-20 seniors to Ivy League universities and other top tier schools in the nation. Similarly, Spackenkill's baseball and soccer teams are among the most competitive in the state. Spackenkill's recent construction includes the adding of a new elevator, science classrooms, conference rooms, and a black box theatre. The high school is also adding additional wings, windows, art rooms, weight rooms and renovations to the library. The school's Odyssey of the Mind team has had a long history of successes including 2 world championships.School profileSpackenkill is a four-year public school, having open enrollment and offering a strong college preparation program. Vocational programs are offered through Dutchess County BOCES. If a student wishes, he or she is able to participate in a bridging program compatible with Dutchess County Community College, and other colleges in the area. Additional courses are applicable to students who wish to achieve a higher level of education through Poughkeepsie High School, over the period of summer vacation for all students who reside in the Spackenkill District. Spackenkill's overall test average compared to other schools in New York from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) is 96 (+1.0 z-score) Thirteen Advanced Placement Courses are offered throughout the year. The school population is 731 with over 70 faculty members. Spackenkill High School was named in Newsweek's list of the Best High Schools in America from 2008-2012.
