Melrose School Celebrates 40th Anniversary

BREWSTER, N.Y. — Melrose School, an independent K–8 day school, recently marked its 40th anniversary with a chapel service, barbeque, and 1960s dance with alumni, former parents, staff members and current school families.

Founded in 1963 by Mother Ruth and the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit (an Episcopal order), the school has since established a board of trustees independent from the Sisters. Despite this, the school still honors the values on which it was founded by.

The highlight of the anniversary was a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the hard work of students, parents, and staff over the years, as well as showcase the newly expanded and renovated school.

“The physical improvements that we have successfully made to our buildings and grounds are exciting examples of the energy that exists at the Melrose School,” noted Mark Casella, chair of the Melrose School Board of Trustees.

Enrollment has increased from 16 students in 1963 to nearly 200 today. Despite its growth, the school maintains its personal touch. Dean of School Diane Cikoski shakes hands and greets each student by name each morning.

“Students are required to attend chapel, but we don’t attempt to indoctrinate,” said Anne Pearson, chapel director and religious knowledge teacher. “We focus on moral character, honesty, personal responsibility, and spiritual development according to the individual’s beliefs.”

The school’s Jewish and Hindu students, she continued, occasionally conduct services. “It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about other traditions,” Ms Pearson said.

Melrose students in grades 1–8 take the Stanford Achievement Test. Students in grades 5–8 who score in the nation’s top three percent in reading, math and science is invited to take a second test to qualify for the John Hopkins Gifted & Talented Youth Programs.

Each year, more than half of Melrose students qualify for the distinction of being invited to participate.

Beyond academics and community service, the school also offers inter-scholastic athletics and numerous clubs and after-school programs, including Science of the Mind, Select Choir, Technology Club and Tae Kwon Do.

For more information or to arrange a tour, contact Melrose School admissions director Kimberly Holliday at 845-279-2406.