Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students at Paideia School 24. Under the leadership of Principal Kim Davis, Paideia School 24 has achieved notable progress in two pivotal areas: Academic Excellence and Community Partnerships and Student Development Initiatives.

“Under the exceptional leadership of Principal Kim Davis, Paideia School 24’s achievements are a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the entire school community, including the teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Mayor Spano. “The school has made remarkable strides in academic excellence, community partnerships, and student development, showcasing its commitment to nurturing both academic growth and civic responsibility. These initiatives, alongside an unwavering focus on academic and personal development, highlight the school’s commitment to preparing well-rounded, socially conscious leaders of tomorrow while strengthening its ties to the local community.”

Principal Kim Davis and her team at Paideia School 24 have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their learning community in the past year. Their dedication has resulted in significant improvements in the school’s performance.

Some of the initiatives that have contributed to the school’s success include:

Academic Excellence – Recent achievements include a notable 5% increase in ELA scores for students in grades 3–6 from 2022–2023 to 2023–2024. Additionally, there was a significant double-digit rise in students scoring on or above grade level in the i-Ready Diagnostic assessment. This progress was complemented by a double-digit reduction in the number of students scoring two or more levels below grade level in i-Ready math, reflecting substantial improvements in both literacy and math proficiency.

Community Partnerships and Student Development Initiatives – Paideia School 24 boasts its strong local community partnerships with the Kiwanis Club and K-Kids having a positive effect on student development. The Kiwanis Club provides books each June to students to read over the summer. Students who read at least 25 books during the school year were recognized during an annual awards ceremony. K-Kids supports student-led beautification efforts by donating plants and soil for flower gardens at the school entrance.

“What’s happening at Paideia 24 is a direct result of Principal Davis’s strong leadership and the hard work of her entire team. The academic growth we’re seeing – especially in reading and math – isn’t by accident. It comes from a school that’s focused, committed, and deeply connected to its community. That kind of momentum doesn’t just help students succeed today; it sets them up for the future,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.

Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “Paideia School 24 shows what’s possible when great leadership, dedicated teachers, and supportive families all work together. The Board is proud to support schools like Paideia 24 by providing the resources and governance they need to succeed. It’s rewarding to see that support turn into real progress for students – in the classroom and beyond.”

Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements, and community involvement.