The Merrill L. Colton Elementary School is a newly-renovated facility in a district that has invested millions of dollars into improved physical plant, new roofs, and other capital improvements. It is located on 40 Grandview Avenue in Spring Valley on 36 sprawling green acres. The facility has a complete playground system, including basketball courts, and plenty of room for children to run and play during their lunch recess. Its current enrollment is approximately 400 fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Class sizes average 24 students to a room.
Educational research reports that learning is facilitated in smaller class sizes.
This helps to insure more individualized attention and greater student achievement. Thus, the school is determined to maintain manageable class sizes. Dr. Colton's devotion to education and the community is a legacy that the staff passes on to the students. The principal of Colton is Mr. Peter McGinness. He has been with East Ramapo since 1991, serving his first five years as principal of the Elmwood Elementary School.