Academics

Our district offers a K-12 program designed to promote the academic and personal development of all students. Students continually build on their skills throughout their school careers, allowing each student to discover their personal pathway to the future.

K-12 Curriculum

The district is dedicated to preparing all students for the future by providing educational programming that aligns with the New York State Department of Education Learning Standards. Read more about our K-12 Curriculum in our Curriculum Overview section

Universal Pre-Kindergarten

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten program (UPK) is a free pre-K program, funded by New York State, for four-year-old children who reside in the district. Classes are currently offered in partnership with the Saratoga Regional YMCA and Saratoga County EOC Head Start.

Academic Intervention Services

Academic Intervention Services are designed to help eligible students achieve the NYS learning standards in English language arts and mathematics. These supports may include additional small group, solo, or primary instruction that supplements the general curriculum; and/or student support services needed to address barriers to improved academic performance.

The district uses a multi-tiered system of supports to help students who are struggling and improve outcomes for all students.

School Attendance 

Our district is excited to welcome our students into our school buildings every day, and we believe that school attendance is an important factor for our students to be successful. Because daily school attendance is so crucial in student achievement, and in response to increased accountability measures under The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the District is focusing on improving student attendance at all grade levels.   

Understanding Chronic Absenteeism  

Each day a student is absent is a lost opportunity for learning. We recognize that many children miss a few days of school each year without long-term consequences. However, when they miss many days, the effects are almost always negative. The New York State Education Department classifies a student as being “chronically absent” when they miss 10 percent of school days, and it is different from truancy, which counts only unexcused absences. Students are considered chronically absent when they miss 18 school days a year for any reason. That works out to less than 2 days per month. 

Attendance Notifications 

As part of our efforts to bring awareness to the issue of chronic absenteeism and the importance of good attendance, our district is mailing letters to families if a child has missed more than ten percent of the school year.  Parents and guardians may view attendance records for students in grades 6-12 on the SchoolTool Portal at any time. 

What Can Families Do?  

We understand that students get sick, family emergencies arise, and other situations occur that make school attendance difficult, and absences are sometimes necessary. Please know that this letter is intended to keep you informed about your child’s attendance and make you aware that we are here to help. We miss your child when they are not at school, and we value their contributions to our school community. Below are a few ways you can help your child.  

  • Build regular routines for bedtime and pack backpacks the night before. 
  • Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school. 
  • Don’t permit missing school unless your child is truly sick. 
  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to school staff for advice on how to make him or her feel comfortable and excited about learning. 
  • Avoid medical appointments and vacations when school is in session. 

View the Board of Education Student Attendance Policy 5100 

Resources: 

Grade Promotion and Placement Policy

View the district’s Promotion and Retention of Students policy.