Lakewood Elementary School: 7 Facts Every Parent Needs

Why Lakewood Elementary School Stands Out for Your Child

It is here that you will find a reliable and detailed guide about Lakewood Elementary School. This school is one of the most well-regarded elementary campuses in Rockland County, New York, and parents across the area trust it deeply.

Choosing the right elementary school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The early years shape how your child thinks, learns, and grows — and a school with the right environment makes all the difference in the world.

In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about Lakewood Elementary School — from its mission and programs to academic performance, enrollment details, and the 2026–2027 school calendar. Let's dive in.

A Complete Overview of Lakewood Elementary School

Lakewood Elementary School is a highly rated public school located at 77 Lakeland Avenue, Congers, NY 10920. It is part of the Clarkstown Central School District (CCSD), one of the most respected school districts in Rockland County, New York.

The school proudly operates under the motto "Pride in Excellence" and serves students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. It currently enrolls around 441 students, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12:1 — well below the state average.

The campus is ranked #15 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Rockland County and holds an overall grade of A minus on Niche — a strong reflection of the quality education it consistently delivers.

Key School Details at a Glance

The Mission and Heart of Lakewood Elementary School

Every great school starts with a clear and meaningful mission. Lakewood Elementary School carries one that truly reflects its daily commitment to every child who walks through its doors.

The school's official mission states: "In a mutually-respectful partnership with the community, Lakewood shall assist and support each child's endeavors to reach their potential." It also commits to providing a safe, secure, and caring environment where every child's unique needs are recognized and honored.

The school's motto, "Pride in Excellence," is not just a phrase on a wall — it drives everything from classroom instruction to how students treat one another every single day.

What Makes Lakewood Elementary School Truly Special

The principal of Lakewood Elementary School describes the campus as a place built on high academic standards, strong social-emotional support, and a daily commitment to kindness, love, and acceptance. That kind of culture is rare and genuinely worth celebrating.

Students here are called the Lakewood Lions, and the school works hard to ensure every Lion feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. The staff functions as a collaborative team, united around a shared goal of helping every student reach their full potential.

The school also gained national recognition when Kristin Hanley, a Math Specialist at Lakewood, was named a New York State Finalist for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). That is a truly remarkable achievement for any elementary school.

Academic Performance at Lakewood Elementary School

When it comes to results, Lakewood Elementary School consistently performs above the state average. According to the latest available data verified from US News and state education records, the school's academic performance is strong across the board.

• 67% of students scored at or above proficient in math — beating both the district average of 66% and the state average of 51%
• 47% of students scored at or above proficient in reading — outperforming the New York state average of 46%
• The school performs above average compared to public and charter schools across New York State at the same grade levels

How Lakewood Compares to District and State

These numbers confirm that Lakewood Elementary School is not just meeting expectations — it is consistently exceeding them, especially in mathematics.

Programs Offered at Lakewood Elementary School

Enrichment for All

One of the standout offerings at Lakewood Elementary School is its Enrichment for All program. This program goes beyond standard classroom learning by providing enrichment experiences that stretch every student's thinking and creativity.

The program is accessible to all students — not just those identified as gifted — which reflects the school's deep belief that every child deserves to be challenged and inspired. You can explore the program directly through the school's Programs page at lakewood.ccsd.edu/programs.

Gifted and Talented Program

Lakewood Elementary School also offers a dedicated Gifted and Talented program for students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities. This program provides additional challenge and depth across core subjects, helping high-achieving students continue to grow at a pace that matches their abilities.

This is one of the key reasons many families in Rockland County actively seek enrollment at this school. It shows the campus is committed to meeting every child exactly where they are.

Math Program

The school places a strong emphasis on hands-on, engaging math instruction. Led by specialist teachers including Mrs. Lafferty and Mrs. Hanley, the math program uses a wide range of digital tools and resources to make numbers come alive for young learners.

Students have access to platforms like IXL Math, Zearn, Xtra Math, Freckle Math, and even BreakoutEDU to make math learning fun, interactive, and deeply effective from an early age.

Spanish Language Program

Lakewood Elementary School also offers a Spanish language program for elementary students, giving children early exposure to a second language during the most receptive years of language development.

Research consistently shows that early language learning improves cognitive flexibility, academic performance, and cultural awareness. This program gives Lakewood Lions a real advantage as they move through their education.

