Campus Realignment

Do you have questions? We have answers. We have fielded many questions over the last few months about our work of unifying the school through the “Campus by Division” model. Below, we share our responses to the most frequently asked questions.

When will the campus realignment be completed?

These changes will be phased in over the next two years, beginning with the relocation of Lower School boys in grades 1-4 to the current Albany Academy for Girls campus this upcoming fall. They will join preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten students already located on this campus. In the fall of 2024, Middle School boys in grades 5-8 will relocate to the Lower and Middle School campus, and Upper School girls will move to the Upper School campus.

Does unifying the campuses mean the Lower and Middle Schools will be co-educational?

No. The Lower and Middle Schools will remain single-sex, with separate areas within the Lower and Middle school building housing classrooms for girls and boys. This approach creates a united, divisional culture focused on students’ developmental needs while appropriately retaining elements of single-sex education.

What went into the decision to make this change?

This change is the result of four years of study and reflection. We gathered and analyzed stakeholder feedback and met with students, parents, alumni and alumnae, and our professional community to discuss this analysis. We worked with an economist to assess historical data and provide forecast information. We conferred with other schools that made similar changes and studied local and national enrollment trends in independent schools, both independently and with a consultancy with expertise in admissions. School leaders and the Board of Trustees concluded that this change is a significant opportunity to have a profound and positive impact on all aspects of the school.

How will longstanding traditions be preserved?

We have already begun discussing this through committees established over the last month. As we move forward, we will continue to seek input from students, faculty, alumni, and alumnae on maintaining important traditions, honoring the schools’ histories, and creating opportunities for new traditions. We will then share the plans that these committees develop with stakeholders.

Will the current educational program change?

No. We will continue to provide our students with a premiere academic experience, individualized attention, a focus on character development, and a strong foundation for a life of purpose. An Albany Academy education will only improve as we develop and execute a master facilities plan driven by our program needs. These needs include updating the science wing on the current Albany Academy campus; a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Innovation Center; updating instructional technology; renovation of the current Albany Academy for Girls lobby; and campus preservation projects.

Take the first step in the admissions process:

1. Visit our campus

2. Call or email the admissions office

3. Submit an application

4. Talk to other Academy families about their experiences

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Director of Admissions, Shellie Carr at 518.429. 2348 or carrs@albanyacademies.org