INSPIRING STUDENTS TO CREATE THE FUTURE.
Albany Academy for Girls
building skills for the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead
Albany Academy for Girls has been preparing students for college and leadership for over 200 years. In that time the definition of “preparatory” has changed quite a bit—one thing that is certain is that it will continue to change. Today, we’re educating in new ways for the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead. Skills such as leadership, collaboration, creative-thinking and adaptability will be critical for success. Many of these skills have been hallmarks of an Academy education. We’re now employing new methods to teach them. Active-learning allows students to work in pairs and teams, creatively applying what they know to solve problems. Students are on fire in this realm of learning. Combined with traditional academics and individual mentoring, these are the features of a complete education and one that will provide your child with an edge over other students. We live in an age of ceaseless innovation where the future belongs to those who create it. Allow us to find the passion within your daughter and help her become a successful leader in the 21st century.
Small classes make it possible for teachers to give each student the individual attention they
The Lower School PRESCHOOL - GRADE 4
Girls and boys learn in very different ways and so it is important that our Lower Schools are single-gender environments. Here, girls can learn in a positive, supportive setting that fosters wonder and curiosity of the world around them. Teachers are devoted exclusively to educating girls and their needs. We help girls learn who they are and what makes them unique, teaching them that they can do things for themselves and become confident, independent thinkers. The Lower School program focuses on reading, writing, listening and speaking through an active-learning curriculum. Students develop a love for learning while building confidence, communication skills and responsibility. At this age individual attention is especially important. Our small class size makes it possible for faculty and staff to focus on each student in a way that isn’t possible in most schools. This individual focus lets the teacher determine the strengths and talents of each girl and develop a strategy for her to learn in a way best suited to her individual characteristics.
giving students the freedom to explore and ask questions
need to succeed and blossom into confident young girls.
an environment where it’s “cool to be smart”
better self-esteem and a stronger desire to learn when there are fewer distractions. Single-gender education addresses this at a crucial stage of development.
The Middle School GRADES 5-8
Middle School is a time when relationships are extremely important to girls but difficult to understand and maneuver. Our Middle School community helps students to learn to negotiate relationships in a supportive, close-knit environment. Small classes and an inclusive culture that encourages participation, means that no student will “fall through the cracks.” We teach girls to be resilient and how to make healthy connections to one another. The curriculum is based on collaborative projects where students work in teams, taking on teaching and learning roles while developing proficiency in a variety of subjects. Topics are explored across a broad range of disciplines, giving students multiple ways to connect with the material. As students learn about the subject—core skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking and critical thinking are all developed. Teachers are supportive, but are also there to challenge students— encouraging them to take on leadership roles, which further develops their ability to work with others and builds self-confidence and self-esteem. ACTIVE LEARNING
Adolescent girls tend to develop
RENEWABLE ENERGY Engineers provide guidance and mentorship to the students while they build wind turbines in class and participate in local and national tournaments.
ELLIS ISLAND Students learn about the hardships that families faced by re-enacting the journey and process of immigrating to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1910.
ROBOTICS Students are taught to program a robot but also learn time management and problem-solving skills while experiencing the thrill of competition.
EIGHTH GRADE PLAY A long-standing tradition which gives everyone the chance to be part of a major team production and feel the joy of accomplishment.
Through the Academies’ unique “blend at the end” junior and senior years are co-ed, giving students access to a broad choice of advanced courses.
The Upper School Upper School girls build confidence and grow as individuals in our engaging, rigorous college-preparatory program that emphasizes academics, the arts, athletics, and community service. During this time, we help girls embrace all that they are and motivate them to reach their greatest potential. Girls are taught to overcome obstacles and be proud of their successes. Beginning in ninth grade, students receive guidance in choosing academic courses in which they will be challenged and successful. Advanced Placement and Honors courses, independent study projects and internships allow students to pursue advanced-level work and further explore personal interests. Grades 11 & 12 provide a broader curriculum that allows us to offer a wide array of AP courses and electives, and gives students the chance to take part in co-ed classes. A superior curriculum and stellar faculty help Academies students become critical, creative and independent thinkers. Students and teachers alike benefit from the combined synergy that is generated in this exciting environment.
