Brush Up on Your Skills: Staying Agile in CapNY

Learning a new skill for fun or to try and build up a side hustle is a great way to stay busy, meet new friends, and keep your portfolio diverse and interesting.
When 2020 began, no one expected the year that was ahead of us. With the unexpected came job losses, transitions, or overall uncertainty for many of us. It brought to light a renewed importance on staying agile and prepared for anything. This became perfect timing to brush up on your skills. Here, finally, was time for taking a chance on something you’ve always been curious about. As we’ve seen, you truly never know what’s coming.
Preparing for Another Future Economic Downtown

In October 2020, 77 percent of full-time freelancers were gearing up to prepare for future economic downturn by updating their skillset to stay nimble as industries change and respond. In the second half of 2020, more than 50 percent of freelancers participated in skill related education or training. They’re doing this for several reasons, to stay up-to-date, increase earning potential, and keep up with new technology.

“As actress Helen Hayes said, ‘if you rest, you rust.’ I’m always trying to learn something new. I’m constantly finding new trainings/courses on LinkedIn, through podcasts, Eventbrite and in digital newsletters,” said Kirsten Voege, Marketing & Communications Consultant and Owner of KiRated Communications. “It seems like many of the newsletters end up in my spam folder, so when I run out of new ideas, I check there, too.”

Here in CapNY, there are tons of options to sharpen your skills, learn something new, or get a refresher on something you’ve been doing for years.

Arts Organizations

Arts organizations are great place to brush up on creative skills, whether learning something new or expanding your knowledge base.

Tap into your creative side with the fantastic offerings at the Arts Center. They have it all from woodworking and stained glass to fiber arts and digital mediums. These classes are a great way to try out a creative activity without having to commit to buying equipment and learning from a skilled instructor. Pricing is fair, too. Classes range in time commitment, some are one evening, some are a few sessions. With an annual membership, you get a discount on classes.  

The Arts Center of the Capital Region

Though they are known mostly for their public art projects, Saratoga Arts offers opportunities to make your own art as well. The latest offerings include in-depth photography courses –a skill that can be used for fun or to enhance your resume.

High Schools

Your high school taught you the basics. But have you ever considered returning to one to learn a skill later in life? Many CapNY public high schools offer continuing education courses on a regular basis. 

In general, the courses range from basic computer skills to learning languages and creative skills like photography or graphic design. The South Colonie School District offers a range of classes including sewing, nutrition, beginning golf, and a Facebook crash course. Typically, classes are offered to residents of the district and courses are affordable. While many of the in-person offerings are on hold, some districts are offering classes online. The Bethlehem Central School District is teaching several classes through Zoom. 

Colleges

You don’t need to sign up for a degree program to make the most of offerings at Capital Region colleges. These colleges and universities are natural places to brush up on your skills.

Many colleges within the UAlbany system offer continuing education opportunities, including classes in Education, Health Care & Social Work, and Government & Nonprofit Leadership. Additionally, microcredentials are available to help students and working professionals to develop new, relevant and demonstrable skills.  

Community colleges are a great resource for skill-based courses offered on a regular basis. Typically community colleges are a good fit for people looking to get their feet wet before diving into a full advanced degree program, get an introduction to a possible career that may interest you, and of course–just to learn something new! Hudson Valley Community College offers a great selection of continuing and community education programs. A few standouts include writing courses (blogging, sharpening freelance writing) and grant writing courses. Some courses are just one night and some are a few sessions.

SCCC has a robust community education program both online and on campus. They offer lots of short online-only classes on many topics in many fields. They offer everything from construction, hospitality, computers, and even courses for those looking to work with animals! The college’s in person offerings are great too, with courses for adults and kids.

This North Country institution offers an awesome range of courses. Many are online only and can really boost your toolkit. They offer strictly online courses that can apply to many different fields like New & Emerging Supervisors, The Art of Event Planning, SQL Basics, and Bookkeeping. They also offer a bartending course, paralegal training, and many other career- specific options.

Local Libraries

Libraries are a fantastic resource for learning. In addition to books on, well, anything –many of them offer classes in-house, as well as access to other opportunities at a discounted rate. The Albany Public Library offers writing workshops, resume help, and more speciality classes like Screenwriting 101 and poetry classes. The William K. Sanford town library (Colonie) offers classes on digital marketing, gardening, and introduction courses to programs like Excel and Photoshop. The Saratoga Public Library offers English courses, tutorials, and history classes. The best part? More often than not, these offerings are completely free for residents of the city or town the library is in.

