2024 Best Schools for Athletes in the Albany Area

• Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: The teachers here are really supportive. It is very sport heavy, but academics are really strong. My favorite part of this school is the drama program that is well supported and fun!... Read 135 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 22

• Shenendehowa Central School District, NY•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  284 reviews

Senior: Shenendehowa High School has a great school environment! Faculty is generally good and extremely helpful. Teachers at Shenendehowa are always looking for ways to help students learn and succeed individually. That means extra help hours, personalized lessons or offering tutoring. I love the school spirit everyone shares at Shen. Students and staff always sport their merchandise and sports apparel which really brings everyone together. Shen offers tons of clubs and activities where students can connect with those who share the same interests. One of the coolest aspects of Shen in my opinion is the dark room. We are one of the last schools with a dark room used for black and white film photography. I had such an amazing experience in that class that I would have never gotten the chance to have if I didn't go to Shen. It's a great school with a lot of great opportunities!... Read 284 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Albany, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  57 reviews

Alum: Holy Names not only provides a great education, but it teaches our daughters how to be strong women. Stepping through the doors of Holy Names creates opportunity for other doors to open in the future!... Read 57 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 11

• Saratoga Springs City School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  282 reviews

Sophomore: SSHS is a good school for a specific type of student. They do not cater to the high achievers nor those who struggle. The goal is to get as many students as possible into either a large SUNY school or into a top 250 school, and if you don’t share that goal, either above or below, then this isn’t the best school. Teachers for the most part are fantastic but of course there is the occasional outlier. Clubs cover a wide variety of interests from cave spelunking to fashion design. Sports are alright, but preferential treatment can be seen a bit through funding.... Read 282 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 33

• Albany, NY•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  35 reviews

Junior: When I first started at cba, I was nervous that because of the uniforms, and an all boy, military, and religious environment I would miss out on key “high school highlights” that would happen anywhere else. But now looking back on to the years as a cba brother and now looking to become a senior and staff officer in the brigade I’ve realized that cba was the school that provided me great experiences that surpassed my expectations of what I could accomplish in high school. For starters the academic environment is great as the low class sizes make it easier to focus. Another thing about academics is that someone will always be pushing you to do better whether it’s a classmate or a teacher. This school also has a great college preparation program where it guarantees kids good colleges if they’re dedicated to do so. And when it comes to sports and culture we have the best sports teams in section 2 and a school culture that encourages achievements that couldn’t be reached prior.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 14

• North Colonie Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  187 reviews

Senior: Shaker High School was probably the best thing that ever happened to me in my life. I went to a small middle school outside the district and I had the choice to go to shaker and I took it only because my friends were going to that school, I had no idea the amount of opportunity and growth I'd have at my disposal at this school. When I entered the school it was overwhelming with how many students were in my class and all the different classes they offered but I had a great councilor and friends who helped guide me to what I'd be interested in. At shaker I discovered my passion for art and architecture and now that's the field I'm majoring in. Shaker does have it's issues but what school doesn't. Overall I'd say Shaker is the best high school in the NY capital region. The teachers care about their students and are invested in our success. I'll never forget the kindness and support I experienced from them all. In the end I have no regrets with my experience at Shaker High School.... Read 187 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Guilderland Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  273 reviews

Alum: I absolutely love the faculty at Guilderland High School. I have had a great experience both inside and outside the classroom. Everyone who I met was, for the most part, friendly, and I was able to become a part of an amazing friend group who I am still best friends with today. However, I think this school could definitely improve upon the plumbing issues.... Read 273 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 31

• Albany, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  77 reviews

Freshman: The Albany Academies has been a great experience for me so far. There are a variety of classes and activities that can fit to everyone’s interests. All of the teachers and students weee very welcoming. There are a bunch of cool traditions like bacon bat and ring sisters that are super enjoyable. I can’t wait to go into my sophomore year!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 17

• Stillwater Central School District, NY•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.23 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: The teachers at Stillwater are willing and able to provide guidance to each student and are there to help. Everyone is kind, and the majority of the students are accepting of each other. There is a divide between the arts and sports, as there is a definite focus on sports teams which sometimes leaves students in arts programs behind. Apart from this, the school is generally safe and conscious of student satisfaction.... Read 40 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 20

