Early Childhood Programs

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• Q. Is this a 12-month program?

  The Albany Academies offer a 10 month academic school year from September to June and summer programs during the summer break. Child care is not available during our winter break, spring break, or during any gap weeks before the start of the school year.

• Q. Are there any before and/or after care options?

  Yes, you can drop your child/children off as early as 7:15 a.m. and pick them up as late as 5:30 p.m.

• Q. Is it a full-day or half-day program?

  The program runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but the cost includes the Early Bird (7:15 – 8:00 a.m.) and Extended Day Programs (3:30 – 5:30 p.m.).

• Q. Do you offer any summer programs?

  Yes, there is a summer camp discount for enrollees; 25% for five weeks and 40% for the full summer.  Learn More!

• Q. What does an average day look like?

  Early Childhood at the Academies offers a developmentally appropriate mix of student-directed and teacher-directed activities each day. Student-directed activities are usually the opportunity for students to explore in developmentally appropriate learning centers or in outside spaces. Teacher-directed activities include instruction or working on a project together. This program also includes exploration in specialized subject areas; Physical Education and dance, Art, Music, Library, Science and World Language.

• Q. How much does the program cost?

  Tuition is $14,175 for the 10-month academic school year and includes early bird (7:15 – 8:00 a.m.) and after-care (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Early Childhood (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) students are eligible to receive a discount for participation in our summer programs.

• Q. Do you offer payment plans?

  Yes, parents can select one payment, two installments or monthly payments.

• Q. Are the children allowed "free time" to play each day?

  Yes, students in the Early Childhood at the Academies program are engaged in both free and purposeful play such as Imaginary play, center activities, and outdoor play throughout the day.

• Q.

  Does the program offer single gender classes?

  The Albany Academies Early Childhood programs include a co-educational Preschool class for students who are typically three in September, two single-gender Pre-Kindergarten classes for students who are four in September and two single-gender Kindergarten classes for students who are five in September.

• Q.

  Do you have an age restriction or cut-off birth date?

  Yes, students are typically three-years-old in September when they start Preschool, four-years-old when they start Pre-Kindergarten and five-years-old when they start Kindergarten. In keeping with the standards of best practices for Independent Schools, we use a September 1^st cut-off birth date and a skills screening to ensure we are placing students in the most appropriate class for them.

• Q. What makes The Albany Academies Preschool, Pre-K, & K programs different from other Pre-K, & K offerings or daycare centers in the area?

  The program’s cost is competitive with other full-day, year-round daycare programs in the area, and you are getting a much higher value for your money. Our Albany location is convenient for parents who live and/or work in the Greater Capital District area. Children and adults receive the benefits of a truly academic and well-rounded Pre-K & K experience, with the same hours offered by traditional daycare centers. Preschool, Pre-K & K students have access to the same educational assets as older students: a nurturing faculty with more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education; a 50-acre campus including an ice rink, indoor swimming pool and new playground; and small class sizes for an enriching environment.