Local Cooking Schools

We all have to eat. Why not get better at it? Plenty of people also turn a passion for bread making, cookie frosting, or meat smoking into a side hustle or full time job.

Sur La Table is renowned for curating classes that embrace the latest culinary trends and timeless culinary traditions. From Tantalizing Thai curries to mastering the art of French pastry, they have the recipe for culinary success.

This school specializes in Italian cuisine and it all sounds amazing. Their offerings range from rainbow cookies to woodfired pizza. They offer couple’s cooking classes, too! They dip into other cuisines like Caribbean and Mexican street food. 

Hillsdale General Store

This one’s a little bit of a trip, but worth it for their unique offerings. Upcoming classes include hand pies and Shaker cooking (a great way to learn history, benefit a nonprofit with regional importance, and eat!) The cooking school is an offshoot of the general store, which offers gifts, vintage finds, and old-school candies.

  • Written by: Lauren Mineau

Lauren Mineau is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for highlighting the places, spaces, and people that make upstate New York a great place to be. Her experience in local news, B2B marketing, and higher education, ignited her passion for telling stories of things people are curious about. In her spare time, you can find her searching for the perfect iced coffee, juggling five craft projects at a time, or cracking the perfect pun.

CapNY School District Information

What are you looking for in a school district? Use the table below to find the right fit for your child.

*All information, except Expenditures per Student and Diversity figures, from 2017-2018 NYSED Data
*Expenditures per Student and Diversity figures are from 2018-19 NYSED Data

DistrictCountyPublic / CharterHigh School Graduation RateAverage Class Size (Grades 1-6)Diversity rate (Black/Hispanic, Asian, Other)Total K-12 Students
Albany City School DistrictAlbanyPublic67%2180%9601
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic93%185%760
Bethlehem Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic95%2216%4514
Cairo-Durham Central School DistrictGreenePublic89%2018%1184
Cohoes City School DistrictAlbanyPublic71%2028%1894
Duanesburg Central School DistrictSchenectadyPublic92%187%691
Green Island Union Free School DistrictAlbanyPublic41%1616%289
Greenville Central School DistrictGreenePublic95%175%1153
Guilderland Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic94%2125%4836
Menands Union Free School DistrictAlbanyPublicN/A2174%262
Niskayuna Central School DistrictSchenectadyPublic93%2230%4248
North Colonie Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic95%2435%5685
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic87%1919%1788
Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School DistrictSchenectadyPublic83%2222%2803
Schalmont Central School DistrictSchenectadyPublic87%2314%1833
South Colonie Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic91%2134%4689
Voorheesville Central School DistrictAlbanyPublic98%229%1166
Watervliet City School DistrictAlbanyPublic72%1953%1258
East Greenbush Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic95%2120%4023
Germantown Central School DistrictColumbiaPublic87%1814%516
Hudson City School DistrictColumbiaPublic81%2259%1710
Kinderhook Central School District (Ichabod Crane)ColumbiaPublic83%2114%1728
Schodack Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic95%217%863
Taconic Hills Central School DistrictColumbiaPublic84%1920%1309
Catskill Central School DistrictGreenePublic91%1832%1406
Coxsackie-Athens Central School DistrictGreenePublic88%1915%1327
Hunter-Tannersville Central School DistrictGreenePublic95%1517%353
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School DistrictGreenePublic85%1515%280
Averill Park Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic93%218%2708
Berlin Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic75%154%686
Brunswick Central School District (Brittonkill)RensselaerPublic86%1910%1818
Cambridge Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic93%198%869
Hoosic Valley Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic90%195%920
Hoosick Falls Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic89%207%1111
Lansingburgh Central School DistrictRensselaerPublic79%2144%2253
Mechanicville City School DistrictSaratogaPublic88%2210%1367
North Greenbush Common School District (Williams)RensselaerPublicN/A815%20
Rensselaer City School DistrictRensselaerPublic87%2346%1073
Stillwater Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic92%186%1052
Troy City School DistrictRensselaerPublic85%1959%3943
Wynantskill Union Free School DistrictRensselaerPublicN/A2310%382
Ballston Spa Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic90%208%4082
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic95%218%3039
Corinth Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic83%194%1166
Edinburg Common School DistrictSaratogaPublicN/A113%75
Galway Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic91%191%810
Hadley-Luzerne Central School DistrictWarrenPublic89%165%683
Hudson Falls Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic74%1910%2249
Saratoga Springs City School DistrictSaratogaPublic91%2211%6379
Schuylerville Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic93%195%1572
Scotia-Glenville Central School DistrictSchenectadyPublic83%2010%2451
Shenendehowa Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic92%2224%9819
South Glens Falls Central School DistrictSaratogaPublic88%199%3072
Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School DistrictSaratogaPublic94%209%771
Schenectady City School DistrictSchenectadyPublic61%2378%9187
Bolton Central School DistrictWarrenPublic93%1410%184
Glens Falls City School DistrictWarrenPublic84%1914%2019
Glens Falls Common School DistrictWarrenPublicN/A2023%160
Johnsburg Central School DistrictWarrenPublic83%164%313
Lake George Central School DistrictWarrenPublic93%178%772
North Warren Central School DistrictWarrenPublic84%1810%502
Queensbury Union Free School DistrictWarrenPublic87%227%714
Warrensburg Central School DistrictWarrenPublic86%176%714
Argyle Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic94%185%493
Fort Ann Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic66%186%448
Fort Edward Union Free School DistrictWashingtonPublic74%1810%486
Granville Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic80%185%1023
Greenwich Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic86%195%983
Hartford Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic86%167%414
Putnam Central School DistrictWashingtonPublicN/A34%18
Salem Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic88%195%544
Whitehall Central School DistrictWashingtonPublic75%163%708
Albany Community Charter SchoolAlbanyCharterN/A2699%681
Albany Leadership Charter High School - GirlsAlbanyCharter92%N/A89%358
Brighter Choice - BoysAlbanyCharterN/A2096%319
Brighter Choice - GirlsAlbanyCharterN/A2297%338
Green Tech HighAlbanyCharter90%N/A98%356
Henry JohnsonAlbanyCharterN/A2397%365
Kipp Tech ValleyAlbanyCharterN/A2399%491
True North Troy PrepRensselaerCharterN/A3285%584
Chatham Central School DistrictColumbiaCharter87%2013%1043
  • Written by: Danielle Sanzone

Danielle Sanzone is a freelance writer who worked for a decade at The Record in Troy and is currently in the Digital Initiatives department at the local PBS, WMHT.

Author Noelle Gentile: Advocate, Educate, and Love

Updated: July 2025

Author, director, writer, acting coach, and educator Noelle Gentile draws on all her strengths as an advocate and educator supporting her daughters Lucia and Isla, who is autistic and has epilepsy.

A Family’s Journey

Noelle Gentile has two remarkable daughters–Isla and Lucia a.k.a. “Lulu”. Born and raised in Albany, NY, Noelle spent 13 years in Brooklyn before returning home to Albany with her family after Isla’s birth.

Isla’s Diagnosis

Noelle’s daughter Isla was diagnosed with epilepsy in February 2016 and on the autism spectrum in June 2018. (An estimated 30% of people diagnosed with autism have epilepsy, too.) Isla also has global delays. She struggles with side effects from the epilepsy medications. Yet, Isla “deeply connects with other people,” Noelle said. “She has incredible instincts about who other people are.”

It was a long journey. There were several diagnoses, starting with when Isla was 16 months old. An MRI showed non-specific brain damage. Noelle was devastated. “I didn’t understand it,” she said. “I didn’t know what it meant. Both the epilepsy and the autism diagnoses we had to fight for. We were relieved because we had a better picture of what was happening and how to support her.”

Noelle reiterated that a lot of the heartache of having a child with diverse abilities stems from the world falling short of embracing the child with adequate compassion and understanding.

Noelle’s husband has a lot of trauma surrounding Isla’s seizures, and related anxiety. Noelle remarked that it is different for her. She has done a great deal of processing Isla’s journey through her writing and art. Noelle said of herself and her husband, “We understand where each other are, but we’re not fully in the same place.”

Finding Schools and Resources

Noelle described how her family has navigated school, medical, and other systems for Isla’s well being. Noelle said, “I have had to sharpen my tools.” Naturally a people pleaser, she is now less so. “Isla has challenged me to let that part of me go,” Noelle said.

change in the world. “There’s a collective of us that wants to see this change,” Noelle said. Indeed, her dear friend Alyssa said, “Isla doesn’t need to change for the world; the world needs to change for Isla.” Through Make-a-Wish Northeast New York (with help from Make-a-Wish Southern Florida), Isla had her wish to swim with dolphins in Florida beautifully granted. (Make-a-Wish grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses.)

