261 Hackett Blvd
Albany, NY 12208

You will always hear about the “negative” experience- often times, these are keyboard heroes using a review section as a means to skirt responsibility or vent frustration of some kind. However, I’m a proud resident of the city of Albany. I’m a homeowner. I’m also an educator within the district, specifically at the high school. My colleagues work tirelessly and advocate day in and day out for our students- because of our love for our students, community, and belief in the work that we do. Are there things that could be done differently? Absolutely. But that goes for anything anywhere. Will you hear about nonsense happening at AHS because the local news knows it makes for they think is a great headline? Of course- but that’s really sad and unfair, especially because of the amazing things that happen every single day. Know that the teachers show up and give our all because we believe in our kids and community. We offer the most IB/AP/HVCC credit earring courses of any high school in the Capital Region. We have an award-winning music/art/theater department and programming, now with state of the art facilities. Our extensive CTE course offerings are second to only BOCES programming- ours are directly on campus. Our students can graduate with both a NYS Regents diploma AND be a certified Cosmetologist, Nursing Assistant, Barbering, Carpenter, Mechanic, or receive a certificate in Culinary. Our library is nicer than one found on many college campuses and boasts visiting authors, clubs, and extra curricular opportunities galore. And our athletics department is ever improving and becoming recognized more and more for their excellence. These are just the tip of the iceberg.Sending your child through the Albany City Schools and Albany High School will prepare them for real like experiences beyond what neighboring schools can. Ignore the petty superficial negative comments. This is a school, a district, a city, and a community with a lot of heart and drive. It’ll be worth it.

Both of my children have had an excellent experience at this school. They have continued to perform well due to the great teachers they have had and a comfortable learning environment. This school also has the diversity of a city school which was important to our family and allows them to interact with different races, religions and economic backgrounds.

My son is finishing 6th grade. The school is now safe and looks out for bullying. My major concern is over the quality of the education. It seems teachers are more interested (pushed to) getting students to make the average than to really excel, to be all they can be. Foreign language education appears to be very weak. Note: although the students do take the city bus, they do so as a group, so I think it's somewhat safe...at least safer than me taking the NYC subways in the 80's !