Spackenkill High School is a 9-12 public high school part of the Spackenkill Union Free School District located in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. In 2018, it was named a National Blue Ribbon School, one of 62 high schools nationwide to be so recognized that year by the U.S. Department of Education. In athletics, Spackenkill has won three state championships: baseball in 2005 and 2022 and boys soccer in 2007. History Spackenkill Union Free School District was chartered by the New York State Legislature in 1865 and is one of the few remaining union free school districts within the state. The name Spackenkill stems from Spack's Creek. Spackenkill is a Dutch interpretation of the Indian words for "speaking waters." Spackenkill High School was established in 1973, after a referendum was passed, since residents of the area disliked the idea of their children transferring to Poughkeepsie High School after graduating from Orville A. Todd Middle School. Though the proposition was questioned, the majority of the residents passed it to purchase land for a high school, a necessity for the fast-growing Spackenkill School District. Construction began in 1970, and ended in 1973. The first class graduated in 1974. On average, its graduating class sends to Ivy League universities and other top-tier schools in the nation. In 2018, it was one of 62 high schools nationwide to be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes exemplary schools, using standards of excellence evidenced by student achievement measures. Spackenkill's recent construction includes the adding of a new elevator, science classrooms, conference rooms, and a black box theatre. The high school is also adding additional wings, windows, art rooms, weight rooms and renovations to the library. School profile Spackenkill is a four-year public school, having open enrollment and offering a strong college preparation program. Vocational programs are offered through Dutchess County BOCES. If a student wishes, he or she is able to participate in a bridging program compatible with Dutchess County Community College, and other colleges in the area. Additional courses are applicable to students who wish to achieve a higher level of education through Poughkeepsie High School, over the period of summer vacation for all students who reside in the Spackenkill District. Spackenkill's overall test average compared to other schools in New York from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) is 96 (+1.0 z-score) Thirteen Advanced Placement Courses