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From local driving ranges to professional tours and a patented technology used by top golfers worldwide, Albany Academy alumnus Richard “Dick” Weiss built a career defined by innovation, persistence, and a lifelong passion for the game. He credits the discipline, work ethic, and confidence he developed at The Albany Academy with helping him navigate both personal challenges and the determination required to bring his groundbreaking SST PURE technology to the sport.

Adam Penrose '02, P'39 embodies the Albany Academy spirit as a true lifer, starting as a student in 1989, returning as a coach and teacher in 2007, and now as a parent, watching his daughter Riley follow in his footsteps as a Pre-K student. 

Mr. Penrose centers his teaching on movement for both the body and mind, finding particular joy in teaching students to skate. "That first day, some kids have tears in their eyes and are unsure of themselves. To see how far they come in such a short time is amazing each and every year."

Learn more about what Mr. Penrose would be doing if he wasn't a teacher, and what it was like to have Academy's Thanksgiving lunch with his daughter.

Mrs. Eve Whelchel's fourth grade dance students impressed world-renowned dancer Lil Buck with their thoughtful study of his work—so much so that he joined them for a virtual Q&A session.

Tim Fitzmaurice P'34 didn't plan on becoming a teacher (he was actively discouraged from it) but a single classroom moment during his first semester as a graduate TA changed everything. Now, as Upper School English Faculty and Director of the Writing Center, Mr. Fitzmaurice engages students by launching new ideas each year and blending unexpected elements like stand-up poetry into his teaching.

The nominations are in and Albany Academy has made it to the voting round of the Times Union's "Best of the Capital Region" competition!

For the first time ever, "Best Private School" is a category, and we need your help to bring this recognition home to the Capital Region's first and finest independent school.

How You Can Help

Voting is open now through March 4 and can be done once a day! 

Vote Now for Albany Academy

Share this with fellow families, alumnae/i, and anyone who believes in the power of exceptional education. Every vote counts!

Since 1998, Laura Stevens has created nurturing environments where young learners feel safe to explore, take risks, and shine. As a Pre-K teacher and proud parent of two Albany Academy graduates, she embodies the care and commitment that define our school.

Read her Faculty Feature to learn what inspires her teaching and why she believes every child deserves to feel valued and supported.

“Questions! I love starting a class or a new unit with a really powerful question that makes students really think about it.”

Middle School history teacher and proud Academy parent Mrs. Alexandra Mitsios P’32, ’32, helps students understand why studying early American history matters and how it shapes the world they live in today. Read her Faculty Feature to learn what she might have pursued if she weren’t a teacher and what it feels like to witness students grow and pursue their academic dreams.

Thomas “TJ” Conti ’97, P'34, '35 built a successful career on Wall Street before returning to the Capital Region to pursue entrepreneurship, family life, and service to Albany Academy. A partner in Cardona’s Market and several Manhattan restaurants, and the founder of a coffee and vending business, Conti credits Academy with preparing him for demanding academics, leadership, and balance. Today, he gives back as a parent, coach, and alumnus, blending business acumen with a deep commitment to community.