Yonkers Deputy Mayor Sue Gerry joined Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. to present the Mayor’s School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students at Yonkers Montessori Academy. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Eileen E. Rivera, Yonkers Montessori Academy has achieved notable progress in two pivotal areas: Academic Excellence and Community & Innovation.

“Under the exceptional leadership of Principal Dr. Eileen E. Rivera, Yonkers Montessori Academy’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. “Yonkers Montessori Academy stands as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and community spirit, ensuring that each student is empowered with knowledge, leadership, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the world.”

Principal Dr. Eileen E. Rivera and her team at Yonkers Montessori Academy 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 – Yonkers Montessori Academy is committed to fostering academic excellence through creativity, innovation, and rigorous educational programs.

Academically, Yonkers Montessori Academy offers a New York State Accredited Career and Technical Education program in Pre-Teaching, preparing students for future careers in education. Additionally, the prestigious NY State Smart Scholars Grant enables students to access college-level coursework, earning up to 45 college credits before graduation. Many graduates leave Yonkers Montessori Academy with the esteemed New York State Seal of Civic Readiness and the Seal of Bi-literacy, demonstrating their proficiency in multiple languages and their commitment to civic engagement. These achievements reflect YMA’s dedication to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students.

Community & Innovation – Yonkers Montessori Academy is a thriving, diverse, and inclusive community dedicated to fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

With 1,221 students, Yonkers Montessori Academy embraces a culture of engagement, demonstrated through initiatives like the My Sister’s Keeper Chapter, which, in its first year, has attracted 30 active members. The school’s commitment to excellence extends beyond academics, as its sports teams have achieved remarkable success—the Girls Varsity Basketball team clinched the NYS Sec 1 Class B Championship, while the Girls Varsity Soccer team secured the Yonkers City Championship.

Yonkers Montessori Academy students actively contribute to civic life, representing the district at the State Capital and local official events. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s “Erd-Kinder” philosophy, high school students participate in an annual week-long Intersession program that blends career exploration, community service, and travel, bringing YMA’s mission to life.

The school also celebrates cultural diversity and global unity through its annual Cultural Day on October 31st and its International Peace Day, where over 2,000 individuals gather in solidarity for world peace. Through these initiatives, Yonkers Montessori Academy cultivates a dynamic environment where students grow as engaged citizens and forward-thinking leaders.

“Strong school governance is anchored in shared vision, accountability, and results and Yonkers Montessori Academy embodies all three. Under Dr. Rivera’s leadership, and with the support of a dedicated school community, YMA is demonstrating how strategic goals and high expectations translate into real-world student success,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.

Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “Principal Dr. Eileen Rivera-Shapiro’s leadership has helped create a culture of excellence and innovation that reflects the very best of Yonkers Public Schools. Her commitment to student achievement, staff collaboration, and community partnerships has transformed Yonkers Montessori Academy into a model for what’s possible when leadership is rooted in purpose and progress”

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.