The top reported proficiency rate is 97% in Social studies. The lowest is 65% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Springhurst Elementary School
Springhurst Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade in Dobbs Ferry, a compact Hudson River village north of Manhattan that has undergone substantial growth and development in recent years. The school enrolls a diverse student body from a mixed-character community where single-family homes, garden apartments, converted Victorians, and newer condo and luxury apartment complexes coexist alongside a walkable downtown with mom-and-pop retail and restaurants.
The school's enrollment reflects the area's economic character and demographic change. A small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, while the student body is majority white with meaningful representation of Hispanic, Asian, Black, and multiracial students. Enrollment across grades is relatively balanced, with the school running at a healthy size for an elementary building without being unwieldy.
On state assessments, Springhurst's performance shows strength in fourth grade and solid grounding overall, with meaningful variation by subject. In mathematics, fourth graders hit a notably strong proficiency mark, while third graders and fifth graders cluster in the upper-to-mid range. English language arts follows a similar shape: fourth grade stands well above the median, fifth grade solid, and third grade slightly below both. Science proficiency at fifth grade sits lower, suggesting either a curriculum emphasis that differs from the tested subjects or student readiness gaps in that domain. Against comparable elementary schools in Westchester County, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile.
Participation rates are consistently high across grades and subjects, indicating the school is successfully getting students tested. The data reflects recent state assessments, so it captures current performance, though longer trend lines were not available in the provided materials.
Housing in the Dobbs Ferry zip code has appreciated substantially and carries significant monthly rent obligations. The median home value is in the high range for the region, and median rental rates reflect a market cooling from its peak but remaining expensive. Home sales are moving faster than they were a year ago, which suggests renewed buyer interest in the community. Property taxes in the district have grown year over year, including recent hikes to the operating budget, which is a material consideration for families weighing the cost of living in this school community.
Dobbs Ferry itself is experiencing notable economic and physical change. The signature Rivertowns Square mixed-use development introduced luxury rental apartments, a hotel, restaurants, and retail where industrial and chemical sites once sat. Residential projects like Livingston Ridge and infrastructure work including bridge replacement and waterfront park expansion are reshaping the village. The community remains anchored by Mercy University, the Metro-North station, a public library at 55 Main Street, and a network of small parks and trails. The walkability score for downtown addresses is high, and residents often forgo cars. That growth context means Springhurst serves a community in flux, with both newcomers moving in for urban convenience and established families in place.
The school district itself has faced steady financial pressure. The operating budget and tax levy have risen substantially over the past several years. Capital project bonds have required voter approval, signaling the district's investment in facilities. These fiscal trends affect both the school's resources and what families pay in property taxes.
A parent considering Springhurst should see a school with competitive fourth-grade math and solid proficiency across most tested grades and subjects, situated in a diverse, economically mixed community with good walkability and transit access, and positioned within a district managing steady budget growth. The school's small share of students on free or reduced lunch suggests a student population with stable housing and resources, though the community itself is demographically mixed. Science scores are a soft spot; a parent may want to look into further detail with the school on how the science program is resourced and designed.
See more original research from School Decision →