About Us

The Monticello Central School District serves a diverse and vibrant community in the heart of Sullivan County, New York, across five schools and our UPK program. 

Our Schools/Programs:

St. John Street Community School – serving the youngest learners in the Monticello Central School District, the St. John Street Community School is the site of our district’s UPK 3 and UPK 4 program.  The school also hosts Tiny Town, which is an early learning experience for Monticello residents aged birth to 3 and their caregivers, held in partnership with the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) program.   

George L. Cooke Elementary School – serving students in grades K-2

Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School – serving students in grades 3-5

Emma C. Chase Elementary School – serving students in grades K-5

Robert J. Kaiser Elementary School – serving students in grades 6-8

Monticello High School – serving students in grades 9-12

From our youngest learners through high school graduation, we are committed to providing every student with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Our district is built on the belief that every student has unlimited potential. Through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a culture of high expectations, we strive to create learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their goals. We recognize that student success extends beyond academics, which is why we are equally committed to fostering character, belonging, creativity, leadership, and lifelong learning.

The Monticello Central School District is guided by our mission to prepare every student to learn, engage, and succeed in life and our vision of creating a connected community dedicated to providing a foundational and future-ready experience for every child. These principles shape our decisions, strengthen our partnerships with families and the community, and drive our commitment to continuous improvement.

Through our Blueprint for Excellence, we have established a clear roadmap focused on three strategic priorities: Excellence in Learning and Instruction, Engaged and Empowered Learners, and Operations. Together, these priorities guide our work as we invest in innovative teaching, meaningful student experiences, strong operational systems, and lasting partnerships that support every learner.

Monticello Central School District Blueprint for Excellence 2026–2028 Strategic Plan infographic. The district’s mission is to prepare every student to learn, engage, and succeed in life. Its vision is to be a connected community dedicated to providing a foundational and future-ready experience for each child. Three priority areas are represented as pillars: Excellence in Learning and Instruction, Engaged and Empowered Learners, and Operations. The plan is built on shared core values of integrity, belief in student potential, excellence, teamwork, empathy, respect, honesty, belonging, diversity and inclusion, and accountability.

At Monticello, we believe schools are strongest when students, families, staff, and community members work together. Every day, we are building a district where all students are empowered to discover their strengths, embrace new opportunities, and prepare confidently for the future.