2024 Best Schools in the Albany Area

• Troy, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  92 reviews

Parent: My daughter is entering her second year at Emma, and I am just thrilled with every aspect of her experience so far. She has learned to stretch and grow and make mistakes and keep going. She has gained confidence and friendships. Her teachers are incredible in every way. It is amazing to see how excited she is for school to start in just a few days! I highly recommend this school for smart, motivated, kind, and caring girls.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Albany, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  79 reviews

Alum: The faculty is what makes this school what it is. I plan on teaching and my inspiration came from multiple teachers and advisors during my time at Academy. The staff is uber dedicated to their craft and truly are more than just teachers, but professionals when it comes to the development of their students into strong, independent, and competent young men and women. It's a college prep school to the finest degree, I found that once I graduated and started my freshman year I was almost overprepared for college academics. I can't say for sure how I believe the merging of the boy's and girl's schools is going to look in its final form (they were beginning to integrate them as I was finishing up); I'm certain the culture is going to see some changes but I can only imagine that they will be for the better. Having both participated in athletics and performing arts, I can say that both departments are excellent and worthwhile extracurriculars which helped define my days in high school.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 701

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Rensselaer, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  46 reviews

Parent: Doane Stuart School has a reputation for academic excellence, with a challenging curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond. The school offers a wide range of academic programs, including college in the High School, and has a low student-to-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized attention and support. Doane Stuart School also places a strong emphasis on community, with a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters close relationships among students, faculty, and families. The school encourages students to become active and engaged members of their communities through service-learning and extracurricular activities. My two boys attend Doane Stuart and love the school, the teachers, and the community. It truly is a place of academic excellence! The combination of academic excellence and a strong sense of community is what sets Doane Stuart School apart as one of the best schools in the capital district.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• North Colonie Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  188 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 188 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,996

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Niskayuna Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 306

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Troy, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  38 reviews

Parent: Redemption Christian Academy (RCA) is an amazing school. My Son, Devan Quinson Suggs, was Valedictorian for the class of 2013. RCA’s stellar academic programs alongside partnerships with area colleges enabled Devan to earn 13 college credits through the College While In High School Program. Faculty not only push students to excel, but they also stand with them shoulder-to-shoulder to provide the support that brings out their very best. Because of RCA’s undying commitment, Devan achieved a bushel of academic awards and scholarships. He was the recipient of the prestigious Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship and was awarded a full academic scholarship to attend Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Most importantly, the faculty’s focus on spiritual and character development fostered servitude and leadership. As a result of RCA's dedication to its students, many will continue to benefit from this excellent academic institution where all are provided an opportunity to succeed!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Niskayuna Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 392

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  213 reviews

Alum: I went to BCHS for all 4 years of high school, and I am very grateful I did! I felt like the school did a great job of preparing me for college, especially in my junior and senior year. The school has plentiful resources and I always felt like I could get help if I asked for it. The only part of the school that I think could stand to improve is the diversity, but since it is a public high school, the student population just reflects the community population.... Read 213 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,421

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 451

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• North Colonie Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Mechanicville, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Absolutely love the school. Very friendly faculty and students, very good learning environment. Highly recommend.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 90

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Niskayuna Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I love this school. The teachers are amazing and make me feel safe and welcome. There are several teachers who have us have real discussions during class, whether it's about the topic or not and that makes me feel like I belong. It makes me feel like I can go to them when I need something. Everyday I go to school and I can see the teachers and staff doing their best to make everyone feel safe, make them feel welcome, and make Iroquois an enjoyable space to be in.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 557

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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

• Students 1,334

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Niskayuna Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 952

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• North Colonie Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 1,420

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• North Colonie Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• North Colonie Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 437

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Albany, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  59 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 59 reviews

• grade A

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• East Greenbush Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Fine. Class structure and format should be reviewed as students generally coast through coursework, shown by the >75% that make honor roll. Kids are not really respected for the small adults they are becoming and instead are given an overly structured environment with a low bar to success, breeding boredom and frustration. Teachers average ok but run a huge range of unacceptable to good. None of my 3 children ever found a teacher that they would call awesome. Clubs are often too big to add value. Facilities are also very dated.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 939

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Niskayuna Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: A great middle school. Very small, so there is a feel of community. The teachers are all very nice and caring.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 421

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Bethlehem Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 425

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1