The Story of Two Sisters
An excerpt from the book

In her role as author, Noelle Gentile wrote the children’s book Isla and Lulu from the perspective of Lulu–Isla’s then-four year old sister. Love between sisters personalizes this book’s themes of inclusivity and open dialogue amongst people seeking to embrace those with diverse abilities. Noelle decided to write the book after finding out that Isla was at risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). Noelle observed that some people were distancing themselves from her family. The book means “to bring people towards us instead of further away.”

Asked about challenges she has overcome as a parent, Noelle remembered a family vacation on Cape Cod. Her two daughters were playing on the beach when two little girls approached Isla. Noelle felt anxious. Often children who approached often left when they realized Isla was different. But the two little girls stayed on and played with Isla. It turned out that they had a classmate with diverse abilities. Perhaps the world is, little by little, changing for the better.

Living Out Loud

As an advocate, Noelle tries not to center on herself as “Isla’s Mom” in the experience. The book Isla and Lulu and the people it can touch play a large part in her advocacy. She is also “gearing up to do speaking” about Isla’s medical experiences.

I asked Noelle what inspires her advocacy work. She spoke of a miscarriage eight years ago, and how she was not encouraged to speak about the experience. “Where’s our story?” she found herself asking. Noelle emphasized how important it is to see yourself reflected in literature, film, TV. It’s important for the world to respect Isla’s journey. “I want my family to be able to live out loud,” Noelle said.

  • Written by: Effy Redman

5 Innovative Pre-Schools: CapNY

Public school pre-K programs are more widely available than ever before. However, some CapNY parents might be looking for non-traditional preschool options.

These 5 innovative pre-schools in the capital region provide play and nature based-choices for families with young children. If you are looking for public-education alternatives, read on.

  • Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program at the Flying Deer Nature Center, East Chatham, NY

At the start of the day, students and teachers meet in a circle and enjoy morning games. The Forest Preschool program nurtures a sense of wonder. The emphasis is on curiosity and reverence, through exploration, observation, inquiry, and free play. The kids go to a campsite or forest to build, explore, create, play, and adventure throughout the wetlands, streams, and forest.

“We teach things like bird language, hazard prevention, shelter building, and carving with knives,” said Tresca Weinstein, the program’s registration and marketing coordinator. “They learn skills like tracking animals, plant identification, fire building and tending. Storytelling and tending the earth are just some of the skills acquired.” She continued, “Many of the skills have been handed down from First Nations people. We acknowledge and honor their teachings and tradition. Within those skills, the children are building on math, science, literacy, and social skills.”

Ages: 4-6
Attendance options: Half-day, two, three or five days a week

Link Facebook Instagram
  • Susan O’Dell Taylor School

Music, art, literature, math and science flow throughout the day at the Susan O’Dell Taylor School in Troy. The day’s lessons are planned for preschoolers to a multi-sensory experience, encouraging observation and inquiry.

In the fall kids collect leaves to learn why they change color, and why evergreens keep their needles. Trees are woven into every aspect of learning. Incorporating evergreen boughs and pinecone murals, and an interpretive tree-themed dance. “The program is centered on what children experience in real life. They can make connections between school and the world around them,” said Meagan Duncan, director of admissions.

Ages: 3-4
Attendance options: Half-day, two, three or five days a week

Link Facebook Instagram
  • The Free School of Albany

Of our 5 innovative pre-schools, the Free School is the longest running inner-city independent alternative school. In the entire the United States! Students learn through a self-directed approach that balances traditional academic subjects and valuable life lessons ranging from responsibility to problem solving, social justice and how to interact with their peers.

The school kitchen is a classroom. Students help choose the crops. They learn how they grow and prepare a meal from the fruit or vegetable. A food and garden program connects kids to where their food comes from and the importance of nutrition. Community involvement through volunteering, local events and learning about different cultures in Albany’s historic South End emphasize the larger connection to others.

Ages: 3-5

Link Facebook Instagram
  • Montessori School of Schenectady (One Family Montessori)

At Montessori schools it’s the kids that determine how and what they will learn, explained Jodi McClernan, head of One Family Montessori.

“We love the small size and student focus, allowing each teacher to really get to know your child. The way they support, educate, and care for children is heartfelt,” said Rochelle Caruso. “Our three children have attended this school and easily matriculated into public school for kindergarten.”

