Gender Equity in Varsity Athletics

Albany Academy values gender equity in athletics. This commitment is demonstrated by annually examining our athletic program through an equity lens to ensure that all student-athletes have access to a balanced and supportive experience. 

While the school has historically been exempt from Title IX requirements due to specific provisions for single-sex institutions, and because it does not receive federal financial assistance, it has wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of the law by providing equivalent athletic programs for boys and girls. This focus has put the upper school in a strong position as it transitions to coeducation, and we continue to assess equity between girls' and boys' programs as part of this evolution. 

It is important to note that "equivalent" does not necessarily mean "identical." Title IX, for instance, emphasizes proportionality in enrollment for funding allocation as one of its core tests for compliance

Historically, upper school enrollment at Albany Academy has been roughly 40% girls and 60% boys. This proportional enrollment is mirrored in spending, with 60% of the athletic budget allocated to boys’ sports and 40% allocated to girls’ sports. This allocation is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with enrollment proportions.

Fundraising efforts, including the school’s Legacy of Dreams and Golf Tournament events, further supplement the athletic budget. All proceeds from these events, unless restricted by donors for a specific team, are divided equally between the boys’ and girls’ athletic programs to ensure balanced growth and resources.

Financial aid support, although not directly tied to athletic spending, is also split proportionately between boys and girls, and the average financial award for girls is equivalent to that of boys. This is relevant given that three of our varsity sports teams play in leagues outside the capital district and travel across the Northeast.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements our varsity student-athletes have attained over the last five years.

The NYSPHSAA recognizes teams and individuals for excelling academically each sports season. To earn Scholar-Athlete team recognition, the top 75% of a team’s roster must have an average GPA of 90.00 or higher. For the past three years, all eligible Academy teams have earned this distinction, underscoring our athletes’ dedication both on the field and in the classroom.

Our student-athletes have achieved remarkable post-season success. Please click here for a list of individual and team championships 2021-present.

Additionally, individual athletes have been recognized by local and national media, including coverage in the Times Union and other publications. 

Over the past five years, more than 17% of each graduating class has gone on to play collegiate sports at the Division I, II, or III level as recruited athletes. This figure is two-and-a-half times the national average. Of these recruited athletes, 65% are boys and 35% are girls.