MEET THE DIRECTORS

"We hold high expectations for the nurturing and education of all of our students. As professional educators, it is our responsibility to evaluate our students and report to parents in an effective manner. We look forward to working with your child in the Lower School at the Academies!" Susan Rimkunas AAG Preschool through Grade 8 Director (518) 429-2300 rimkunas@albanyacademies.org

"The Lower School at The Albany Academy focuses on individualized and differentiated instruction. This process affords us the ability to identify student strengths, as well as areas of opportunity for growth. Our focus is on creating strong young men who are prepared to take on new challenges and succeed in life." Jeffrey Brown AA Pre-K through Grade 8 Director (518) 429-2300 brownj@albanyacademies.org

LOWER SCHOOL

The Lower School program (Preschool through Grade 4) at The Albany Academies takes place in an engaging single-gender environment that allows boys and girls to each develop in their own specific ways. Research indicates that boys and girls learn in very different ways -- making it crucial that faculty members know how to teach specifically to each gender. Our Lower School program takes this into account and recognizes that boys and girls have a much more varied and successful educational experience when they are free to take academic risks in gender-specific classrooms. Dedicated teachers who know their students facilitate a supportive and positive environment where children are challenged as they reach their full potential.

Our Lower School program is focused on reading, writing, listening and speaking, and recognizes that each child has his/her own unique personality and special talents. Literacy and math students engage in project-based, experiential learning that builds confidence, communication skills and responsibility. They are also introduced to the Arts & Athletics through a variety of meaningful activities and events. Our commitment to parents is to help students find their unique gifts and build upon them while also providing a well-rounded education with high standards.

At the heart of the Lower School program is a talented group of faculty members who infuse the learning process with a passion for discovery and an abundance of hands-on learning opportunities. In this vibrant world, children experience the excitement and deep satisfaction that comes from exploring new ideas and mastering new skills. Each Lower School faculty member has specialized training that allows him/her to reach each student at their own level and provide them with opportunities to grow and develop in an engaging community. Our character education program fosters responsibility, self-discipline, compassion, ingenuity, respect, service, integrity and perseverance.

Additionally, with our unique campus structure that houses students from 3 years old through Grade 12, our Lower School students receive many opportunities to learn from and interact with their older counterparts at the Academies – creating a true sense of family among the members of the Academies community.