YONKERS, NY – September 3, 2026 – For more than 23,000 Yonkers students, the first day of the 2026-27 academic year triggered a mix of nerves, excitement and anticipation. There were plenty of hugs, high-fives, fist bumps and photos as friends reunited, parents said their goodbyes and teachers took the reins.
Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anibal Soler, Jr. visited several schools and noted, “This is Yonkers Magic on display.” He added, “Seeing the joy of the children, the devotion of the families and the dedication of our teachers and staff—this is inspirational.”
At School 23, Dr. Soler watched Pre-K students bop in their little chairs to the beat of “The Solar System Song.” At Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, he listened as sixth graders got acquainted by sharing their favorite things. At Barack Obama School for Social Justice, the Superintendent witnessed A.P. Biology students wasting no time as they dove into their first lesson.
At Yonkers Middle High School (YMHS), the Superintendent offered congratulations for the school’s stellar performance in this year’s U.S. News & World Report Best High School ranking. “You’re #9 in New York State—be proud,” he said as he encouraged students to strive for even greater success.
YMHS Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar marveled at the meteoric rise in the ranking. “In a year, we climbed from #60 to #9,” she said. “This is a testament to the hard work of our students, the determination of our teachers, the support of our families and the resources provided by the Board of Education and the City of Yonkers.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano shared his joy with students as he visited classrooms at YMHS. “This ranking is proof that great things are happening in Yonkers,” he said. “When I go to Albany and ask state lawmakers for more money for Yonkers Public Schools, I can point to your success, and it makes all the difference.”
Parent Careta Ali is optimistic for her son, Jet, who is starting 9th grade. “Being #9 in New York State is a big deal,” she boasted. “Yonkers sometimes has a bad reputation and it’s not fair. This proves that our children can achieve and our schools are getting the job done.”
The prominent placement in the U.S. News & World Report ranking is a badge of honor for students. YMHS senior Myriam Areche is eager to explore her courses. “I enjoy the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program,” she said. “The classes challenge me as a student and a person.” Fellow YMHS senior Noora Adili agrees. “I feel like the research-based classes in the I.B. program are preparing me for college,” she said. “I am happy and grateful to be a part of it.”
For the start of the new school year there are several new initiatives in Yonkers Public Schools. Teachers have new technological tools at their disposal. No more chalkboards—every classroom has been equipped with a Promethean panel, an interactive touchscreen display that connects with computers and the internet.
The Digital Promise is a partnership through which Verizon has supplied iPads with cellular connectivity to every student and teacher at four schools: Yonkers Middle High School, Yonkers Montessori Academy, Robert C. Dodson School and School 5.
And the Yonkers Promise is a new partnership with area colleges and universities that will bypass the application process. Several schools will offer direct admission to Yonkers students—no application, no fee and no stress. Participating schools include Lehman College, Manhattanville University, Mercy University, SUNY Purchase College, The University of Mount Saint Vincent and Westchester Community College.
Here’s to an exciting new school year!