718 BEAVER Street
Schenectady, NY 12308

I’m honestly really impressed with the school. They do a fantastic job of teaching not only the traditional 8 elements in school, but have a hands on garden the kids tend to, a growing fruit orchard the kids help plant, maple trees they will tap for syrup, teach about composting, meditation, kindness, safety (emotional and physical)… Many school could take a huge tip from what they have going on there!

Like others have said, the school has a negative reputation, not great overall test scores, an overcrowded high school, etc. However, the diversity of students, class offerings, IB program, college courses, performing arts program, extra-curricular activities, after school clubs, etc., make this school a wonderful choice. If your student puts in the effort and work, they will easily succeed. The district has made a lot of changes over the years and continues to fight for funding and opportunities for the students. The teachers work hard to ensure the success of their students, and there is additional help (tutoring, after school assistance, review groups for upcoming exams, virtual help from teachers, etc.) for the students to take advantage of.

This school is one of the worst schools my child has ever been to, and my child has been to many many schools. This school is problematic, wild and controversial. This isn’t because I have had problems with my child in this school. It’s because the amount of stories I get from my 12 year old child and her friends about the terrible staff members. My child tells me about the way they bias students and pay attention to things that aren’t problems at all. One of the most common things my child tells me is that her teachers are abolishing her freedom and rights. A example is when they stand up to anyone about how certain teachers treat them, they will always take the other teacher’s side and tell them to be quiet and if they continue to stand up for their rights and freedom. We should all be able to have a voice, and the fact they encourage the students to stand up for themselves and their rights but when they do they silence them. Basically, this school is completely unfair and whoever hired the people here need to fix this because this makes me disgusted. If a numerous amount of kids who aren’t doing anything wrong or almost anything wrong tell me that these things are happening in school, there’s something you people need to fix.