In the northwest corner of Westchester County lies the Lakeland Central School District, the largest suburban district in the county. Its borders push into Putnam County, then swing south almost to Peekskill. District students live in six different towns: Yorktown, Cortlandt, and Somers in Westchester County; Carmel, Philipstown, and Putnam Valley in Putnam County.

In 1951, the Shrub Oak, Toddville, and Van Cortlandtville school districts merged. In 1952, the Lakeland School District opened its doors for the first time, serving 1,282 children in small neighborhood schools. Since that time, Lakeland has seen its population rise to a high of more than 8,000 in the 1970s. The student population is expected to be approximately 6,200 in 2007-2008. Lakeland’s five elementary schools educate students in grades K-5. The Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School educates students in grades 6-8. Our 9th through 12th graders attend either Lakeland High School, Walter Panas High School, or the Lakeland Alternative High School.

DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT

The Lakeland Central School District accepts the challenge of preparing students for a rapidly changing world, and provides the opportunity for all students to learn and succeed. We encourage, promote, and develop life-long learning and educational excellence in a safe, secure, student-centered environment. Our practices and policies are shaped by mutual respect, open and honest communication, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility.

GRADUATION GOALS

The Board of Education adopted Graduation Goals for Lakeland’s students. According to these goals, a Lakeland graduate should be:

- A Self-Directed, Lifelong Learner

- Complex and Creative Thinker and Problem Solver

- Responsible Citizen

- Effective Communicator

- Collaborative Worker