» The Rensselaer Gateway communities are home to outstanding institutions of higher education and a strong network of public, private and parochial elementary and secondary schools. These schools offer educational programs to fit the needs of every student in an array of disciplines, including business, the arts and education.

Early Childhood

Quality day care and preschools are readily available to help the youngest students develop a love for learning. For information, contact the New York Child Care Licensing and Information at 518.402.3038 or visit www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main.

Elementary and High Schools

Education in the area is strengthened by a public library system and communities committed to supporting quality, affordable education for their young people. Adult vocational education is available through QUESTAR from the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Many area high schools also offer continuing education for adults. There are a number of private technical and trade schools in our area. Troy is also home to The Emma Willard School, a distinguished and internationally known private secondary school with an impressive roster of women graduates.

Troy area school districts have the advantage of close connections with three higher education institutions: Hudson Valley Community College; Russell Sage College and The Sage Colleges Schools of Education and Health Sciences; and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.The New York State Theatre Institute and Academy for Character Education reside on the Sage campus.Each of the colleges has multiple connections with the city's elementary, middle and secondary schools, from electronic classroom links to opportunities for high school students toenroll in college courses.Inthe Tech Valley environment of the CapitalRegion, many of the college-school partnerships focus on enhancing student preparation and interest in math, science and technology fields.

Tech Valley High School: Educating for the Future

2007 marked the inaugural year for Tech Valley High School, the state's first regional school with an emphasis on math, science and technology. The initiative is the result of ongoing cooperative efforts among public, private, educational and business representatives, and was developed in partnership by Capital Region BOCES and RCG BOCES / Questar III. The school, which will open its doors in the fall at the MapInfo building at the Rensselaer Technology Park, offers students project-based, hands-on learning experiences. Students will be educated in core subjects, such as Math, Science, and more while focusing on emerging technologies. A pilot program will consist of 50 ninth graders, with a larger, permanent school scheduled to be established by 2008, co-located on a business campus.

Since state legislation first approved Tech Valley High School in 2005, the school's progress has moved steadily forward, and has included financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of the team that has introduced this academic initiative to the business community and looks forward to its continued role in this cooperative effort.

Colleges and Universities

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, located in Troy, is recognized as one of the leading scientific and technological institutes in the world, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can begin their college career at Hudson Valley Community College, a highly regarded, two-year community college featuring strong programs in technology, arts and business. The Sage Colleges, with campuses in Troy and Albany, stress liberal arts and business education and offer undergraduate and graduate level degrees. The State University at Albany offers nine schools and colleges on three campuses with undergraduate, graduate and masters programs. The university also operates a business incubator program at its East Campus.

The Capital Region is home to many other recognized colleges including Albany Law School, Albany Medical College, Albany College of Pharmacy, Excelsior College, Siena College in Loudonville, Skidmore College in Saratoga, State University of New York at Albany and Union College in Schenectady.