ABOUT US

About our School

James I. O'Neill High School, built in 1971 is located in the heart of the scenic Hudson River Valley. It serves 500 students in grades 9-12 who come from Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, Garrison, and West Point. The Highland Falls School District - nestled along the banks of the Hudson River - is adjacent to the United States Military Academy at West Point and 50 miles from New York City.

Despite its small geographic size, the district boasts an outstanding academic record which is credit to the dedicated and talented staff and teachers, along with support from the community and the military academy. These strong partnerships allow O'Neill graduates to seek admission to the nation's most prestigious universities and technology fields.

The commitment to academic excellence extends beyond the school day. Teachers stay after school Tuesday thru Friday for half an hour to work one-on-one with students. Sports and other programs don't start until after the half hour session, so this extra support is available to all students.

About our Principal

Robin Haberman began her professional career in the Highland Falls-Ft. Montgomery Central School District in 1996, as a reading specialist at James I. O’Neill High School. 

Mrs. Haberman spent 11 years teaching reading, English, and Journalism before accepting an administrative position. Over the next 14 years, Mrs. Haberman served as the assistant principal in the high school.

In September of 2021, Mrs. Haberman became the interim principal at JIO and a year later, became Principal. This year marks her 29th year in the high school.

Mrs. Haberman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Master in Science in Reading K-12 and a Certificate in School District Administration from Long Island University.

In the years that she served as administrator, Mrs. Haberman strove to foster a feeling of consistency and value in each students’ educational experience. In a school district that serves three communities of varied backgrounds, she sought to cultivate strong relationships among the students, parents, faculty, staff and administration. Mrs. Haberman views the educational experience as a pathway, not only to attaining a diploma, but as a channel to a fulfilling career which will shape students’ goals and aspirations for the future.

About our Assistant Principal

Thomas Breitfeller began his career as an educator at John S. Burke Catholic High School, where he served as their Director of Admissions and a School Guidance Counselor for the 2015-2016 school year. He joined the HFFMCSD in the summer of 2016 as a High School Guidance Counselor. In addition to his counseling duties, he has had the pleasure of working with high school students navigating their four-year college and career pathways as students start their journey to becoming lifelong learners. He has served as a coach, DASA Coordinator, and Standardized Testing Coordinator. His commitment to the district runs deep, as does his passion for counseling and advocating for the whole child. Mr. Breitfeller is delighted to begin his tenure as the Assistant Principal at James I. O’Neill High School.

Mr. Breitfeller holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Cortland; a Masters of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University, as well as, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz.