Tappan Hill Elementary School to Reopen This Fall with New Principal and a Fresh Focus on Early Learning

The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns is thrilled to announce the reopening of Tappan Hill Elementary School (Tappan Hill) this fall, welcoming a new class of first-grade students and ushering in an exciting new chapter in the school’s history. Leading the way will be Alicia Manguso, who has been named principal. For the past decade, the school has been leased to Southern Westchester BOCES to house special education programs. The district is reopening it to accommodate growing student enrollment.

Tappan Hill has long held a special place in the hearts of many in the community, and Manguso is eager to build on that legacy. “I’m incredibly excited to be part of the team that will re-open Tappan Hill, a school that holds so much nostalgia and significance for the community,” Ms. Manguso said. “In speaking with staff and families, I’ve learned just how special Tappan Hill is, and I’m eager to help bring it back to life, creating a space where our youngest learners can truly thrive.”

Ms. Manguso brings a wealth of diverse educational experience to her new role. Her career began overseas after earning her M.A. in TESOL, teaching English in Chile before returning to New York. She has worked as an ENL teacher, ENL Coordinator, and most recently served as Assistant Principal at Henry H. Wells Middle School. Her background in secondary education has deeply shaped her views on the importance of early literacy and math instruction.

“As a parent of two young children, I’ve been fascinated watching them learn to read,” Ms. Manguso shared. “My experience in secondary education has shown me just how essential these foundational skills are for long-term academic success, and I’m committed to fostering a learning environment where students are empowered to build a strong academic foundation that will serve them throughout their educational journey.”

With the reopening of Tappan Hill, the district continues its commitment to providing every student with a nurturing and academically rich start to their school career. Under Ms. Manguso’s leadership, the school is poised to become a vibrant and welcoming place for first graders to grow, learn, and feel inspired.