Doane Stuart students attend first day of the 2025 school year

Doane Stuart Opens Doors for 50th Year on September 3rd

Students in PreK and Grades 5-12 Return to Campus for the 2025-26 School Year

The Doane Stuart School will proudly open its doors tomorrow to begin its 50th academic year, welcoming students in Pre-Kindergarten and Grades 5–12. This milestone marks five decades of academic excellence, community spirit, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child.

Founded in 1975, Doane Stuart has served generations of students from across the Capital Region, offering a challenging, student-centered curriculum rooted in intellectual curiosity and moral integrity. The school was born from the union of two historic Albany schools—St. Agnes School, an Episcopal girls’ school founded in 1870, and Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic girls’ school established in 1852. The creation of Doane Stuart was a bold and visionary move, sending a powerful message to the broader community: that students of different backgrounds can learn, grow, and thrive together in mutual respect and peace.

“We are thrilled to welcome students back as we celebrate such an important milestone in the life of the school. Fifty years ago, Doane Stuart was founded on the belief that education should not only challenge the mind, but also build bridges across differences. That vision continues to inspire us today.”

Head of School Marcy Cathey

Since then, Doane Stuart has become a leading independent school in the Capital Region, known for its challenging academic program, close-knit community, and a mission grounded in understanding differences and ethical leadership.

As the school year begins, students will return to a vibrant campus filled with tradition, innovation, and a community that feels like family. Throughout the year, Doane Stuart will host a number of special events and initiatives to celebrate its 50th anniversary, honoring the school’s rich history while looking ahead to a bright future.

Classes began Thursday, September 4.