Introduction to the Program of Studies
The Niskayuna High School Program of Studies is provided for students and parents as a guide to educational planning. It should be read carefully as the choices available each year are considered. To make the most of the many opportunities available at Niskayuna High School, a student must plan thoughtfully. Teachers, department leaders, and school counselors are available to provide any assistance needed as a student and parent select courses and plan a program. The most important decision-maker in the process, however, is the student. The most important quality brought to the task of making choices is honest self-appraisal.
Timeline for Planning
December 2025
Counselors meet with 8th grade students to talk about scheduling and the 9th grade experience.
January 2026
The Program of Studies is available on the Counseling Center website. Students start their course selection planning with their families during this period by reading about possible course options.
Students in grades 8-11 review teacher recommendations and make their course selections.
8th Grade Parent Information Night hosted at NHS.
February 2026
Student course requests are made available to families, along with a list of courses that may require a waitlist or have insufficient enrollment.
Late April – May 2026
Students will be informed of unfulfilled requests and meet with counselors to resolve those conflicts. No schedule changes will be made during this time.
May 26 – June 24, 2026
Students may submit course change requests with parental approval.
June 24, 2026
Last day to submit course change requests.
July & Early August 2026
Parent portal access restricted.
Mid-August 2026
Parent portal access restored; student schedules available for viewing.
Key Contacts
- View contact information for school and district administrators on the Contact Us page.
- View contact information for school counselors:
- View contact information for K-12 Academic Directors on the Academic Departments page.
Graduation and Testing Requirements
New York State has introduced new options in recent years for students to meet graduation requirements. The Regents exams that have traditionally been used to satisfy the testing requirements for a Regents and Advanced Regents Diploma still remain. The state has also designated additional “pathways” for students to satisfy diploma requirements, generally through some variation in required exams. Parents who have any questions are strongly encouraged to view the New York State Graduation Requirements and contact their child’s counselor.
Important Considerations & School Policies
Niskayuna High School has academic guidelines and policies in place, including course load requirements, grading policies, program planning steps, and college entrance considerations and more.
Honors and Advanced Placement Courses
Niskayuna High School offers a comprehensive selection of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses designed to challenge motivated students across a wide range of academic and elective disciplines.
College Credit Opportunities
In addition to the Advanced Placement courses listed in the Program of Studies, Niskayuna High School has formed partnerships with a variety of institutions of higher education that provide students the opportunity to graduate from high school with college credit for courses taught at Niskayuna High School.
Career & Technical Education Overview
Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to provide students the ability to learn, build experiences, and explore a career before entering college, additional technical training, the military or the workforce. CTE courses have been developed based on the skills and training that are in demand by employers, as well as where there are job opportunities today.
NCAA Eligibility Information/Approved Courses
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) eligible courses are approved high school core classes that count toward a student-athlete’s college eligibility.
Transition into 9th Grade
High school students follow a two-day rotating block schedule and must maintain 6.5 credits per year, with incoming ninth graders encouraged to include lunch and a study hall to help ease their transition.