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Question What makes The Albany Academies unique?  
Answer

The Albany Academies is home to the two campuses of The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls, which share a nearly 200-year-old tradition of quality single-gender, independent school education. Both institutions bring with them deeply treasured values of community, tradition and purpose to the newly formed entity known as The Albany Academies.

Our Coordinate Program, a shared Head of School, joint faculty and shared facilities, and a shared operational function, set us apart from most schools. We are two campuses that offer single-gender education during critical developmental times and co-educational opportunities when appropriate. We retain seperate identities and traditions while sharing a set of values and a sense of purpose.



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Question What are some highlights about The Albany Academies that I won't find at other schools?  
Answer
  • Middle School students consistently place in regional science competitions, have many public speaking opportunities and have technology integrated throughout the curriculum.
  • Middle School students take grade-level field trips such as Lake Placid, Space Camp (Canada), New York City, Washington, D.C., Vermont and more.
  • Students in grades 5-12 have their own advisor with whom they meet several times each week for personalized guidance. Once in upper school, this is expanded to include regular meetings with the college counselor.
  • Students may begin competing on varsity and modified athletic teams in grade 7. Programs include lacrosse, swimming and diving, tennis, hockey, football, field hockey, squash, track and field, softball/baseball, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and skiing.
  • Our Middle and Upper School average class size is 12-14 and our student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1. Nearly 100 percent of our teachers hold degrees in the subjects they teach (compared with 25 percent nationally).
  • Seniors conduct May Projects, in-depth experiences in fields in which they are interested. Past projects have included internships in medicine, law, politics, furniture design, education, equestrian studies and athletics.
  • Upper School students consistently place in the Intel Science Competition and publish scientific research through independent study. Past research projects have included breast cancer and fetal alcohol syndrome.Academies students continue to study science at the nation’s top colleges and universities, including medical and veterinary schools.
  • Seniors are required to make a Senior Speech (girls campus) or Declamation(boys campus) to the entire Upper School. These public speaking opportunities are invaluable to our graduates as they enter a world of change, challenge and opportunity.
  • Every student works individually with our experienced college counselors. Virtually 100 percent of all graduates continue their education at competitive 4-year college and universities.


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Question What are the advantages of single-gender education?  
Answer

A substantial body of scholarly research confirms the advantages of single-sex education. Boys and girls are more likely to succeed at school, more likely to take math and science courses, and more likely to continue their education than their peers in a coeducational setting. At a single-gender school, students can learn without social pressures. The result is a growth in competence that leads to greater self-esteem and an attitude that boys and girls can accomplish anything.

www.boysschoolscoalition.org
www.ncgs.org



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Question What is the Coordinate Program?  
Answer

This unique program gives Upper School students the option of having coeducational experiences in arts, languages and computers, and in core courses for students in grades 11 and 12. Students retain all the advantages of a single-gender school while experiencing coeducation and a broader range of courses and numerous electives.

More than 200 students in both schools take more than 60 courses, including 17 Advanced Placement courses, through the Coordinate Program. Girls and boys benefit from these opportunities while remaining single-sex for all other school activities: they hold student offices, captain their own teams, have single-sex advising groups, clubs and leadership opportunities.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in select coeducational extra-curricular activities such as dramatic productions, a Model United Nations club, ski club, dances and other social events. While the academic program is coeducational only at the Upper School level, students from Early Childhood on enjoy shared activities with their counterparts such as joint assemblies and field days."



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Question How rigorous are your admissions standards?  
Answer

At The Albany Academies, admissions standards are selective and depend on space availability. We are seeking students who will be successful in a college preparatory program and for whom the Academies are an overall good match.



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Question Is financial aid available?  
Answer

Yes. We are committed to maintaining a strong, diverse student body. Approximately 30 percent of our students receive financial aid. The financial aid program for grades 1-12, based solely on need, helps student enroll regardless of their financial circumstances. No full scholarships are given and the maximum award is half tuition.

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Question What arrangements do you have for transportation?  
Answer

Most school districts provide bus transportation if a student in the district lives within 15 miles of The Albany Academies. We will provide forms to make these arrangements with your home district.

Certain areas do not provide transportation. In some of these places, arrangements can be made for private transportation. For an additional cost, The Albany Academies provides private bus service to the Hudson, Catskill, Coxsackie, Saratoga and Columbia County areas.



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Question Do we have to purchase books?  
Answer

Your local school district is required to provide a certain percentage of the textbooks you will use at The Albany Academies. When you enroll, you will receive a list of required books along with a school district form. Our Registrar will submit this form to your school district. Books will be available in the late summer.



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Question Do students wear uniforms?  
Answer

Yes, all students wear uniforms. Requirements differ for Lower, Middle and Upper School students. Uniform guidelines and ordering information are distributed at the time of enrollment.



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Question Do you offer before and after school programs?  
Answer

We offer an Early Bird program at no cost from 7:15-8 a.m. each morning. The After-School Program (for Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 6) begins each day at 3:20 p.m. and runs as late as 5:45 p.m. The After-School Program includes a snack, free-play, structured activities and enrichment activities. Families are charged only for the time a child is in attendance; the program can be used one day a year or every day.



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Question What are your application and financial aid deadlines?  
Answer

Completed applications filed before February 15 will be given preference. When classes are full, we create waiting lists by date of acceptance. To be placed on the wait list, you must complete the application process and be accepted.



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Question How can I get more information on admissions and financial aid?  
Answer

Please contact Director of Admissions Bramble Buran at (518) 429-2300 or buranb@albanyacademies.org for the East Campus (Albany Academy for Girls) or Associate Director of Admissions Drew Lentz at (518) 429-2417 or lentza@albanyacademies.org for the West Campus (The Albany Academy) for more information about admissions and financial aid.



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The Albany Academy (West Campus)
135 Academy Road. Albany, NY 12208
Ph: 518.429.2300 Fax: 518.427.7016
Albany Academy for Girls (East Campus)
140 Academy Road. Albany, NY 12208
Ph: 518.429.2300 Fax: 518.463.5096

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