The Albany Academy the Albany Academy Has Been Preparing Students for College and Leadership for Over 200 Preparing Students for Years
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INSPIRING STUDENTS TO CREATE THE FUTURE. The Albany Academy The Albany Academy has been preparing students for college and leadership for over 200 preparing students for years. In that time the definition college and leadership of “preparatory” has changed quite a bit—one thing that is certain is that it will continue to change. Today, we’re educating in new ways for the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead. Soft skills such as leadership, collaboration, creative-thinking and adapt- ability will be critical for success. Many of these skills have been hallmarks of an Academy education. We’re now employing new methods to teach them. Active-learning allows students to work in teams, creatively applying what they know to solve problems. Students are on fire in this realm of learning. Combined with traditional academics and individual mentoring, these are the features of a complete education and one that will provide your child with an edge over other students. We live in an age of ceaseless innovation where the future belongs to those who create it. Allow us to find the passion within your son and help him become a successful leader in the 21st century. The Lower School PRESCHOOL - GRADE 4 The Lower School program focuses on reading, writing, listening and speaking through a project-based curriculum. Students develop a love for learning while building confidence, communication skills and responsibility. It’s been proven that boys and girls learn in different ways. Our Students learn in small classes Lower School is a single-gender environment where boys can learn where teachers are able to give in a positive, supportive setting. Teachers are devoted exclusively to each boy the individual attention educating boys and helping them become confident, independent he needs to become a confdent, thinkers. successful learner. At this age individual attention is especially important. Our small class size makes it possible for faculty and staff to focus on each student in a way that isn’t possible in most schools. This individual focus lets the teacher determine the strengths and talents of each boy and develop a strategy for him to learn in a way best suited to his individual characteristics. giving students the freedom to explore and ask questions instilling confidence and the desire to learn Boys beneft greatly from a single-gender setting where The Middle School there are fewer distractions. GRADES 5-8 Strong bonds are formed with teachers and classmates in a supportive, family A supportive environment and tight-knit community provide our Middle environment. School boys a space to learn where teachers know each individual student. Small classes and an inclusive culture that encourages participation means that no student will “fall through the cracks.” The curriculum is based on collabo- rative projects where students work in teams, taking on teaching and learning roles while developing proficiency in a variety of subjects. Topics are explored across a broad range of disciplines, giving students multiple ways to connect with the material. As students learn about the subject—core skills such as read- ing, writing, listening, speaking and critical thinking are all developed. Teachers are supportive, but are also there to challenge students— encouraging them to take on leadership roles, which further develops their ability to work with others and builds self-confidence and self-esteem. RENEWABLE ENERGY ALBANY PROJECT INDEPENDENT ROCKETRY/ROBOTICS Engineers provide guidance Students work with the PROJECT This program teaches and mentorship to the Albany Institute of History Students choose a topic students how to design stuDents while they build and Art and a local author they’re passionate about, and build rockets and winD turbines in class and to learn about and create research it for three months, robots. Students participate participate in local and pieces focused on Albany and give a presentation at in local and statewide national tournaments. history. the end of the year. competitions. ACTIVE LEARNING Through the Academies’ unique “blend at the end” junior and senior years are co-ed, giving students access to a broad choice of advanced courses. HONORS PROJECT The Upper School An opportunity to research a GRADES 9-12 subject on a very deep level. Students develop their own work plan and are guided by A rigorous college preparatory program is the center of the Upper School experience faculty along the way. which includes academics, athletics, the arts and community service. ACTIVE LEARNING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Teaching diferent ways to lead Beginning in ninth grade, students receive guidance in choosing academic courses is at the center of this required in which they will be challenged and successful. Advanced Placement and Honors program. Recognizing that not everyone is comfortable courses, independent study projects and internships allow students to pursue in traditional leadership roles, students explore broader ideas advanced-level work and further explore personal interests. of how to lead. Grades 11 & 12 provide a broader curriculum that allows us to offer a wide array DECLAMATIONS of AP courses and electives, and gives students the chance to take part in co-ed classes. Students write and present a speech on a topic that’s A superior curriculum and stellar faculty help Academy students become critical, personally important to them. creative and independent thinkers. Students and teachers alike benefit from the Winners of each class present to the entire Upper School. combined synergy that is generated in this exciting environment. building skills for the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead How will your son benefit from an Academy education? Personal Attention Strong Academics Active Learning Your child will never fall We offer a strong college An innovative curriculum through the cracks. Each preparatory education that builds skills that complement student is known to every includes several language what students learn in the faculty and staff member and courses and advanced level classroom. Experiential and faculty advisors are routinely classes. Our Middle and Upper internship opportunities such engaged with your son, school students consistently as May Projects and Honors beginning in Middle School, receive top honors in regional Projects give them valuable to learn about his goals. science and math competitions. real-life experiences. And our Small classes and individual Graduates are fully prepared to Leadership Program fosters attention are our hallmark. take on rigorous work at the creative thinking and introduc- most selective colleges. es them to accomplished alumni and alumnae. Single-Gender Character Education Education isn’t just about Boys and girls learn differently. books and numbers. At the Our unique single-gender Academy we pride ourselves approach with a “blend at the on the development of each end” allows for the necessary student’s personal charac- differences in teaching that ter. We teach qualities such our students require. Know- as integrity, compassion, ing how to teach to both boys perseverance, and honor. and girls, distinctly, is what Service learning is woven makes us great at what we do. into our programs because it’s important to be aware of the world around us to impact change. Well-Rounded Passionate Faculty Inclusive Environment The arts, athletics and commu- Our teachers teach because The Academy is a close, nity service are all important they love it. They love their tight-knit community where aspects of every student’s subject, they love their students boys of all ages feel a sense education. There are clubs and but they especially love the of belonging. Respect and extracurricular activities for freedom to teach to the student acceptance are taught and practically every interest—plus and not to the test. By not expected. We embrace racial, 13 Varsity sports teams. And having such contraints our ethnic, physical, religious and our global education initiative faculty have produced students socioeconomic differences broadens students’ worldview who consistently average 40 and value how they make our through guest speakers, cultural points higher on the SATs than community stronger. exchanges, and group trips. public school students in the Tech Valley region. FAST FACTS Enrollment: 830 students (The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls) More than 40% of students receive tuition assistance Student/Faculty ratio: 6 to 1 Average class size: 14 students Nearly 100% of our teachers hold degrees in the subjects they teach, compared with 25% nationally Languages ofered: Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish 13 Boys Varsity Sports teams 100% of Middle School and Upper School students participate in athletics Lower, Middle and Upper School students participate in the performing arts Middle School students consistently receive top honors in regional science competitions More than 30 clubs available to Upper School students Upper School students required to participate in an innovative Leadership Program Advising program for students in Grades 5-12 recognized as being unique in the region Students and faculty participate in two Community Service Days annually that help beneft more than 30 nonproft organizations Seniors are required to participate in internship and experiential educational opportunities in felds in which they are interested Nearly 100% of our graduates matriculate directly into four-year colleges and universities 50-acre campus with newly refurbished facilities including, the Dining and Events Center, Auditorium, and The Michael B. Picotte Field House Extensive summer camp programs for Pre-K through 10th grade 200 years of rich history and access to an active alumni and alumnae network OUR MISSION Who We Are The Albany Academies— The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls—develop capable and confident students through single-gender education in the Lower and Middle School, and through coordinate education in the Upper School. What We Do Employing individualized and positive education, The Albany Academies provide students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for leadership and success in the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead.