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

  • Bethlehem’s schools were ranked #1 among Albany area school districts seven years in a row by the Albany Business Review;
  • In 2024, the Bethlehem Central School District was ranked the #1 school district in the Albany area, #30 in New York state and #158 in the nation by Niche.com;
  • Niche.com also ranked Bethlehem #52 in the U.S. for Districts with the Best Teachers in America.
  • In 2024, Bethlehem Central High School was rated the top high school in the Albany metro area in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools list. The school was #795 in the publication’s national rankings of more than 24,000 high schools across the country.
  • Since 2022, the high school has had 11 National Merit Scholars, 28 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and 38 students who received letters of commendation.

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