It is categorized as an inner city school district as a result of the high percentage of students living in low-income households.

The addition of this wing created a small courtyard in the high school building, which was later turned into the Michelle Obama Victory Garden.

The program utilizes specific teaching methods as well as intensive teacher training regimens in order to attempt to improve student achievement, test scores, and graduation rates, as well as to reduce the number of discipline problems.

The Chamber of Commerce and High School host monthly gatherings with students from the class in which they participate in bonding activities with the local business owners.

As a part of a $22.8 million district-wide construction project,[10] Poughkeepsie High School opened a new athletic complex on September 14, 2012.

The current sports offered at PHS are as follows: As part of Time Warner Cable's Scholar Athlete of the Week program,[11] several Poughkeepsie High School seniors who excel in both academics and athletics received a news spotlight segment through the local Time Warner Cable of the Hudson Valley affiliate.

The following individuals from Poughkeepsie High School have received the title of Scholar Athlete of the Week: Extracurricular student clubs and activities include:[16] As of 2008, Poughkeepsie High School graduates who are accepted to Vassar College receive a special financial aid package.

This Program eliminates loans for the PHS graduates attending Vassar and replaces them with scholarship funding.