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  211 reviews

Alum: Amazing memories in this building. The pep rallies, the team spirit, the sports; couldn't be more grateful to have been a part of it all. From freshman to senior year, a lot of renovation to the place had been done over time and they've done a very good job. Outside to in, it's a pretty sight to see. Bethlehem High School had the best most supportive teachers and staff. Everyone had a smile on their face and were so welcoming and loving to kids every day. The downsides to BCHS (which they have already fixed now) were having no turf field, and the parking lot had many terrible potholes. As a varsity field hockey player, the grass was pretty difficult to play in and a lot of our practices had to be canceled because of flooding and whatnot. The parking lot would destroy kids' cars because of how deep and big the potholes were and there was no getting around them. But as of now, the parking lot has been repaved, and the turf field has been installed. I will miss BCHS forever and always.... Read 211 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 31

• Troy City School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  167 reviews

Sophomore: I am going into my sophomore year, and I absolutely love Troy High. All of my teachers are very helpful, and find ways to make their lessons interesting. Going into Freshmen year, I didn’t really know anyone, but joining soccer and various clubs made it easy for me to make new friends and get to know people. I love Troy!... Read 167 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 37

• Mechanicville City School District, NY•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  31 reviews

Senior: Mechanicville is a small community that I have enjoyed being a part of. I have made great friends and have received a good education from some wonderful teachers. Currently, we are going through a lot of changes - building project, new administration. Its unfortunate I will never get to fully appreciate the positive change in culture.... Read 31 reviews

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 19

• East Greenbush Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  191 reviews

Senior: Columbia High School, in East Greenbush New York, offers a safe and encouraging place to learn and prepare for college. Teachers have helped me find what I'm passionate about and helped me learn to prepare for my future. With my passion for coding, the guidance office helped me sign up to take coding and programming courses that I am thrilled to have taken. The teachers have helped me in getting ready and prepared for college by giving us assignments based on what we may see in the future with college preparation courses. The culture within Columbia is also very good with students being able to talk and trust our teachers. They have put other students and me first to help me understand the courses that I'm learning. Altogether, Columbia High School has helped me tremendously in my learning and has dramatically helped in my preparation for my future in college.... Read 191 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 22

• Niskayuna Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  247 reviews

Senior: Niskayuna has allowed me to prosper as a student and an athlete. Throughout my time as a student, my dedication to education has grown immensely through the many resources offered. They offer a variety of courses outside of the normal curriculum, so students have the ability to study what they are interested in. Most teachers are passionate about teaching, and incorporate different learning styles to suit students needs. The student body is overall friendly and accommodating. Our sports teams are supported throughout the community and our athletes are motivated in and out of season.... Read 247 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 36

• Ballston Spa Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  275 reviews

Senior: My high school experience has been honestly one of the best experiences in my entire life. I've learned so much from the amazing teachers and staff that put their best interest forward. The community with the school is also amazing! Everyone is so kind hearted and nice. My education and knowledge wouldn't ever be where it was without the school. The unique teaching styles of each teacher is what helped me learn any subject, with hands-on learning activity or virtual seminars with the covid-world we're living in. They've taken online learning very seriously and are even trying to plan safe and fun events for the seniors that are soon to be leaving. This school has been wonderful in growing my knowledge and making me the best student I can be.... Read 275 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 28

• Brunswick Central School District, NY•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  54 reviews

Freshman: Everything was amazing, teachers are knowledgeable and excited about the subjects they teach. Only have issues with the 8th grade math teacher which disqualified me from many opportunities.... Read 54 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 17

• South Colonie Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  271 reviews

Senior: I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful experience at Colonie Central High School. I had very supportive teachers who have shaped me into the student I am today. I have a disability and they guided me and assisted me in all aspects of school. I had speech therapy throughout my school experience and they taught me compensatory strategies that I continue to use daily. They also assisted me with social skills and peer interactions. Today, I have a good understanding of what I continue to have difficulty with and feel I am able to manage my disability by applying the strategies I've learned. I also am comfortable accessing resources within the school to assist me. At Colonie High School I also participated in track and cross country. My experience with being a part of a team with supportive coaches and teammates made high school so rewarding. I will forever cherish the memories made during all the athletic events. I am so fortunate to have attended Colonie Central High School.... Read 271 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Total number of sports 26

