Written By: Abigail Smith

For many Rye Country Day School students, learning to drive is a major step toward independence. It is what many kids look forward to when they turn sixteen. However, RCDS does not currently offer a driver’s education course. The lack of this course has raised questions about whether it was ever offered at RCDS, why it is no longer available, and whether it could return in the future.  

According to Ms. Heath, the Upper School principal, RCDS did offer driver’s education classes in the past. However, the program was discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had a partnership with an outside organization that ran the classes while the school hosted them,” Ms. Heath explained. “When the pandemic hit and the school shifted online, the program couldn’t continue and we haven’t been able to restart it since.”

Although the school does not offer Driver’s Education, it is being considered for future years. Ms. Heath noted that finding the right partner for this course is crucial. “It’s not just about offering a course. It has to be the right program, with trusted instructors and a setup that works for our students,” she said. She also stated that “We’d definitely look into bringing it back if we found a trusted program and the right logistics.” When deciding whether to offer a non-academic course like Driver’s Education, RCDS considers both the safety and benefit to students, as well as whether it fits within the school’s overall resources and priorities.

Students at RCDS say the lack of a driver’s ed program makes learning to drive more difficult. Will Hawkey ‘27, a 17-year-old junior, said that many students would sign up if the school offered the course. “It would be easier for both parents and kids if driving classes were available at the school,” he said. “You wouldn’t have to worry about finding a program somewhere else, taking pressure off families.” 

For now, students who want to learn how to drive must rely on outside programs, but both students and administrators agree that driver’s education is an important skill. While the course is not currently available at RCDS, the school continues to explore the possibility of bringing it back in the future.