A Guide to Schools in the Adirondacks

by Brooks Reynolds on March 29, 2022

The Adirondacks offer opportunities as both a playground and a classroom for children. With endless miles of trails and waterways, there is room for them to roam, explore and learn. Additionally, the area has exceptional educational opportunities. Whether you are looking for a private or public education, the options are abundant. Below, we have created a short list of all of the schools in the area.

Lake Placid

As a part of a unique Adirondack community, the Lake Placid Central School provides a welcoming, stimulating environment that inspires all students to achieve their academic, physical and social potential and to thrive in a dynamic global society. Lake Placid Central School has been offering students great experiences since the first “little red schoolhouse” was built in 1848. Today, students enjoy small class sizes, state of the art technology, college preparatory/AP classes and an abundance of extra-curricular opportunities.

Northwood School is a coeducational, independent boarding school in Lake Placid, New York offering a trimester-based college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12, plus a post-graduate year. Northwood’s student body is comprised of 190 students from around the United States and the world, 85% of whom live on campus. The school boasts a student to faculty ratio of 5:1, with an average class size of 10 students. In addition to its traditional college prep curriculum, Northwood offers several Signature Academic Programs such as the L.E.A.P. program, an Entrepreneurship course, and an Innovation + Design program. Beyond the classroom, Northwood offers students competitive athletic programs and co-curricular programs in arts, music, outdoor recreation, community service, and robotics. As a private boarding school in New York, Northwood School provides students with a well-rounded educational experience, allowing them to find success at college and beyond.

St. Agnes School meets the needs of developing young learners whose parents want their children’s first academic and social experiences to be great ones. For students age 3 to grade 3, St. Agnes cultivates intellectual growth while engaging heart and spirit. Children and families of all faiths are welcomed into this vibrant learning community.

Since 1938, North Country School has offered a hands-on, place-based education and core academic curriculum founded on the progressive tradition of John Dewey. Their placed-based, exploratory curriculum enables students to begin the process of understanding who they are and who they want to become as learners and people. Sitting on a 220-acre campus nestled in six-million-acres of woods and mountains, children in grades four through nine are nurtured and challenged in classrooms as well as the great outdoors.

Keene/Keene Valley

Keene Central School is a vital and cherished part of the community life and cultural tradition of Keene Valley, NY. Located on the Au Sable River in the heart of the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, this rural K-12 public school serves the children of Keene and Keene Valley in one building, under one roof. Keene Central School District is locally run, benefits from a close relationship among teachers, staff, students and families, and is strengthened by unparalleled community involvement. Student achievement consistently ranks above average. Small class sizes allow for individualized learning and flexibility within a traditional educational model and experienced faculty members work closely together with parents to ensure that each child is successful. Keene Central School is one of the most vibrant and highly regarded school districts in the region.

Saranac Lake

The Saranac Lake Central School District caters to students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and develops resourceful students who are productive members of society.

St. Bernard’s School is a private Catholic elementary school for grades kindergarten through fifth grade. The school welcomes children of all faiths and prides itself in offering students a quality challenging academic program that provides students the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Northern Lights School in Saranac Lake is a nature-based, Waldorf inspired preschool that nurtures young children so that they can grow into confident and compassionate adults.

Wilmington/Jay

The AuSable Valley Central School District is located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains along the beautiful AuSable River and is in close proximity to the Village of Lake Placid (home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics) and the City of Plattsburgh along the scenic shores of historic Lake Champlain. The school district has three individual school buildings which are located in AuSable Forks (K-6), Keeseville (K-6), and the AVCS Middle School-High School (7-12) housed in Clintonville, New York. The District Office is also located in Clintonville at a separate office building on Route 9N. The AuSable Valley Central School District covers over 300 square miles and represents a portion of three counties (Clinton, Essex and Franklin) in New York State. The District encompasses the whole and/or part of the Towns of AuSable, Black Brook, Chesterfield, Jay, Wilmington, Keene, Franklin, Peru and Willsboro. The school district has outstanding educational and athletic facilities. A major capital project completed in 2004 provided the district with additional classroom space, computer and science labs, updated athletic facilities and major improvements to the infrastructure.

Curious to learn more about these schools?

We are happy to help guide you and provide local insights. Give us a call today: 518-418-7747