Bethlehem Central School District > Academics

Academics

Well-known throughout the Capital Region for its exemplary and innovative educational programs, BC is dedicated to preparing students to meet success in the classroom today and in the opportunities they will find tomorrow. Bethlehem’s schools have been ranked #1 among Albany area school districts many times and are consistently among the top performing schools in the Capital Region and across the state. BC enjoys the support of active, involved residents who recognize their schools as the heart of their community.

Academic Accolades

  • In 2022, District was ranked the number one school district in the Capital Region by the Albany Business Review. It was the sixth year in a row the district earned the honor.
  • In 2021, Bethlehem Central High School earned an A+ rating from Niche, an online research and review publication. Niche also ranked BCHS as the number one high school in the Capital Region and #65 of 1,243 public high schools in New York state. 
  • In 2019, the Bethlehem Central School District was ranked number five in academics among more than 600 upstate New York school districts by Business First. 
  • In 2014, the high school earned a GOLD rating from US News & World Report on their “Best High Schools” list. Out of more than 19,400 high schools, Bethlehem ranked #421 in the nation, #49 in New York state and #173 in STEM nationally.

Academics Overview

Bethlehem Central offers a K-12 program designed to promote the academic and personal development of all students. In our schools, students can take advantage of:

  • Unique, locally developed courses such as digital electronics, science research, and ecology and field biology
  • About a dozen Advanced Placement courses available to High School students each year
  • The EXCEL program, an interdisciplinary program that uses team teaching to meet the needs of students who benefit from smaller classes and an emphasis on skill development
  • Early Learning Focus, an array of prevention and early intervention programs to help our youngest students stay on track for success
  • A house plan and team structure at the Middle School that makes a large school feel smaller
  • Strong support for the arts, with art instruction and music classes and lessons beginning in the elementary grades
  • BCHS’ Lab School, a “school-within-a-school” that focuses on interdisciplinary instruction, teamwork, and a project-based curriculum to provide an alternative high school experience for students
  • Second language instruction beginning in grade 6
  • Accelerated math courses available to students beginning in Grade 6
  • Vocational and career education opportunities provided by the district and BOCES
  • A new High School Virtual Arts Center that combines writing, technology, and graphic design courses to create a state-of-the-art studio right in our High School
  • Academic Intervention Services in major subjects, providing extra instruction to students who need it
  • A three-season interscholastic athletic program offering students opportunities to compete in more than 20 sports
  • Library Lab, a computer science enrichment program for elementary students
  • Dozens of extracurricular clubs and activities, ranging from a literary magazine and several theater groups to Student Senate and Peer Helpers