Magnet elementary open houses this week

Smiling girl writes on paper with a marker

Explore unique schools open to all Albany children at virtual magnet elementary open houses this week.

In addition to outstanding neighborhood schools, the City School District of Albany offers families a variety of unique elementary school choices: three themed magnet schools and a bilingual Spanish-English program. Check them out at these virtual open houses.

Monday, Jan. 25 – 6 p.m.

Albany School of Humanities (ASH)

Pre-K-grade 6 • (518) 475-6575 • 108 Whitehall Road

ASH views education through a humanities lens, meaning students learn through lessons in art, music, theater and visual arts. This focus is incorporated daily across all subject areas.

The link to ASH's open house will be available here at 5:50 p.m. Make sure to refresh your browser if you don't see the link.


Tuesday, Jan. 26 – 5 p.m.

Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST)

Pre-K-grade 6 • (518) 475-6875 • Lincoln Park

At TOAST, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) are integrated across all subject areas. Students use curiosity, discovery, observation, problem-solving, inquiry and creativity to reach their educational goals.

TOAST's open house will feature a video presentation at 5 p.m. followed by a live Q & A session at 5:30 p.m. The link will be available here at 4:50 p.m. 


Wednesday, Jan. 27 – 6 p.m.

Montessori Magnet School

Pre-K-grade 5 • (518) 475-6675 • 45 Tremont St.

Montessori seeks to educate students in a way that incorporates all five senses, creates a warm and inviting community and encourages students to give their best efforts.

Access the virtual event here.


Thursday, Jan. 28 – 6 p.m.

Bilingual Dual Language Program at Delaware Community School

Pre-K-grade 5 • (518) 475-6750 • 43 Bertha St.

Children enter this unique program speaking either English or Spanish, and they leave speaking, reading and writing in both!

Link to this event.


Magnet schools are open to children throughout Albany, and admission is determined through two lotteries: one for prekindergarteners and one for older students.

Families need to apply for the lotteries, which both will be held March 17. Magnet lottery applications (for kindergarten and above) must be received by Feb. 17. Pre-K lottery applications will be available Feb. 1 and must be received by March 5.

Learn more and complete an online application.