Troy and the Capital Region

Troy, located on the banks of the Hudson River in Rensselaer County, New York, is the home of Emma Willard School.

As a historical center for iron and steel production, hub for stagecoach builders, stove manufacturers and textile mills, the city of Troy was one of most prosperous early cities in the United States. The grit and determination of its industrious population gave rise to women like Kate Mullany, who led the first trade union for women, and provided fertile ground for institutions of higher learning like Emma Willard School, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (one of the highest ranked engineering schools in the country), and The Sage Colleges. Today, this eclectic city houses art and entertainment centers, farmers' markets, and locally-sourced dining experiences.

Downtown Troy is just down the hill from the Emma Willard School campus, making travel to a science practicum in a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute lab, a visit to the Hart Cluett Museum (which houses the Rensselaer County Historical Society) or a trip to a local restaurant possible. Any given weekend, students make trips to the events like Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market, Troy Night Out, The Victorian Stroll, ice skating at Conway Ice Arena, and many more.

As the capital of New York State, Albany and its surroundings are collectively known as the Capital Region. As the longest continuously chartered city in the United States, Albany is rich in history, culture, and opportunities.

Discovered in 1609 by Henry Hudson, Albany became the capital of New York State in 1797. As the 59th largest metro in the United States, Albany is now recognized as a hub for breakthroughs in nanotech and biotech. As a result of this Albany is a part of the region known as Tech Valley.

Emma Willard Schools’s close proximity to the capital provides many opportunities for our students. Internships such as those in the New York State Senate, in law firms, and in the New York State Archives are just a few of the wide array that girls have to choose from.

In addition to the academic offerings, Albany provides several sources of entertainment. This year through Weekend Activities boarders and day students alike have had the opportunity to see Cirque du Soleil, attend plays and events at Capital Rep Theatre and Proctors Theatre, find their way through a haunted maze at Schyulerville Farms, pick fresh apples at Indian Ladder Farms, watch an Albany Devils Hockey game, and have dinner at Keravalli’s, Shining Rainbow, and other ethnic restaurants.