Union Free School District
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Our Schools
Located approximately 30 miles north of NYC, Briarcliff Schools are committed to helping each child develop into a confident and capable young adult. The schools share responsiblitiy with parents and the community for meeting the needs of the whole child. Our schools are supported by groups such as the Briarcliff PTA, Briarcliff Education Foundation and Briarcliff Friends of the Arts.
Todd Elementary School
Todd School fosters a collaborative and rigorous learning environment that inspires students to reach their full potential academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Briarcliff Middle School
Briarcliff Middle School embodies the mission to educate every child, every day. To this end, we take great pride in fostering relationships with students and families to develop an environment that is both vibrant and welcoming.
Briarcliff High School
Briarcliff High School provides students with an outstanding education and to develop each student's capacity to put his or her thoughts and aspirations into action.
![Sixth Graders Participate in Greek Olympics]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750271385/briarcliffschoolsorg/kaang0si3whwafdlkoou/olympicsthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750271385/briarcliffschoolsorg/kaang0si3whwafdlkoou/olympicsthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750271385/briarcliffschoolsorg/kaang0si3whwafdlkoou/olympicsthumb.png","width":800}])
The Ancient Greeks may have invented the Olympics, but Briarcliff Middle School sixth graders have perfected them.
In a multidisciplinary unit, students explored Ancient Greece in social studies, as well as mythology in English Language Arts and Greek astronomers in science. This culminated in a grade-wide event that included trivia competitions and relay races, as well as opening and closing ceremonies.
![Eighth Graders Share Life Lessons and Advice in Public Speaking Event]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749834627/briarcliffschoolsorg/dupte8cokvlnlymgbqu6/publicspeakingthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749834627/briarcliffschoolsorg/dupte8cokvlnlymgbqu6/publicspeakingthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749834627/briarcliffschoolsorg/dupte8cokvlnlymgbqu6/publicspeakingthumb.png","width":800}])
Public speaking is one of those “soft skills” every high school graduate needs to possess in order to succeed in life.
On Wednesday evening, 16 eighth graders at Briarcliff Middle School gave speeches at an event held in the Little Theater.
![Briarcliff High School Holds the 2025 Commencement Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749829022/briarcliffschoolsorg/wkrnzawl5nmigvx4v3zb/bhsgraduationthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749829022/briarcliffschoolsorg/wkrnzawl5nmigvx4v3zb/bhsgraduationthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749829022/briarcliffschoolsorg/wkrnzawl5nmigvx4v3zb/bhsgraduationthumb.png","width":800}])
The Briarcliff High School class of 2025 graduated last night, in an emotional ceremony, full of heartfelt speeches and gratitude towards everyone in the Briarcliff community.
![Fifth Graders Visit Briarcliff Middle School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749828100/briarcliffschoolsorg/tohsnrppy9pdzycrcrxs/fifthgradevisitthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749828100/briarcliffschoolsorg/tohsnrppy9pdzycrcrxs/fifthgradevisitthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749828100/briarcliffschoolsorg/tohsnrppy9pdzycrcrxs/fifthgradevisitthumb.png","width":800}])
In a few short months, Todd fifth graders will be navigating the middle school hallways, juggling multiple classrooms and figuring out how to use their lockers. To prepare, they visited Briarcliff Middle School for a tour and a Q&A session with current sixth graders.
![Q & A with Retiring Teacher John C. Banks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749578615/briarcliffschoolsorg/x0ganptgopusm1dzefk1/johnthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749578615/briarcliffschoolsorg/x0ganptgopusm1dzefk1/johnthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749578615/briarcliffschoolsorg/x0ganptgopusm1dzefk1/johnthumb.png","width":800}])
It is time to say goodbye to Briarcliff High School and Middle School Chorus Director and K-12 Coordinator of Performing Arts John C. Banks. We talked with Dr. Banks about his most memorable experiences, his favorite quotes and his plans for retirement.
![Todd Students Celebrate Field Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749047875/briarcliffschoolsorg/uek21yhh67qjna6icpki/fielddaythumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749047875/briarcliffschoolsorg/uek21yhh67qjna6icpki/fielddaythumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749047875/briarcliffschoolsorg/uek21yhh67qjna6icpki/fielddaythumb.png","width":800}])
After an unusual number of rainy days and two cancellations, Todd School finally got the “Goldilocks” of weather for Field Day and enjoyed an abundance of sunshine and perfectly blue skies.
The field was painted in a dazzling rainbow of colors – students and staff dressed in red, yellow, orange, green, blue and purple, as they celebrated one of the most anticipated events of the year.
![Q & A with Retiring Teacher Melissa Carnahan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749046945/briarcliffschoolsorg/nakyhj04wuz8m7v19i5j/melissathumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749046945/briarcliffschoolsorg/nakyhj04wuz8m7v19i5j/melissathumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749046945/briarcliffschoolsorg/nakyhj04wuz8m7v19i5j/melissathumb.png","width":800}])
It is time to say goodbye to another beloved teacher – Melissa Carnahan is retiring this year. We talked with her about her travel experiences, advice she has for new teachers and the clubs and events she was involved in.
![Seventh Graders Visit Philadelphia]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748959045/briarcliffschoolsorg/lruy0tcuehozj9k6l3ta/phillythumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748959045/briarcliffschoolsorg/lruy0tcuehozj9k6l3ta/phillythumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748959045/briarcliffschoolsorg/lruy0tcuehozj9k6l3ta/phillythumb.png","width":800}])
The seventh graders at Briarcliff Middle School recently took an unforgettable trip to Philadelphia, where they toured historic sites such as Independence Hall and enjoyed local delicacies, like the famous Philly Cheesesteak.
Upcoming Events
all day
District Auditiorium
By The Numbers
43
College Level Course Options
100%
Graduation Rate (2024)
1,346
Students (2024)
1:1
Technology Devices
From The Superintendent
Dr. James Kaishian
This Year's Districtwide Focus is "Critical Thinking"
Here are several dynamic strategies the District believes teachers can use to encourage deep thinking:
- Asking Open-Ended Questions
We encourage teachers to ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer, prompting students to explore underlying causes and broader implications. This method is especially effective in subjects like history and science, where understanding complex systems and events is key.
- Real-World Problem Solving
By integrating real-life scenarios into our lessons, we encourage students to apply their learning in tangible ways. Whether it's a math problem that simulates a real business challenge or a science project that tackles environmental issues, students get to practice what they've learned in meaningful contexts.
- Collaborative Learning
Through group activities, students gain exposure to diverse perspectives. This not only enhances their understanding but also teaches them to respect and consider different viewpoints. Debates, group projects, and peer reviews are regular features in our classrooms, fostering a community of learners who are equipped to challenge and support one another.
- Reflection and Metacognition
Encouraging students to think about their thinking helps them identify their cognitive biases and strengthen their reasoning skills. Reflective practices are embedded in our teachers' lesson design to make learning a conscious, deliberate process.
- Creative and Critical Expression
From art integration to tech-based projects, students are encouraged to express their understanding through various mediums. This might involve creating a video, designing a digital presentation, or even staging a debate. These activities make learning engaging and allow for personal expression and critical examination.