Before and After Care Programs

Working families have two convenient options for extended care. The school offers:

• Morning Program through the Clarkstown Learning Center — available directly on campus for early arrivals
• Aftercare Program through the YMCA — operating within the school building for safe and convenient later pickup

Having both programs located inside the school building is a significant benefit for busy parents. It removes the stress of separate drop-off and pick-up locations entirely.

Student Body and Diversity at Lakewood Elementary School

Lakewood Elementary School serves a diverse and welcoming community of learners. Understanding the makeup of the student body helps parents get a full and honest picture of the school environment their child will enter.

• White students make up approximately 43% of the student population
• Hispanic students represent around 35% of enrollment
• Asian students account for approximately 12% of the student body
• Black students make up around 6% of enrollment
• Approximately 23% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch

School diversity is a genuine strength, and the community celebrates cultural diversity throughout the year.

Lakewood Elementary School Academic Calendar 2026–2027

Staying on top of the school calendar helps families plan with confidence. Below is the expected 2026–2027 academic calendar for Lakewood Elementary School and the Clarkstown Central School District.

Before making any plans, please confirm dates on CCSD's official district website at ccsd.edu.

Always visit the official Clarkstown Central School District calendar at ccsd.edu or the school calendar directly at lakewood.ccsd.edu/calendar for board-approved and finalized dates.

Is Your Child the Right Age for Lakewood Elementary School?

Lakewood Elementary School serves Kindergarten through Grade 5, which means most students range from 5 to 11 years old. In New York State, children must turn 5 years old by December 1st to be eligible for Kindergarten enrollment in that school year.

Getting the age cutoff right matters more than most parents realize. Enrolling too early or miscalculating your child's eligibility can cause unnecessary confusion and delays at registration time.

That is exactly where the free LearnerStep School Age Calculator makes your life easier. Simply enter your child's date of birth, select New York, and get instant results based on verified state cutoff dates. Use the LearnerStep School Age Calculator at learnerstep.com before you contact Lakewood Elementary School for enrollment — it takes less than 30 seconds and removes all the guesswork.

How to Stay Connected with Lakewood Elementary School

Staying involved in your child's school community is one of the most powerful things you can do as a parent. Lakewood Elementary School makes it genuinely easy for families to stay informed and connected.

• Official Website: lakewood.ccsd.edu
• Phone: (845) 639-6320
• District Website: ccsd.edu
• Anonymous Alerts: Available through the school website for reporting safety concerns

The school also has an active PTA that organizes cultural arts assemblies, class trips, and curriculum-based programs throughout the year. Getting involved with the PTA is a great way to stay connected and give back to a school that clearly gives so much to its students.

Conclusion

Lakewood Elementary School in Congers, New York, is more than just a school — it is a community built on excellence, kindness, and a genuine love of learning. From its award-winning math instruction and enrichment programs to its strong academic results and caring school culture, this campus gives every child a truly powerful start.

Whether your child is entering Kindergarten or already in Grade 5, the school's dedicated staff, diverse programs, and warm environment make it one of the best choices in Rockland County. The Lakewood Lions' motto of "Pride in Excellence" is livLions'd breathed every single day on this campus.

Before you reach out to enroll, make sure to check your child's grade eligibility using the free School Age Calculator at LearnerStep.com. It uses verified New York State cutoff dates to give you accurate, instant results. Start your child's journey at Lakewood Elementary School with the right information — and complete confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What grades does Lakewood Elementary School serve?

Kindergarten through Grade 5 are served by Lakewood Elementary School. It is part of the Clarkstown Central School District in Congers, New York, and currently enrolls around 441 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.

2. Where is Lakewood Elementary School located?

The school is located at 77 Lakeland Avenue, Congers, NY 10920, in Rockland County. You can contact the school directly at (845) 639-6320 or visit the official website at lakewood.ccsd.edu for more information.

3. Does Lakewood Elementary School offer a Gifted and Talented program?

Yes. Lakewood Elementary School offers a Gifted and Talented program for students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities. The school also runs an Enrichment for All program that provides enriching learning experiences to every student, regardless of ability level.

4. What before and after-school care does Lakewood Elementary offer?

The school offers a morning program through the Clarkstown Learning Center and an aftercare program through the YMCA, both located directly inside the school building. This gives working parents a safe, convenient, and hassle-free extended care option every school day.

5. How do I know if my child is old enough for Lakewood Elementary School?

In New York State, children must turn 5 years old by December 1st to enroll in Kindergarten. The fastest way to confirm eligibility is to use the free LearnerStep School Age Calculator at learnerstep.com. Enter your child's date of birth, choose New York, and get your answer instantly — no confusion, no stress.