The historic Village of Greenwich is in Washington County, New York and located near the battlegrounds that led to American independence in 1776. Nineteenth century storefronts line Main Street, and the downtown area is surrounded by stately Greek Revival and Victorian homes.
Here, in the southern part of Washington County, the rolling hills, rivers, sweeping mountain views, and quiet beauty underscore the drama of the changing seasons.
While Washington County is known for its dairy farms and orchards, Greenwich offers more than fresh produce to its nearly 5,000 residents. Loaded with antique shops, artisans, and fine dining, Greenwich has a lively artistic community, a close-knit lifestyle, a well-regarded public school system, access to quality health care, universities, community colleges, and a vibrant business community.
Anglers know Greenwich because it is nestled along the banks of the Batten Kill, widely regarded as one of the most technically difficult fly-fishing streams in America. Skiers enjoy the town's close proximity to the best resorts in New York and Vermont. Golfers are discovering the region after it was named one of the two best places to live and golf by Golf Digest.
Easy access to many prominent colleges and universities, along with year-round cultural and recreational opportunities afforded by nearby Saratoga Springs, Lake George, the Capital District, Manchester, VT and the Adirondack and Green Mountains, make Greenwich a highly desirable place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
History
This area was settled by European Americans after the American Revolutionary War, as migrants moved into New York from New England. The community was originally named Whipple City after Job Whipple, the owner of a successful cotton mill (1804). In 1809, the community set itself off from the town by incorporating as Union Village. Cotton and textile manufacturing, based on cotton from the Deep South, continued to be a profitable industry in the village for some time through the 19th century. It connected the villagers to the economy of King Cotton. In 1867, the village changed its name to Greenwich.
An important station of the Underground Railroad was located in Greenwich, and local people helped fugitive slaves reach freedom in upstate New York or Canada. A historical marker, containing a map showing locations of safe houses and commemorating Greenwich's contribution to the Underground Railroad, was dedicated in 2004.
United States President Chester A. Arthur attended prep school in Greenwich while his father served here as pastor at Bottskill Baptist Church.
The Village of Greenwich Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Educational Programs
Greenwich has clearly outlined its vision for a successful school. "Scholarship, Character and Community: Cultivating the Future'' is at the core of its beliefs. Greenwich has maintained a high ranking in the Albany Business Review, most recently earning a place in the top 10% of all school districts in the nation.
Preparation for college and career readiness begins at the elementary schools! Students engage in weekly instruction in special areas such as art, music, technology, library, and physical education. In addition, standards-based instruction drives programming beyond the traditional classroom. Students may participate in STEAM after-school activities, as well as band and chorus. The PreK program for district residents began in January 2020, expanded to a five-hour program in 2021, and is an instrumental foundational component for the success of our students.
The Junior-Senior High School offers a diverse curriculum that includes strong support for student success. There are nine AP classes, six college courses and an effective and progressive Academic Intervention Services program. Additionally, the high school houses a nationally recognized FFA agriculture education program. In 2021 100% of students graduated with a Regents diploma and 69% achieved Advanced Regents diplomas.
Greenwich has advanced technology including a total of 500 computer workstations, which includes classroom workstations and Smart Boards for faculty, student workstations in most classrooms, middle grade and high school computer labs, a CAD lab, business lab, and state-of-the-art media center.
Extensive interscholastic, extracurricular K-12, and athletics programs are offered to supplement the regular school day. These programs are popular, as over 75% of our students in grades 7-12 participate in such activities, and successful (Greenwich athletic teams have earned fourteen New York State Championships).
Ultimately, Greenwich Central School offers a world class program which ensures student success and provides a wide range of offerings and activities for students of all ability levels and interests.
School District Profile
The GCSD comprises the Town of Greenwich and the Town of Easton and portions of six other area towns. One campus, centrally located in the Village of Greenwich, accommodates three separate buildings: Primary (Pre-K-2) school; Middle Grade (3-6) building; and Junior / Senior High School (7-12) along with the athletic fields and transportation department.
The district has an excellent staff of 103 teachers and 101 support personnel to serve about 900 students.
We have an active PTSA and a community-based intervention program offering alternative activities for students.
Clubs and Activities
The district offers a wealth of clubs, activities and athletic teams...
Middle Grade (grades 3-6)
K-6 Memory Book
Kindness Club K-6
Elementary School Store
Primary (Pre-K - 2)
Kindness Club K-6