Rye's three elementary schools are all New York State Schools of Excellence and National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Students at the elementary level are taught language arts, reading, social studies, science, mathematics, and creative and critical thinking skills. Students also keep writing journals and portfolios. Art, computer, music, library skills and physical education are taught at all grade levels. Spanish instruction begins in first grade, and instrumental music instruction begins in fourth grade.
The district's middle school, also a National School of Excellence, serves students Grades 6 - 8 who learn from teacher teams in the core academic areas. Teaching blocks include interdisciplinary studies. Students may continue their study in Spanish or elect to take Latin or French beginning in 6th grade. An honors math and science program is available for eligible students in grades 7 and 8.
The high school, ranked 52nd out of 18,790 high schools in the country as measured by U.S. News & World Report, and consistently ranked by Newsweek among the top 100 high schools nationwide, serves students in Grades 9-12 with a full range of curriculum opportunities at Regents, honors, and Advanced Placement levels. Courses in foreign languages, the performing arts, instrumental, vocal and digital music, career education, television, business, health, computer, home economics, technology and physical education augment core academics. A cable television station is housed at the high school and serves as a classroom for video journalism, video production and performing arts video instruction. A writing mentor program provides one-on-one assistance for students in Grades 9 - 11.
An off-campus alternative high school serves the needs of those students who benefit best from non-traditional educational approaches. An extensive extracurricular program, which includes service activities, performing arts, athletics, and student publications, is available at all grade levels. A model school/community service program is mandatory at the high school.
Each school also has psychologists, registered nurses, speech and language therapists, English Language Learner teachers, and reading, writing and adaptive physical education specialists. The special education program serves students preschool through Grade 12. Consultant teacher, learning center, and self-contained classroom services are matched to student need.
Residents also serve on special committees created by the seven-member Board of Education, including school Excellence Teams.