Welcome to the Guilderland Central School District community
The Guilderland Central School District, which is located adjacent to the city of Albany, encompasses most of the town of Guilderland and part of the towns of Knox, New Scotland and Bethlehem. Spread over approximately 60 square miles, the district offers all types of neighborhood living, from older, traditional homes to suburban housing developments to farms.
District Mission
To inspire all students to be active life-long learners, able to achieve their highest potential in a demanding and ever-changing global community.
District Vision
We will provide for all a safe and welcoming environment, where students, parents and staff are joined in the pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth. Thus, we shall provide a rich and rigorous education for all learners that, upon graduation, they are poised, capable and ready to meet the developments, challenges and opportunities of their future.
District Overview
Guilderland’s academic program is recognized as one of the best and most challenging in the Capital District. A rich array of basic goals and outcomes provides focus for the schools’ efforts.
There are five elementary schools — Altamont, Guilderland, Lynnwood, Pine Bush and Westmere — Farnsworth Middle School and Guilderland High School.
Guilderland’s elementary school program develops students’ confidence in themselves as learners, instills a love of learning and a desire to learn and develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for students to communicate effectively, understand the world about them and participate effectively in a democratic society.
At Farnsworth Middle School, students build on this foundation as they continue their educational growth. All students enroll in a second language (French, German, Italian or Spanish) in sixth grade and upon successful completion of the class and a proficiency exam, can earn a high school credit. Students who qualify may enroll in Regents-level math and science courses in eighth grade. Farnsworth Middle School also offers one section of Accelerated Studio in Art for students who qualify. Middle school students develop the competence and confidence necessary to explore and refine their individual interests. Students are currently organized into four “houses”—- Hiawatha, Mohawk, Seneca, and Tawasentha—and in grade level teams within each house.
Guilderland High School provides a comprehensive and challenging program that ensures that students will be successful in advanced educational studies, the work force or other post-graduate plans. High school and college level courses provide students with many opportunities to develop and hone their skills, attitudes, and knowledge. Students may strive to obtain a major in any of the academic areas, elective disciplines such as art or music, or in occupational studies. They may earn AP and/or college credit in each major discipline.
Guilderland teachers are committed to and knowledgeable in their disciplines, believe in their students and are dedicated to their students’ success.
Are you new to Guilderland?
The community offers a number of advantages:
- Close proximity to the NYS Capitol and state government buildings, including the New York State Museum and the Empire State Performing Arts Center.
- Abundant opportunities for recreational activities with the YMCA as a Guilderland focal point. Outdoor sports such as hiking, skiing, biking, tennis, golf, swimming, boating and more may be enjoyed close to home or within a short drive to many nearby mountains, rivers and lakes.
- An array of shopping venues both within the district and close by, from small boutiques to large-scale shopping malls.
- Home of the University at Albany, and close to many other prestigious colleges and universities such as Union College, Siena College, RPI, The Sage Colleges, The College of Saint Rose, Albany Law School and Albany Medical College.
- High tech research firms such as Sematech, Tokyo Electronics Ltd. (TEL), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and GLOBALFOUNDRIES are locating in our region.
- Only a half-hour from historic Saratoga Springs, with its horse racing, health spas and summer performances by the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Also, Proctor’s Theatre in nearby Schenectady offers the best in off-Broadway productions.
- Within four hours of Boston, three hours away from New York City, and two hours from the heart of the majestic Adirondack Mountains.
For more district-wide information, check out the quick links posted to the “More Information” box, at the top (right) of this page.