Multiple Montessori Schools are available across the CapNY region making them easily accessible in several neighborhoods. The enrollment information provided below is specific to One Family Montessori. Finding other locations in your community is only a Google search away.

Ages: 3 to 6
Attendance options: Half-day, part-time and full-time

Link Facebook
  • Waldorf School Saratoga

Forested hiking trails, yard space, gardening and playing serve as the curriculum and setting for the Waldorf School in Saratoga. A restored farmhouse offers respite from extreme weather. Feeding the birds, chickens and guinea hens are part of the daily activities.

“The foundation of Waldorf School education is preserving childhood,” said Elisabeth Garofalo, who oversees admissions. “Children learn self-care skills. They build cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills through free play, exploration.”

Ages: 3 – 6
Attendance options: Three or five days a week. Half-day with option for extended care and full-day.

Link Facebook Instagram

Have other pre-school programs beyond our 5 innovative pre-schools? Let us know about your educational alternatives.

  • Written by: Katie Navarra

Katie Navarra is a professional writer based in the Capital Region. She has written for Popular Science, The Motley Fool Blueprint, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider and others. She is also a life and executive career coach who helps clients find clarity and success in and out of the office. Learn more at katienavarra.com.

Raising Kids in the Capital Region: CapNY Families

Making a move to CapNY with kids?
Looking to get familiar with the educational and recreational offerings of this region as it comes to raising families? You’ve come to the right spot.

“How can I find what school districts are a good fit for my child?”

Our first two questions were posed by recent NYC transplant, photographer Kim Trang. She’s a mother of three active kids who are 6-years-old, 4-years-old, and 6-months-old. Her main priority was finding a school district that fit her children’s needs. They eventually decided on Niskayuna.

List Your Priorities

Before starting this daunting task of finding your child’s future school, it’s a good idea to think about your priorities. What’s important to you? What can you afford? Small class sizes? Extracurricular activities? A good sports program? An excellent arts department?


The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has all the information you need regarding public and charter schools, as well as school districts in the state. They have information about class sizes, the amount of local, state, and federal funds spent per pupil. And you can get an idea of the amount of diversity at a school. They also provide data on graduation rates, and rankings for how prepared a student will be for college.

“What childcare options are available, what are the fees, how close are they in relation to my home and my workplace?”

Once again, we found New York State to have helpful resources here with their Division of Childcare Services. This has information about Early Head Start, for children from birth to 3 years old, and Head Start, for kids age 3 to 5.

Along these lines, the Capital District Childcare Coordinating Council has a service that helps parents find childcare. Child care referrals are available 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday at 518-426-7181 or toll free at 1-800-521-KIDS(5437). And Brightside Up has a list of the average childcare costs by county in the region and for the entire Capital Region as a whole.

“What can I do at home to best prepare my child to succeed in school?”

Our next questions were posed by Lisa Barone, the Chief Marketing Officer at marketing firm Overit in Albany. Lisa is the BUSY, working mother of her four-year-old son, Henry. They live in Selkirk where they enjoy hiking, puzzles, being outside, and Spider-Man.

This is “the” question, right? There’s no exact right or wrong answer here but some resources we recommend come from PBS and PBS KIDS. There are thousands of free teaching resources including videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards. You can find these with PBS LearningMedia, PBS KIDS, the local PBS affiliate’s Home Classroom resources, and by watching educational programming at home.

“What are some activities to keep little ones busy and engaged (and out of the house, if possible) even during winter?”

You are in luck! This area is brimming with family-friendly activities for all-seasons, with options for inside and outside.

In the summer, the Albany Public Library, with other partners including the Albany Barn, WMHT, and the city of Albany, host weekly story-time events called Stories and Art in the Park at the playground in Washington Park in Albany. 

For hiking and walking year-round, even in winter, the whole family can enjoy the interactive displays and stories geared for kids at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands also has family-focused activities around the 22-acre site. Grafton Lakes State Park, celebrating 50 years in 2021, has family activities in each season, including a Winter Festival. You can find more outdoor activities here.

The New York State Museum in Albany has outdoor exhibits and the Empire State Plaza, with larger-than-life sculptures, is just across the street. Many local libraries have on-going workshops that are fun for the whole family

  • Written by: Danielle Sanzone

Danielle Sanzone is a freelance writer who worked for a decade at The Record in Troy and is currently in the Digital Initiatives department at the local PBS, WMHT.