For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,505 students in Rensselaer, NY (there are 2 private schools, serving 506 private students). 75% of all K-12 students in Rensselaer, NY are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 86%).
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)
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%
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?
75% of all K-12 students in Rensselaer are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 86%).
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).
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