A family that recently moved to Albany has been contemplating whether to send their child to Albany Academy or the local public school. The first question that likely comes to mind is whether the private school tuition is worth it.

Albany Academy is a private school that offers education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with tuition ranging from $15,000 to $23,000 depending on the grade (according to privateschoolreview.com). The school's college acceptance rate is 100 percent, meaning all graduates go on to four-year colleges. Starting in higher grades, a college counseling team is assigned, with one counselor typically responsible for about 36 students. This is a significant difference compared to the New York state average of 221 students per counselor.

So, is this level of counseling really necessary? The answer varies by family. For families that need someone to help with college application documents from start to finish, this number may seem substantial, while families that are already accustomed to finding information on their own may feel it is less impactful.

Next, a common question arises about the curriculum. Albany Academy offers a variety of AP courses. AP allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit based on their exam scores. This structure is one reason why the school is frequently mentioned among Korean parents moving to northern New York.

Another common question is about housing prices. The average home price in Albany is $335,126, which has increased by 4.4 percent over the past year (Zillow, as of July 2026). For families moving from New York City or Bergen County in New Jersey, this price may feel quite low.

If housing prices are this low, it could actually provide more room in the budget for private school tuition. In areas like Albany, where housing costs are lower, I've seen many families redirect their savings on housing into their children's education expenses.

For families looking to rent, Albany is a relatively easy area. Due to its college town characteristics, there is a steady supply of rental listings, and the contracting process is generally simpler than for purchases.

However, New York state has significant variations in property taxes depending on the area. Even within Albany County, tax rates differ by town, so if you find a property you like, be sure to check the most recent property tax bill. School district boundaries can also vary by address, so it's wise to double-check the assigned school before finalizing any contracts.

When choosing a school, consider looking at ratings from sites like GreatSchools or Niche. These ratings are often based on academic achievement and college readiness, but the methods of calculation can vary by region, so it's better to view them as relative reference points rather than absolute numbers.

The longer the dilemma between private and public schools continues, the more helpful it is to compare the total costs of both tuition and housing rather than viewing them separately. Ultimately, the total expenses for both families often converge within a similar range.

Albany is the capital of New York state, with many jobs related to state government and higher education. Because of this, it's common for landlords or sellers to align their schedules with the academic calendar. There tends to be a surge of listings just before summer break and at the start of the school year, so it's advisable to plan your schedule with this in mind. I recommend identifying two or three potential neighborhoods in advance and being ready to act quickly as listings become available.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and tuition and property tax conditions can change yearly, so be sure to verify with the school and professionals before finalizing any contracts.