Table of Contents
Welcome to Ogdensburg City School District
The Ogdensburg City School District is located at 1100 State St., in the City of Ogdensburg, New York, which is located on the beautiful St. Lawrence River on the United States border with Canada. The city is in St. Lawrence County in Upstate New York. The district is in close proximity to local universities and colleges such as St. Lawrence University, Clarkson University, SUNY Canton College and SUNY Potsdam College. We are also located in close proximity to areas such as Ottawa, Ontario (45 minutes away), Montreal, Quebec and Syracuse, New York City (2 hours away). We are considered a small city school district and have two elementary schools and a grade 7-12 complex. The Ogdensburg City School District serves approximately 1,800 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
About Us – “It’s a Great Day to be a Blue Devil!”
Empowering Lifelong Learners with a Commitment to Excellence
We encourage high academic excellence through integrated thematic educational experiences, enhanced by community collaboration to accommodate individual learning needs. We strive to develop self-actualized individuals who demonstrate high academic excellence, effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, civic values and global awareness as we provide and support opportunities for life-long learning.
The Ogdensburg City School District promotes and supports students as they explore and develop the skills needed to participate successfully in an ever-changing and diverse society. Students are challenged to seek and become involved in educational opportunities which address their unique needs, interests, and strengths as involved and contributing citizens.
A graduate of the Ogdensburg City School District is expected to be an effective communicator, complex thinker and productive worker. These graduation standards are addressed in a fluid way throughout the pre-kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum.
Home to a Best High School
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ogdensburg Free Academy (OFA) among America’s Best High Schools in its latest rankings of nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the district of Columbia. U.S. News & World Report uses measures including standardized test scores to assess math, science, and reading proficiency to compare schools nationwide to determine the best of the best. OFA was chosen because of its top rankings with six factors based on student performance on state assessments and how well the school prepares students for college and future employment.
The Best High Schools rankings identify the country’s top-performing public high schools to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students – from the highest to lowest achieving – in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work.
“Our Ogdensburg Free Academy administration, faculty and staff have worked very hard with our outstanding students to achieve this national ranking that puts us among the best of the best in the United States. This is a real testament to the efforts of our families and parents who have worked hard with us to prepare our children to achieve in school, college and in the workplace.”
– Kevin Kendall, Ogdensburg City School Superintendent
Learn more about how rankings are calculated on the U.S. News & World Report website.
Passionate, Knowledgeable and Dedicated Award-Winning Faculty
Our district prides itself on the unwavering dedication and expertise of our teachers and support staff, from our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program through our high school. We cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, ensuring that every student benefits from the guidance of knowledgeable and caring professionals. Several of our teachers are Empire State Excellence in Teaching Awards recipients.
View more information about our Empire State Excellence Award winning teachers.
A Focus on Attendance
We firmly believe that consistent student attendance is foundational to academic success and overall well-being. Regular presence in the classroom ensures students benefit fully from daily instruction, engage in valuable peer interactions, and access the comprehensive support systems our schools provide. We strive to make regular attendance fun for our younger students while providing support in many forms for our older students to ensure optimal attendance.
Learn about our Attendance Measures and Student Support.
A Culture of Positivity
We have a shared commitment to develop students’ strengths and to foster an environment where every student feels valued and connected. With The Positivity Project’s (P2) strengths-based character education for schools, we aim to build a school culture rooted in strong character, positive relationships, and student well-being.
Learn more about the Positivity Project.
Empowering Students with Individual Opportunity
Our commitment to individualized instruction means creating an educational environment where every student feels seen, heard, and encouraged to pursue what truly interests them. We not only help students discover their unique talents but also equip them with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills essential for success in a rapidly evolving world. We are dedicated to nurturing each student’s potential, ensuring they are not just learners, but active participants in shaping their own futures.
Read about how we are Cultivating Tomorrow’s Innovators.
Fostering Connections and Creating Lasting Memories
Each year the district hosts Little Devils Meet Big Devils, a heartwarming tradition in which OFA seniors welcome incoming kindergarteners to OCSD at the beginning of the school year. The two groups reunite later in the school year for activities and celebration as the seniors begin to prepare for their graduation. The event celebrates our community and full-circle connections; it is made possible with support from the Ogdensburg Fire Department, Ogdensburg Police Department, City of Ogdensburg Department of Public Works and local businesses.
Our Leadership Team
Superintendent Kevin Kendall
Kevin Kendall is the Superintendent of the Ogdensburg City School District. He carries a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted understanding of the district’s educational landscape.
Mr. Kendall’s career within the Ogdensburg City School District spans over two decades, beginning in 1999 as a dedicated secondary mathematics teacher.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to educational leadership, he transitioned into administrative roles, serving as the secondary assistant principal for grades 9-12 from August 2007 to July 2009, and subsequently as the secondary principal for grades 7 & 8 from July 2009 to June 2013.