ACTIVE LEARNING
GRADES 9-12 SENIOR HONORS P R OJ E C T An opportunity to research a subject on a very deep level. Students develop their own work plan and are guided by faculty along the way. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Teaching different ways to lead is at the center of this required program. Recognizing that not everyone is comfortable in traditional leadership roles, students explore broader ideas of how to lead. D E C L A M AT I O N S Students write and present a speech on a topic that’s personally important to them. Winners of each class present to the entire Upper School.
preparing students for college and leadership in the 21st century
FA ST FACTS
Enrollment: 800 students (Albany Academy for Girls and The Albany Academy) More than 40% of students receive tuition assistance Student/Faculty ratio: 6 to 1 Average class size: 14 students Nearly 100% of our teachers hold degrees in the subjects they teach, compared with 25% nationally Languages offered: Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish 13 Girls Varsity Sports teams 100% of Middle School and Upper School students participate in athletics Lower, Middle and Upper School students participate in the performing arts Middle School students consistently receive top honors in regional science competitions More than 30 clubs available to Upper School students Upper School students required to participate in an innovative Leadership Program Advising program for students in Grades 5-12 recognized as being unique in the region Students and faculty participate in two Community Service Days annually that help benefit more than 30 nonprofit organizations Seniors are required to participate in experiential educational opportunities in fields in which they are interested Nearly 100% of our graduates matriculate directly into four-year colleges and universities 50-acre campus with newly refurbished Stevens Center and Auditorium, state-of-the-art Borisenok Family Science Center, ice rink and indoor swimming pool Extensive summer camp programs for Pre-K through 10th grade 200 years of rich history and access to an active alumni and alumnae network
How will your daughter benefit from an Academy education? Personal Attention Your child will never fall through the cracks. Each student is known to every faculty and staff member and faculty advisors are routinely engaged with your daughter, beginning in Middle School, to learn about her goals. Small classes and individual attention are our hallmark.
Strong Academics
Active Learning
At the Academies students become strong critical thinkers with the ability to solve problems creatively. They also become persuasive communicators with a fearless self-confidence. Whether they focus on math, science, humanities, or the arts, they graduate fully prepared to take on work at even the most selective colleges.
An innovative curriculum builds skills that complement what students learn in the classroom. Experiential and internship opportunities such as May Projects and Honors Projects give them valuable real-life experiences. And our Leadership Program fosters creative thinking and introduces them to accomplished alumni and alumnae.
Character
Single-Gender Education
Education isn’t just about books and numbers. At the Academy we pride ourselves on the development of each student’s personal character. We teach qualities such as integrity, compassion, perseverance, and honor. Service learning is woven into our programs because it’s important to be aware of the world around us to impact change.
Boys and girls learn differently. Our unique single-gender approach with a “blend at the end” allows for the necessary differences in teaching that our students require. Knowing how to teach to both boys and girls, distinctly, is what makes us great at what we do.
Well-Rounded
Passionate Faculty
Inclusive Environment
The arts, athletics and community service are all important aspects of every student’s education. There are clubs and extracurricular activities for practically every interest—plus 13 Varsity sports teams. And our global education initiative broadens students’ worldview through guest speakers, cultural exchanges, and group trips.
Our teachers teach because they love it. They love their subject, they love their students —but they especially love the freedom to teach to the student and not to the test. By not having such constraints our faculty have produced students who consistently average 40 points higher on the SATs than public school students in the Capital Region.
The Academy is a close, tight-knit community where girls of all ages feel a sense of belonging. Respect and acceptance are taught and expected. We embrace racial, ethnic, physical, religious and socioeconomic differences and value how they make our community stronger.
OUR MISSION
Who We Are The Albany Academies— The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls—develop capable and confident students through single-gender education in the Lower and Middle School, and through coordinate education in the Upper School. What We Do Employing individualized and positive education, The Albany Academies provide students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for leadership and success in the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead.
FOUNDED IN 1813 AND 1814
135 Academy Road, Albany, NY 12208 phone: (518) 429-2348 www.albanyacademies.org