Home » Academics

Academics

Elementary Academics | Middle School Academics | High School Academics | Grade Promotion and Placement Policy | Future-Ready Pathways | NYS Next Generation Learning Standards | Title I: Parents’ Right to Know

Elementary Academics

The district’s three elementary schools pride themselves on having an educational program that allows every student to grow and succeed. In addition to favorable class sizes, dedicated staff and active parents, each school offers a variety of programs that incorporate the skills students need for success throughout their education.

Elementary School program highlights:

image of student smiling in classroom at Abram Lansing School

back to top

Middle School Academics

Work hard. Be Nice.

Cohoes Middle School strives to promote academic achievement while fostering students’ social and emotional growth. To accomplish this, the middle school has a team-teaching approach, combined with strong counseling and support.

Middle School Program Highlights:

back to top

High School Academics

The wide variety of programs and opportunities available to Cohoes High School ensure students become well-rounded individuals who are college and career ready.

High School Program Highlights:

A high school student works diligently in class.

back to top

Grade Promotion and Placement Policy

Decisions about student promotion and placement are at the discretion of the building principal. These decisions are guided by recommendations of teachers and staff members, past academic performance, and parent/guardian input. Past academic performance refers to a variety of indicators of student achievement and growth. Promotion and placement decisions are not based solely on student performance on New York state assessments in grades 3-8 English language arts or mathematics. The district’s promotion and placement policy was adopted by the Board of Education following a review by the district administration.

Grade Level/ClassUnits of Credit Required for Promotion
Grade 9Freshman Promotion from 8th Grade
Grade 105
Grade 11/Junior11
Grade 12/Senior16

back to top

Academics Links

Academics & Curriculum Office

Interim Assistant Superintendent:
Dr. Tim Mundell
Secretary to Assistant Superintendent:
Christa Vasto

Phone: (518) 237-0100

Future-Ready Pathways

The district’s Future-Ready Pathways program gives students an opportunity to graduate with a Regents diploma and an associate’s degree over the course of four years.

The program, which is funded by the New York State Education Department’s Smart Transfer grant, is a collaboration between the district, Hudson Valley Community College and the University at Albany. Twenty-five eighth grade students are selected annually to participate. They have the option to choose one of four career exploration pathways:

  • Computers, Engineering and Technology
  • Health Science and Human Services
  • Early Childhood and Adolescent Education
  • Business and Communications

Our Future-Ready students can earn up to 60 college credits before graduation, all at no cost to families.

Students must submit an online application to enroll in the program. They must also have an 80 percent overall average, write two essays and provide teacher references to be considered. Once enrolled, they are expected to attend summer classes and participate in extended learning time after school.

NYS Next Generation Learning Standards

In September 2017, the Board of Regents adopted the Next Generation Learning Standards in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. These standards replace the controversial Common Core Learning Standards and will be rolled out slowly over the next few years in order to provide adequate time for professional development and curriculum design.

New York State’s Next Generation Learning Standards detail what students should know and be able to do at each grade level; they do not require school districts to follow any specific curriculum.

Title I – Parents’ Right to Know

As a parent of a student in the Cohoes City School District, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teacher(s) who instructs your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teacher(s). Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teacher(s):

  • Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides the instruction;
  • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
  • The teacher’s college major and whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degree.
  • Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

To obtain the above information please email Superintendent Peggy O’Shea or call the District Office at (518) 237-0100.