For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,505 students in Rensselaer, NY (there are 2 private schools, serving 519 private students). 74% of all K-12 students in Rensselaer, NY are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in Rensselaer, NY are Red Mill School, Rensselaer Junior/senior High School and Van Rensselaer Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rensselaer, NY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the New York public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Rensselaer have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New York public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the New York public school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Rensselaer, NY (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Red Mill School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
225 Mccullough Pl
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 207-2660
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 207-2660
Gr: PK-5 | 473 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Rensselaer Junior/senior High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
25 Van Rensselaer Dr
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 436-8561
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 436-8561
Gr: 6-12 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #33.
Van Rensselaer Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
25 Van Rensselaer Dr
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 436-4618
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 436-4618
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: n/an/a
Nurses Middle College Charter High School-capital Region
Charter School
199 Washington Ave
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 918-4705
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 918-4705
Gr: 9-10 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rensselaer, New York Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
New York State Office Of Children And Family Servi (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
Capital View Office Park
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 473-7793
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 473-7793
Gr: 5-12 | 441 students Minority enrollment: 88%
Nys Office Of Children & Family Serv (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
52 Washington St/cap Vw Off Pk
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Rensselaer, NY 12144
25 Van Rensselaer Dr
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 436-8565
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 436-8565
Gr: 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Rensselaer, NY?
The top-ranked public schools in Rensselaer, NY include Red Mill School, Rensselaer Junior/senior High School and Van Rensselaer Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Rensselaer?
4 public schools are located in Rensselaer.
What percentage of students in Rensselaer go to public school?
74% of all K-12 students in Rensselaer are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Rensselaer?
Rensselaer public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the New York public schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.