Photo: Igoldste · CC BY-SA 2.5Bethlehem’s public schools outscore 81% of New York districts
Math proficiency in Bethlehem’s districts is 65%, above the New York average (46%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Bethlehem, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New York, not nationally.
From New York state tests taken in spring 2022, when 85% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Bethlehem’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 60% and math 65% across both districts in spring 2022, against 49% and 46% statewide; 97% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Bethlehem Central spends $23,378 per student and Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central $27,048, against $34,607 across New York (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Thomas the Apostle School (private), Bethlehem Childrens School (private) and MT. Moriah Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Bethlehem’s grade
A−: better than 81% of New York school districts, #106 of 755 New York towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the New York average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bethlehem, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Bethlehem
Albertus W Becker School
Grades PK–5 · 389 students · 9:1 students per teacher · in Selkirk
6th grade in Bethlehem
Bethlehem Central Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 950 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Delmar
7th grade in Bethlehem
Bethlehem Central Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 950 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Delmar
8th grade in Bethlehem
Bethlehem Central Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 950 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Delmar
9th grade in Bethlehem
Bethlehem Central Senior High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,322 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Delmar
10th grade in Bethlehem
Bethlehem Central Senior High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,322 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Delmar
Bethlehem runs its own schools through grade 12 (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District). From grade K, students attend the Bethlehem Central School District, shared with New Scotland. Parts of Bethlehem (4% of its land) are served by Guilderland Central instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Bethlehem
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Bethlehem vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Bethlehem’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | A− | Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central PK–12 · Bethlehem Central K–12 |
| Albany | C− | Albany City |
| New Scotland | A | Voorheesville Central K–12 · Bethlehem Central K–12 |
| Coeymans | C | Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central |
| Schodack | A− | East Greenbush Central PK–12 · Schodack Central K–12 |
| Guilderland | A− | Guilderland Central |
| East Greenbush | A− | East Greenbush Central |
Every school in Bethlehem
11 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New York’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Bethlehem’s schools
Are Bethlehem’s schools good?
By New York’s own tests, yes: the public schools Bethlehem children attend outscore 81% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #106 of 755 New York towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 78%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bethlehem in?
Two districts: Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District runs grades PK–12, and Bethlehem Central School District runs grades K–12, shared with New Scotland.
Where do Bethlehem kids go to high school?
Bethlehem Central Senior High School in Delmar, with 1,322 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Bethlehem’s graduation rate?
97% of the class of 2023 in Bethlehem Central School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Bethlehem spend per student?
$23,378 in Bethlehem Central School District and $27,048 in Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Bethlehem?
Yes: St. Thomas the Apostle School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 191 students), Bethlehem Childrens School (nonsectarian, grades PK–1, 97 students) and MT. Moriah Academy (religious, grades K–11, 19 students).
Parents talk
What Bethlehem families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bethlehem → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New York. Stars are from neighbors.