Public and Private School Choices
Summer School Programs
Graduation Requirements
After School Activities


Public and Private School Choices

The Tech-Valley Region is unique in offering a wide array of public and private school options. In the Capital Region alone, there are twenty-one accredited independent schools and twenty-six public school districts. There is a long-standing partnership between public and private education in the state of NY. Students at independent schools enjoy the same benefits of public transportation, availability of texts, access to library resources, special education and remedial services as any other student in the state of NY. The general ease with which students can move between public and private educational opportunities is a hallmark of the ongoing cooperative relationship among public and private schools in New York State. Families have options of selecting residence and schools in rural, suburban or urban settings.

Graduation Requirements

The Board of Regents has implemented a standardized testing process for all public high school students to graduate with a “Regents Diploma”. This policy currently requires high school students to receive a passing grade on five different Regents exams. Students who entered the 9th grade in 2000 are required to get a passing score of 55 on two of the Regents exams and a 65 on the 3 other Regents. Students who entered the 9th grade on or after September 2001 will be required to obtain a 65 passing grade on each of the five exams.

The vast majority of students at member schools of the NY State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) do not pursue Regent’s Diplomas and students are not required to sit for Regent’s exams as part of their graduation requirements. These college-preparatory schools often offer their own exit examinations and particular requirements that are individual to the school. These standards meet or exceed Regents requirements.

Most independent schools follow courses of study similar to their public school counterparts. For example, standard curricula in independent schools require 4 years of English, 3-4 years of history, 3-4 years of mathematics, 2-4 years of Modern Languages, 3-4 years of Science and usually require credits in fine arts, music or performing arts, technology and physical education. There are a wide array of elective opportunities for students in both public and independent settings, including Advanced Placement courses or their equivalent.

Summer School Programs

Summer school options are available in many area schools throughout the Capital region. These programs have been developed to address a variety of student needs, which are as follows:

• At the middle school and high school level to re-take those courses in which students may not have been successful during the year
• Acceleration so that a student may complete a course requirement at the high school level thus permitting more scheduling flexibility during the subsequent school year
• Transition activities for students moving from one level to another (i.e., elementary to middle school or middle school to high school)
• Remedial in nature so that student skills continue to be developed and reinforced during July and August
• Special education as defined by a student's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
• Enrichment activities with high interest levels for children to remain support and enhance instructional opportunities.

Generally, summer school programs begin in early July and conclude in mid-August, particularly when New York State Regents examinations are involved. The best way to learn more about a school's summer school programs is to contact its main office directly or check the school or district website for additional listings and details.

After School Activities

The K – 12th grade schools in the Tech Valley region offer after school activities for their students. The younger students may take advantage of after school care supervised by a trained staff. Older students may participate in extracurricular activities (drama, yearbook, debate, etc.) or sports programs. The school district or parents parents provide transportation. Each school will have a specific program and would be pleased to forward the information to you.