Albany High recognized among top American high schools

for advanced curriculum for third consecutive year

The 2011 Washington Post High School Challenge includes Albany High at 1,515, the third-highest ranking for schools from the Capital Region. Locally, only Bethlehem High School (1,139) and Saratoga Springs High School (1,507) ranked higher. Ballston Spa High School (1,776) is the only other Capital Region high school on the list of 1,905 schools.

The High School Challenge is online at www.washingtonpost.com/highschoolchallenge and also will be featured in a special print section of the newspaper Sunday, May 22.

“While we know there is much work to be done to raise achievement for all students in our district and at Albany High, the continued national recognition of our positive achievements emphasizes some of the core strengths we are building on in our work to redesign Albany High,” said Superintendent Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D.

Schools are ranked according to the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school in 2010 divided by the number of graduating seniors. Albany High is one of only two high schools in the Capital Region offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, along with Schenectady High School. Albany High also is among the area’s leaders in Advanced Placement courses.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves nearly 8,600 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students.