Albany District School Messenger, provided by the City School District of Albany, provides options for parents and guardians, community members and school employees to receive news and updates in a variety of categories, including each school, general district news, and alerts regarding weather and other emergency updates. The School Messenger platform is slightly different for families, community and staff. To sign up, visit their website here and select your user group.
Albany International Center (AIC) In addition to the many ENL (teaching English as a New Language) supports offered in all of the Albany public schools, the District has established the Albany International Center. This is a transitional program, which serves refugee and immigrant students in grades K-12 who are in the early stages of learning English and who will benefit from targeted instruction and support in all subjects. Once students strengthen their language skills, they enter, or return to their assigned elementary, middle or high school. The average stay in the program is one to two years.
Albany Public Library (APL) With seven library branches located throughout Albany, APL is a mainstay for both children and adult education. Besides the expected offerings, APL has educational events and classes for children and adults in a wide variety of subjects.
Capital District Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN) Capital District RBERN supports ENL programs in the schools, including professional development, technical support and parent education. The NYS RBERN On-Demand is a series of videos to support ENL students in areas such as family and community engagement and social-emotional learning. Visit their website by clicking the link above to view videos. View their detailed flyer here for more information.
City School District of Albanyprovides education to students in grades K-12. The School District also has a very strong program for English Language learners, referred to as ENL. With a separate Department to support refugee and immigrant students and their families. For more information contact the English as a New Language (ENL) and Refugee Services Department by phone at (518) 475-6147.
Dual Language Program The Albany School District’s Dual Language Program (Pre-K through 5) focuses on the development of bilingualism, biliteracy and sociocultural competence. Both English- and Spanish-speaking children learn to speak, read and write in both languages as they learn all of their school subjects.
Making a Connection Program (MAC) The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – Bureau of Refugee Services administers the State-wide MAC program supports refugee youth ages 15-24 in their educational and vocational goals. (See: )
USCRI-Albany administers the MAC program in the Capital Region. Refugee youth interested in the program and adults who would like to volunteer as mentors can call the USCRI-Albany office at (518) 459-1790.
MAC Academy Curriculum: The curriculum for the MAC provides educational and career development lessons in easy-to-understand English. Click the MAC Academy Curriculum link above to download and print lessons.
New York State Migrant Education Program was established in 1975 to help school districts in New York State meet the unique needs of migrant children. Migrant program staff provide academic support including one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, home based academic assistance, and ESL services. In addition, staff provide outreach programs which include: PASS Program, Summer Leadership Conference, Career Retreats, English Language Immersion Project, and the College Assisted Migrant Program. New York State Migrant Education Program staff also provide advocacy related services to migrant students.
Refugee Welcome Center in West Hill (RWC) RWC provides a variety of educational programs including English Language classes for adults, tutoring for school students and community events. For more information, call (518) 603-7608 or contact RWC through its website here.
Troy City School District provides education to students in grades K-12. Contact the central office at (518) 328-5052 for more information.
Watervliet City School District provides education to students in grades K-12. Contact the Superintendent’s Office at (518) 629-3200.
Welcome to Our Schools This program, developed by the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) Office of Refugee Services is designed to help refugee children transition into their new schools in New York. It is art of the National Refugee School Impact Program, funded by the United States Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Included below are some downloadable brochures designed to support refugee students, parents, and school staff.
WMHT, The Capital Region’s Public Television Station In addition to its outstanding TV programs, WMHT provides a wealth of educational programs for children and families. Visit their website to watch the special channel for children. For resources for children and families, click here.