Andes Central School is one of the State’s small rural K-12 public schools that think big. Students who attend small schools enjoy many benefits. In the fast paced world where we live, young people thrive in settings that promote “connectedness” or a sense of belonging. Relationships count. Andes provides a total school program in small, personal classes. Like members of the Andes community, students and staff at ACS establish close interpersonal connections where individuals know, share with, and care about each other.
At Andes no student is extraneous. We take great pride in the strong and varied participation of our students in extra-curricular activities. Travel opportunities are a valued part of the Andes experience. The District understands that learning extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. During the past, students have taken trips to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, New Hampshire, Boston, Virginia, California, New York City, Maine and various local destinations. This year, we took a school-wide trip to visit Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, NY. We are also hoping to be able to do a school-wide trip to see a Broadway Show this fall.
Lastly, Andes is at the forefront in the Delaware County region when it comes to cutting edge instructional technology. All Andes classrooms are equipped with an interactive SMART Board. During the 2012-2013 school year Andes moved to Phase II of its technology initiatives by providing all students in grades 7-12 with a laptop that travels with them from school to home with parent permission. This year, 2021-22, we have been continued our technology growth by investing in Google Chrome books for all students in grades 7-12.
A study conducted by Barney M. Berlin and Robert Cienkus concluded,”… people seem to learn, to change, to grow, in situations in which they feel they have some control, some personal influence, some efficacy.” That’s Andes.