Nathaniel Hawthorne School 25

School mission

Nathaniel Hawthorne School No. 25 is a small, safe, and positive child-centered environment where family opportunities are encouraged and plentiful. School No. 25 offers full day Pre K for 3 & 4 year old children. School No. 25 promotes students’ and teachers’ joy of learning and ensures that students are active participants in the learning process. Students build character through our strong academic and character programs. The School No. 25 goal is to provide our students with the skills to be self-confident, respectful problem solvers so they can become productive, responsible members of a diverse society.

Unique Features

• STEPS Program (Speech/Language Therapy to Encourage the Production of Sound), an eclectic approach to oral language development, integrates the communication processes of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Walk to Intervention within grade levels to reach the needs of all of our students, spanning from Tier 3 intervention to Tier 1 enrichment.
• Differentiated instruction ensures that students are active in the learning process and work to meet their potential.
• Reading and writing program where the curriculum authentically integrates social and emotional learning with literacy.
• Professional development program with St. John Fisher College and Nazareth College, which support professional and student learning through the use of an inquiry-orientated approach to teaching.
• Parent involvement evening activities include: Hispanic Heritage Night, Parents Supporting the Next Gen Standards Information Night, ELA/Math Game Night, Multicultural Night, Storytelling Night, and Black History Night.
• After-school clubs include School Newspaper Club, Boys Club, Girls Club, Community Garden Club, Storytelling Club, Godly Divas, annual musical combined with Durand Eastman Middle School, Boys & Girls Club After-School program.

Student enrollment

Staff info.

Student engagement

Additional data

Key dates & Deadlines

Apply by the School Selection Deadline for your best chance to attend the school you want next school year.

Pre-Kindergarten: Online enrollment is available for students entering Pre-Kindergarten in the Rochester City School District. If you are a city resident and your child turns 3 or 4 on or before December 1, you are eligible for free Pre-K. Before applying, please visit our Pre-K website for more information about program locations. Be sure you have the proper documents needed for registration information before registering online.  City residents have until April 2026 to participate in the School Selection process.

Kindergarten: Online enrollment is available for students entering Kindergarten in the Rochester City School District. If you are a city resident and your child turns 5 on or before December 1, you can enroll them in Kindergarten. In order to enroll your child, necessary documentation and proof of residency are required. Please make sure you have the documents necessary for student enrollment. Students currently enrolled in a PreK program through RCSD or receiving special education support need to register for Kindergarten. Families have a choice of school within their zone. Your school zone is determined by your home address in the City of Rochester.  City residents have until February 13, 2026 to participate in the School Selection process.

How to apply

The Office of Student Equity & Placement staff will assist families with every step of the registration process. Staff can also provide families with information about the schools available to their children to help them make an informed choice. Please view the list of acceptable documents and proof of residency requirements necessary to register a child in the Rochester City School District, www.rcsdk12.org.

Learn about your school options

School Profiles, Digital Magazine, and Open House Events
School profiles are a great place to start learning about the many unique school offerings in the Rochester City School District. Each profile offers a detailed overview of each school or program to help you decide what offering is right for your child. For students entering middle or high school next year, there is a digital magazine to explore your options. Have your child talk to your school’s counselor for information about open houses this winter and spring. To learn more about school selections or to view the magazine, please visit www.rcsdk12.org/schoolselection.

School Zones
The Rochester City School District is separated into three school zones based on different areas of the City of Rochester: Northeast, Northwest, and South. When applying, families have the option of choosing a citywide school or a school within their zone. You can begin an online application and enter your home address to find out what zone you live in and what schools are available for your child to attend. Online applications can be started and saved, allowing families to return and explore options within their zone.

Visit the Office of Student Registration
Student Placement Specialists are available to work with families to discuss school options and assist with online registration. For support, please call (585) 262-8241 or visit the Office of Student Registration, 131 West Broad Street, Floor 1. The Office of Student Registration is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm.