In May 2007, the Pelham School District was cited for its achievements in student performance in the area of English and Math based on student performance on state tests in the prior year as well as its efforts in closing the achievement gap. The percentage of students enrolled in free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs is used to determine eligibility. This is the second year in a row that Pelham has received this commendation from the New York State Department of Education.

In addition, Pelham Middle School and Hutchinson School are among a select group of schools identified by NY State where students are outperforming their peers in similar schools-based on their scores.

They were recognized as "High Performing/ Gap Closing" schools because students met all applicable State standards for English and math and also made Adequate Yearly Progress in English and math for two consecutive years. Only 48% of the 3,500 eligible schools and 42% of 684 eligible districts were recognized.

Only schools and districts that had a minimum of 30 continuously enrolled students in at least three accountability groups (the "all student group" plus at least two from among the five racial ethnic groups and the low-income, limited English proficient, or students with disabilities groups) were eligible. The percentage of students enrolled in free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs is used to determine eligibility.