Education
Superior Education Every Step of the Way
One of the reasons that Dutchess County is so appealing to businesses and residents alike is that it places a high priority on education, offering a mix of excellent public and private schools that help keep the talent pipeline flowing from elementary schooling to top-ranked higher education institutions.
Dutchess County’s world-class colleges and universities, including Marist College, Vassar College, Bard College, and the Culinary Institute of America, draw talent from around the world, while Dutchess County’s K-12 public schools educate more than 46,000 students and employ more than 3,000 teachers.
Combining that with Dutchess County’s excellent safety rankings, affordable real estate and high-quality of life amenities, it’s easy to see why New York State’s most brightest come from and choose to relocate to Dutchess County.
Fast Facts
- Dutchess County K-12 public schools spend $19,131 per student, more than $6,000 higher than the national average, and among the highest in the state
- Dutchess County has 38 private and parochial schools
- 4 private schools made New York State’s top private schools list (Millbrook School, Poughkeepsie Day School, Oakwood Friends School, Trinity-Pawling School)
- CIA alumni: Anthony Bourdain, Michael Symon, “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman, Cat Cora, John Besh and Roy Yamaguchi
- The Wall Street Journal ranked Vassar College in the top 75 best colleges in America
