Educational Opportunities in Dansville Area

Educational Highlights

  • The Dansville Central School district serves just under 2000 students encompassing 10 municipalities.
  • Genesee Community College serves over 250 students covering 4 Counties attending 45 Day and Evening classes.
  • The Dansville Public Library provides local access to a circulation of over 75,000 volumes.
  • Dansville offers an exceptional school system, diverse vocational training and has many renowned nearby Colleges.
  • We have a Head Start program offered in our village, run through Livingston-Wyoming Arc.
  • Our community also has the Dogwood Day Treatment program which provides educational and day training opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities.

Dansville Central School District

Dansville’s first school opened in 1798. As was typical of the time a number of small schools sprang up over the next several decades. However, as the population grew, discussion began in 1881 to merge several of the local districts into one. In 1883 a Union school meeting was held to officially merge two district schools into one. Later that year the Union school opened and with it Dansville had its first public high school. In 1885 the school was registered with the New York State Education Department and could henceforth grant diplomas.

In 1926 a Central School District was created as the districts of North Dansville, Town of Dansville (Steuben County), and West Sparta combined to become one district. The following year the new high school (now occupied by Genesee Community College on Clara Barton Street) opened its doors. As the population continued to grow and the existing school aged, it was decided that a new elementary school was needed. The current school opened in 1953. The building was named for former principal and Superintendent Ellis B. Hyde in 1960. The primary school opened in 1968 and grades K-3 moved from the elementary school into the new building.

Overcrowding in the high school caused the district to go to “double sessions” in 1962 as the school board tried to offer a building plan the voters would approve. Finally the new high school building was built and opened in September, 1965. Grades 10-12 attended the high school while grades 7-9 remained at the Clara Barton Street building. In 1994 the configuration changed as the 9th grade moved to the High School and grades 6-8 now studied in the Middle School. In 2011 the Clara Barton Street school was closed and all students now attend classes at the North Main Street campus. DCSD currently serves approximately 1600 PK-12 students.

Some Interesting Facts:

  • The school colors were reported to be Red and Black as far back as 1912.
  • The Alma Mater first appeared in the 1912 yearbook.
  • In 1941 the basketball team was so successful that the local paper held a contest to choose a mascot. The mustang was selected and remains today as the school mascot.
  • In 1962 the athletic field was named Ralph Clements Field in memory of the long time teacher, coach and administrator.

Dansville Primary School
284 Main Street Dansville 
585-335-4040

Dansville Elementary School
280 Main Street Dansville
585-335-4030

Dansville High School
282 Main Street Dansville 
585-335-4010

Dansville Central Schools, Superintendent’s Office
284 Main Street Dansville
585-335-4000

KidStart, Dansville

31 Clara Barton Street
Dansville, NY 14437
585-335-6435

Head Start and Preschool Programs were also opened in 1993 in Dansville. The KidStart mission is to support families and the community in the joys and challenges of childhood. The program is dedicated to providing a healthy, nurturing environment where all children can grow and function at their individual best. To achieve its mission, services provided through the KidStart Dansville Center include: The Head Start program provides preschool children and their families with activities to assist in mental, social, emotional and physical growth. Eligibility is based on family income. Certified special education professionals and licensed therapists in our Preschool Special Services Program accommodate each child’s unique needs and learning style so children have optimal opportunities to succeed in learning and mastering new skills. KidStart’s Preschool Program is a comprehensive program providing: screening and evaluation; special education; speech, occupational, and physical therapy; counseling; referrals to diagnostic clinics and other agencies as appropriate. Staff members work closely with family members and school district representatives to ensure optimal opportunities for children to succeed. 

Genesee Community College @ Dansville

31 Clara Barton Street
Dansville, NY 14437
585-335-7820

Genesee Community College offers students over 50 degree programs that transfer seamlessly to all SUNY and most private universities.  High technology, low tuition, and a local focus make Genesee Community College at Dansville a true asset to the local culture and economy.

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