About Us
Canton Central School District Educational Philosophy
Canton Central School District is dedicated to the education of students to develop moral, ethical, and cultural values, love of learning, and an appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, which will enable them to function effectively as independent individuals in a democratic society.
In concert with parents, guardians, and our larger educational community, Canton Central School aspires to provide a nurturing, safe, and accepting environment, conducive to all students, faculty, and staff achieving individual potential.
Our School
Canton Central School District is comprised of one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school interconnected within a single complex with an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students.
Our school has long-enjoyed a reputation for fostering excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. We are proud to note that our Hugh C. Williams Senior High School was recently rated by U.S. News and World Report as the top-ranked North Country high school. This is the fifth time in the past six years that our high school has been so-named on this prestigious list. We are also pleased to share that, based on 2017 analysis of four years of test scores and graduation rates by Buffalo's Business First publication, Canton Central School ranks second in overall performance among the thirty-three Kindergarten - Grade 12 school districts in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.
Our Community
Canton is the government seat of rural St. Lawrence County and is home to two colleges, St. Lawrence University and the State University of New York at Canton, with whom our school enjoys strong, symbiotic relationships.
Higher educational opportunities abound as well, at Clarkson University and the State University of New York at Potsdam, located just ten miles away in the village of Potsdam.
The Grasse River runs through Canton, and is a favorite destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. Also among the community are many amenities such as two 18-hole golf courses, extensive biking and walking paths, and areas for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Canton Village was named as one of the top twenty "Safest Places in New York" in a recent study.
Our Region
Canton is in close proximity to the majestic St. Lawrence River and world-renowned Thousand Islands, and is within easy driving distance of both the Adirondack Park and Lake Placid. The surrounding areas provide many year-round recreational activities, and the exciting Canadian capital of Ottawa, a mere 90 miles away.
Our District Vision
The Canton Central School District vision is to establish a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment that challenges all students to achieve their individual potentials.
Goal Categories and Statements
Community Relationships and Communication
To cultivate trust and foster shared responsibility for student success between home, school, and community partners through proactive and timely communication that incorporates all stakeholder voices.
Culture
To foster a student-focused educational environment promoting inclusivity, respect, and integrity and enabling all students, faculty, and staff to feel supported and to challenge themselves.
Fiscal Management
To efficiently maximize fiscal resources to deliver a comprehensive and sustainable education program that supports the needs of all students.
Instruction
To provide a superior instructional program that established Canton Central School as a school of choice among peers.
Student Achievement and Well Being
To inspire students to work to the best of their abilities in a safe and supportive environment towards meaningful and achievable academic, co-curricular, and personal goals.