Which school district do you recommend. (Albany, Colonie: home, neighborhoods, safe)

[mpk6]

So we're moving to the area and our realtor sends us the school reports on area schools. We have narrowed it down, but at this point we can't really "see" a difference between the schools. I plan to come and visit the schools soon, but would love your personal opinions. My girls are going into the 10th grade and the 6th grade. The schools we have narrowed it down to are: Bethlehem, Guilderland, Niskayuna, and North Colonie.

[ckhthankgod]

Are there specific things that you look for in a school or community?

[mpk6]

My girls both play high level soccer and basketball and do well in school. They like to be active in clubs and feel safe walking or biking to their school activities. They are both in their schools student council, music programs, and plays. They have sweet friends, not the snobby, talk back to you kind that too many people are raising these days. I would rather avoid putting them in an environment where the majority of the kids feel entitled or where the most popular past time is drugs, sex, etc. I will be working in Albany and I don't have too much concern about my commute. I work crazy, odd hours so I rarely drive during the normal rush hour periods. Its more important to me that we find them a good school district. On paper, the schools look very similar. Would love any additional information.

[hock41]

You really can't go wrong with that list. Those schools are pretty much the best public schools in the area.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by hock41

You really can't go wrong with that list. Those schools are pretty much the best public schools in the area.

Basically and you don't mind more small town/rural areas, you can add Voorheesville.

[Fearringtonflash]

Stillwater is also worth a look

[PolandSprings]

I would not add Stillwater or Voorheesville to your list. I left the area several years ago, but still have family in both areas. They do not compare.

[mpk6]

Thank you all for your input.

[ckhthankgod]

You may want to look at this: 2012 Albany Area school district rankings - Business First

I wonder what is wrong with Voorheesville, given that it is up there academically with the 4 SD's the OP mentioned?

[j12308]

I honestly think that on paper you may not see a difference. But if you are visiting the area, drive around the various neighborhoods within each of those districts, then get a tour of each middle & high school. You will get a sense of which place you like, whether it's a house, a neighborhood, or the school; something will sway your opinion. I was recently in Delmar, the Bethlehem district, and I enjoyed seeing how many kids/teens were walking home from school, the small downtown seemed busy with people and traffic. It was cute. I grew up in Nisky, I like the Old Nisky part that is walkable. Colonie, the Shaker district has a great reputation, but I don't know that many parts are walkable. Guilderland, I'm not sure. When we looked for a home, we looked in all of the place you are looking except Colonie, I HAD to have an old home. Good luck!