• Voorheesville Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: Overall Clayton A. Bouton High School is amazing. It is located in a small village outside of Albany, NY. Being a small school district means lots of things. Such as students having great bonds with their teachers. No large classes and the teachers remember you! Also with a small student population that means everyone knows each other which can be good or bad depending on your opinion. The school food is average, it is a clean school, they have a variety of sports and clubs. I feel this school is very nice and all the staff are helpful and kind.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 17

• Albany, NY•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: My son is a new freshman and he loves it! Very welcoming even in a pandemic. He is into sports and the school is very informative to make sure he is able to play. The teachers are great an hold him accountable... Read 29 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 4

• Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District, NY•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  23 reviews

Alum: I have been at Waterford from kindergarten all the way to my senior year, and throughout my entire time there, not once did I feel as if I was out of place. It truly does feel like a well loved community where even when you leave the school, you never will leave the community. Although, the class populations are small, the academics are still a huge part of school life. With the small population you have the ability to get to know the faculty and attendees better, and you begin to form personal connections with others that never diminish when you go off to college.... Read 23 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 15

• Averill Park Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  155 reviews

Senior: I overall have enjoyed my high school experience. The teachers are the best part. They are so helpful and patient. I wish our school could be more diverse but that's not their fault, it's the generational placement and lack of change in the community. I also wish the high school could offer more advanced placement classes such as AP Chem. Our school did finally offer AP Physics, which i did take in my junior year. My mother is a 7th grade math teacher in my district and I'm not sure if that helped or hindered my secondary school experience.... Read 155 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 25

• Hoosic Valley Central School District, NY•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  33 reviews

Senior: I love this school. The teachers are amazing. They all work very hard and they love the kids they work with. They are the best teachers I have ever met and I'm so glad I was able to attend Hoosic Valley. I wouldn't change anything about this school because everyone does their best to get their work done.... Read 33 reviews

• grade C

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 14

• Scotia, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: The decision to send our children to Mekeel was one of the best decisions we made as parents. From the moment they walked into the school they became family. Teachers here not only care for their students academics, but care for seeing them develop into strong young men and women who will do great things in their community and world. Both of our children were able to graduate with enough college credits to start as sophomores, thanks to the dual enrollment program. We never felt that our children "missed out" on anything, in fact, we believe they were able to achieve and experience more here than they would have elsewhere. Mekeel is not perfect, there is no perfect school. It IS however a great community for students to grow and learn in.... Read 68 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Total number of sports 11

• Saratoga Springs, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: My son has been at Saratoga Central Catholic since 6th grade, and he's absolutely flourishing. He was in the Scholars Program (gifted program) at the public school, and the academics have not only matched those at public, they have surpassed them in many ways. The smaller classroom size gives him the opportunity to be involved academically, on a much deeper level. The warmth from the staff and parents is a huge bonus. Everyone knows us there, and I'm able to be involved in the school, as a parent. We are not Catholic, but do attend church and the daily prayer gives kids the opportunity to think outside of themselves, and about others. This is a tremendous benefit for middle and high school age kids. He's also playing on the basketball team, as well as soccer and they had a stellar season!... Read 54 reviews

• grade C

• grade B

• Total number of sports 9

• Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  124 reviews

Junior: Mohonasen is like most public schools, and you have your average problems of those troublemaker kids here and there. However, there are a few things that set Mohon apart. For one, we have a wide variety of courses ranging from Food and Nutrition to AP Calculus. As a senior you have your pick of more classes than you would ever need. Another big plus is our Center for Advanced Technology, better known as the CAT building. Not only does it provide many opportunities for tech and trade related classes, but it also holds our black box theater. The CAT building can be utilized by many different types of students, some even from out of the district. Overall, Mohonasen is an above average public school where teachers and administrators care about the students.... Read 124 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Total number of sports 23