Bethlehem Central High School is a public high school in Delmar, New York, just south of Albany. Located at 700 Delaware Avenue, the school serves students in grades 9–12 from the towns of Bethlehem and New Scotland. The school was ranked 366 on Newsweek's 2013 "America's Best High Schools".
Serving 1,373 students in grades 9-12, Bethlehem Central Senior High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 90% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,373 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 90% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥99% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bethlehem Central Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Bethlehem Central Senior High School's student population of 1,373 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 106 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,373 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
106 teachers
Year Founded
1932
Colors
Black, Orange
School Rankings
Bethlehem Central Senior High School ranks within the top 5% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bethlehem Central Senior High School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#44 out of 4346 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
90%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥99%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
8%
10%
Hispanic
3%
30%
Black
3%
16%
White
84%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bethlehem Central Senior High School's ranking?
Bethlehem Central Senior High School is ranked #44 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Bethlehem Central Senior High School often compared to?
Bethlehem Central Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Guilderland High School, Shaker High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bethlehem Central Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Bethlehem Central Senior High School is 98%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Bethlehem Central Senior High School?
1,373 students attend Bethlehem Central Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Bethlehem Central Senior High School students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Bethlehem Central Senior High School?
Bethlehem Central Senior High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Bethlehem Central Senior High School offer ?
Bethlehem Central Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bethlehem Central Senior High School part of?
Bethlehem Central Senior High School is part of Bethlehem Central School District.
School Reviews
4 8/11/2023
I think that most teachers in this school try their hardest to support all of their students, however, I have had some teachers that barely teach the class, but this is rare. Generally, at least in my experience, the students are fairly nice too. Fights are rare, and not many kids get bullied in a traditional sense (at least to my knowledge), but gossip is somewhat of an issue. Sports are good, but sometimes a little too good, and kids who may just want to be on a team, or have little experience, will barely get to play at all. There is so much offered at the school in terms of clubs, electives, and sports. There are also so many honors and AP classes for kids who want them.
5 9/12/2012
The people from Bethlehem are pretty smart and go to good colleges so your child will have a good future. There are a lot of activites a student can do and the school is very good at sports, music and art. The schools are big and clean and have a lot of materials to use.
5 8/18/2009
I've got to say, though I've had some rough times with counseling here, I've had a great experience. The administration and faculty are always willing to go out of their way to help the students. A great town to go to school in. A bit secluded, and easy to get too comfortable in, but very open and welcoming. Shout out to the BCHS Lab School for doing such a great job. They deserve some recognition for all their work.
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