Croton-Harmon Union Free School District is proud to share exceptional student achievement results from Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School (PVC) on the New York State English Language Arts (ELA) assessment.

These outcomes align with the District’s Vision Map, which identifies three foundational elements that define the Croton-Harmon learning experience:

• An Innovative Professional Culture
• Genuine Interdisciplinary Learning
• Faculty-to-Faculty Collaboration

Together, these principles guide instructional practices that foster creativity, engagement, and strong academic outcomes. 

The Vision Map is grounded in the belief that strong performance on standardized assessments is a result of these principles, not a goal pursued in isolation.

Sustained Excellence and Regional Gains

At the December 4, 2025 Board of Education meeting, PVC Interim Principal Nichole Kelly and Superintendent of Schools Steve Walker shared ELA performance data reflecting sustained excellence at the middle school level.

Highlights from PVC include:

• The highest average ELA proficiency for Grades 5 through 8 in over a decade
• Grades 6 through 8 ranked in the top third of the Putnam–Northern Westchester BOCES region, with Grade 7 ranking third overall
• Consistent proficiency across all grade levels, with every grade achieving 71 percent proficiency or higher in the 2024–2025 school year

As students move from elementary school into middle school, PVC’s results show how early literacy gains are reinforced and extended through intentional teaching and learning.

“This success reflects the practices at PVC that promote learning, wellness, student independence, and the development of lifelong skills,” said Interim Principal Kelly. “Our teachers, instructional coaches, and interventionists are empowered to create a powerful culture of learning where students achieve, grow, and discover their passions.”

“These outcomes reflect the work we do to make our schools places of creativity and joy, where traditional barriers are broken down,” said Superintendent of Schools Stephen Walker. “These intentionally designed learning environments support the learning needed for students to perform well across all areas, including on standardized measures.”

Learn more about what success looks like across all our schools.