Niskayuna High School

Highly overrated. The teachers hands are held due to state regs. Quality of education has gone down the toilet. Bullying is ignored far and wide and the kids are horrible to each other. Nobody does anything to stop it. It's all smoke and mirrors. Don't buy into it.
—Submitted by a parent

Niskayuna schools is like many high caliber public schools. It is excellent and offers one the best public school curriculum around. It cannot be everything to everyone. If your child is among the top and is ambitious, it is a great place with plenty of challenging offerings. If your child is seriously struggling and is among the lower percentile, he/she will get great services and attention. If your child is somewhere in the middle (depending on where), he/she will get lost in the shuffle. Contrary to those who are disillusioned by the music dept, I find the music dept to be excellent and committed. Of course the better caliber music students should get accolades. I don't see this as a problem. There should be some semblance of meritocracy. Above all, the student body exhibits great acceptance of uniqueness. Students are quite considerate toward each other. It's a great environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Highly overrated. I have found with both of my children that the competition and emphasis on the 'ivy' track destroyed their joy of learning. Both of my children are intelligent kids who did well, but whose love of school was extinguished when they walked through the door. Contrary to the previous reviewer - the music dept is not dedicated to teaching all kids, but to the accolades they receive from showcasing the chosen few. We won't be sending our youngest to Nisky High - we've learned our lesson twice over. Shameful.
—Submitted by a parent

Man, forget all of that. Niskayuna is just an average school. It us just a suburban school that has little to no diversity. Schools like Schenectady High School are more diverse, just like the real world.
—Submitted by a student

Consistently ranked one of the top school districts in the Albany area, Niskayuna HS offers tremendous learning opportunities to its entire student population, resulting in a high level of college attendance among its graduates. Most school districts will cut art/music programs when budgets are tight but Niskayuna has an outstanding music program whose ensembles achieve gold and silver consistently in local NYSSMA competitions. This is mainly due to the commitment demonstrated by the dedicated and talented staff, parents who care about education, and students who understand the value of a solid education.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school! The teachers are some of the best you will ever find in public schools, the classes are generally interesting, and the atmosphere completely supports all academic pursuits. There is an air of open-mindedness in which students are free to explore their interests and take learning to the next level.
—Submitted by a student

Academic programs are exceptional, and students excel in areas of music and art. Good sports programs and many outside activities available. I personally love it as a member of the town.
—Submitted by a student

Although the student to teacher ratio is higher than in past years, that has not changed the almost unprecedented level of academic achievement that this school offers. Without doubt, this is the best public high school in the region, based solely on academic results. In addition to this, the extracurricular activities offered are varied and interesting. There are several bands, orchestras and choirs, many clubs and groups, and of course, a wide choice of sporting activities. The facilities are excellent, with several sporting fields, a new track and bleachers, weights room, and pool.
—Submitted by a parent