From 2013 until 2018, Mr. Kendall held the crucial position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Technology, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the district’s academic programs and technological advancements. His comprehensive background in teaching and administration, coupled with his expertise in curriculum development and educational technology, positioned him uniquely to lead the district into its next chapter.
Mr. Kendall’s academic achievements include a Certificate of Advanced Studies from the College of St. Rose, and both a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Potsdam.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Christina Frank
Christina Frank brings over two decades of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development to her role as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. She most recently served as the Principal of Grades UPK–2 at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, a position she held with dedication and passion. Under her leadership, JFK Elementary made notable strides in early literacy, student engagement, and instructional alignment, particularly in the critical foundational years of learning.
Ms. Frank began her teaching career at Indian River Central School in 2003, but her history with the Ogdensburg City School District runs deep. Before moving into administration, she was a highly regarded foreign language teacher for grades 7-12 at Ogdensburg Free Academy from 2005 to 2019, where she was known for her creativity in the classroom, her ability to connect with students, and her commitment to academic excellence.
Ms. Frank holds a bachelor’s degree (2003), a Master’s in Educational Administration (2005), and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration (2014) all from St. Lawrence University. Her academic background, paired with her extensive classroom and administrative experience, position her well to take on this critical district leadership role.
About Us Links
- After School & Summer Programs
- Capital Improvement & Energy Performance Projects
- Dignity for All Students & Report an Incident
- Employment
- Meet our School Resource Officers
- Meet our Therapy Dogs
- Our Mission, Vision & Shared Beliefs
- Plans, Policies & Required Notifications
- School-to-Home Communication
- Snackpack Program
- Student Registration
District Office
Kevin Kendall, Superintendent of Schools
Christina Frank, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Ogdensburg City School District
1100 State St.
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-0900
A Message from Superintendent Kevin Kendall
I am proud to share with you the exciting progress and future plans that are taking shape across our district, thanks to the support of our community and the ongoing success of our Capital Project. These improvements reflect our shared commitment to providing a modern, engaging, and safe learning environment for all students.
This year, we are thrilled to be moving forward with several major upgrades, including significant enhancements to the Edgar A. Newell Memorial Dome. These improvements will expand opportunities for physical education, athletics, and community events, reaffirming the Dome as a central hub for both school and city pride.
Additionally, we are making transformative updates to our CREATE Classroom, a space designed to ignite student creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. This innovative classroom environment ensures that our students are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Another major highlight of our Capital Project is the construction of a brand-new Transportation Facility. This modern building will enhance the efficiency and safety of our transportation services, while providing a better work environment for our dedicated drivers, monitors and mechanics who ensure that our students get to and from school safely each day.
Our district continues to benefit from the strong partnership between families, educators, and community members. Whether it’s our arts programs, our growing athletics and extracurriculars, or the innovative academic initiatives being implemented district-wide, Ogdensburg is a place where students thrive because they are known, valued, and supported.
Read more about our Capital Improvement & Energy Performance Projects.
A Message from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Christina Frank
Hello, and welcome to the Ogdensburg City School District! I’m Christina Frank, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction, and Technology. I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my passion for education, deeply rooted here in Ogdensburg where I was proudly born and raised.
Growing up in our district, I have always been surrounded by a community committed to learning, growth, and service. It’s no surprise that my life’s work is centered around the very mission of our district: providing access to meaningful and engaging opportunities that empower everyone to learn, create, contribute, and grow in a safe and welcoming environment. Our vision at the Ogdensburg City School District is to foster a positive, safe community of learners working collaboratively towards lifelong success. We believe in supporting students to take ownership of their learning, develop self-advocacy skills, and embrace individual and cultural differences. Our graduates are empowered to be responsible, respectful, and productive members of society.
What should you know about me? Community service has always been my jam! Some of my favorite memories during my own school experience are serving others as part of the Kiwanis family, a passion I have continued as an educator through my work with Key Club and K-Kids. Yo hablo español (I can speak Spanish!). I’m also an avid lover of children’s literature, and some of my favorite reads include Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk, The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, and of course The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak. Although I believe in the power of “I can,” I must confess—I cannot whistle!
As an educator, students and the faculty who have the direct power of positive student impact, are my top priority. I support ongoing professional development for our educators, ensuring that teachers have the tools and support they need to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences for all students, in the classroom and beyond. I believe firmly in the transformative power of education, as beautifully captured in Roald Dahl’s Matilda: “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.” It is this belief that drives my commitment to partnering with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to promote academic and social success for every student who walks through the doors of the Ogdensburg City School District. Together as Blue Devils, we can achieve great things!