Albany High Academy Lottery
You can also download a pdf of the print application and view an overview in Google Slides.
Applications are available now for the Albany High School lottery that determines academy placement in the 2026-27 school year.
Please note that all current district eighth-graders will have the opportunity to learn about the high school and complete the application with their school counselors, so no action is required for district families.
Private, parochial and charter school families in the city who would like to enroll their current eighth-grader in the lottery must be sure to complete an application by Nov. 14, 2025.
The lottery will be held Dec. 11, 2025.
Albany High has four academies, each with its own theme: Citizenship, Discovery Innovation and Leadership. These physically smaller learning environments are designed to help students feel connected, involved and engaged. Students are assigned to each academy through a lottery they are encouraged to enter.
The application asks students to decide which academy they would prefer to attend by ranking their first, second, third and fourth choices.
Enrollment in each academy is capped to help balance the student body across the four academies.
For each academy, the lottery will randomly select 175 students who listed that academy as their first choice on the application. Remaining seats available in that academy then will be randomly filled with students who selected it as their second, third or fourth choice.
Students who do not enter the lottery by the application deadline are assigned randomly across the four academies.
What all academies share
All the academies offer the same core classes in English, math, science and social studies, and students generally take those courses in the academy to which they are assigned.
While all students will be assigned to an academy, they also can take part in our outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
In addition, students have the opportunity to take Albany High’s acclaimed Advanced Placement courses in all four academies as well as University in the High School classes.
Honors, Special Education classes and English as a New Language classes are available in every academy.
Classes in physical education, band, orchestra, chorus, art and health include students from all academies.
Citizenship Academy
Citizenship Academy may be of interest to students considering careers in social services, human services, culinary arts, nutrition, health and wellness, education, government, international relations or language translation and interpretation.
Citizenship Academy allows students to become globally aware as they learn about environmental, social, cultural, political and economic relations that affect our world. Students are provided with the skills to navigate and embrace cultural differences.
Citizenship Academy students will learn about global awareness in world language courses such as Chinese, French and Spanish. Their awareness of civil and social responsibility will grow in JROTC, health sciences, child psychology, food and nutrition and food sciences.
Choose Citizenship Academy to prepare for academic, professional and social success as a productive global citizen.
Discovery Academy
Discovery Academy may be of interest to students considering careers in acting, computer animation, directing, script writing, fashion, graphic arts, music, photography, videography or web design.
Discovery Academy allows students to explore courses that will provide them with the 21st century skills necessary to be successful in the digital information world. The academy also allows students to fine tune and discover their creative side.
Discovery Academy students will learn about information, media and technology in their courses. Their communication and collaboration skills will soar as they participate in the award-winning Theatre Ensemble. Students will have a chance to further explore their creative sides in photography, fashion, cosmetology, barbering and music.
Choose Discovery Academy to prepare for some of the most creative and artistic careers in performing arts and communication.
Innovation Academy
Innovation Academy may be of interest to students considering careers in chemistry, computer programming, engineering, forensics, technology, automotive work or construction.
Innovation Academy allows students to explore courses in science, technology and engineering in order to help students succeed in today’s challenging and competitive world.
Innovation Academy students will learn how we interact with the complexity of the natural universe on a daily basis and how technology shapes our everyday lives. Students also can explore how engineering provides us with the thinking to innovate, create and invent, tackling the challenges of a growing society.
Choose Innovation Academy to prepare for some of the most in-demand and fastest-growing careers in information technology, science and engineering.
Leadership Academy
Leadership Academy may be of interest to students considering careers in business management, finance or entrepreneurship.
Leadership Academy allows students to explore courses that prepare them to build the intellect and ethics required to become productive leaders in the business field.
Leadership Academy also aligns student interests with job-shadowing or internship opportunities that fit their career choices.
Leadership Academy students will explore courses in career and financial management, computer applications, web design, sports and entertainment management, business law and accounting.
Choose Leadership Academy to prepare for the fast-paced, rewarding and lucrative careers in business, finance and management.
Have questions?
For questions about Albany High and its academies, please call (518) 475-6200.
For questions related to the mechanics of the lottery, please call (518) 475-6551.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.