Questar III provides more than 250 instructional and support services to 23 school districts with about 40,000 students in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties of New York State. Questar III also provides additional services to approximately 600 school districts and all 37 BOCES in New York State.
Through Questar III, school districts can offer programs and services more economically, efficiently and equitably by sharing their costs. These programs and services are offered in the following areas: Career and Technical Education, Special Education, General Education and District Support Services.
As an innovative organization characterized by visionary and steadfast leadership, the mission of Questar III is to promote the growth of individuals as contributors to our diverse society and to link and augment the capability, quality and efficiency of school districts and other agencies through a commitment to achievement, advocacy and accountability.
For the nearly 40,000 elementary and secondary students in the three-county area, Questar III means choices and opportunities in education. Whether they are interested in exploring career and technical opportunities, seeking alternatives to the traditional classroom setting, or in need of support of physical or emotional disabilities, Questar III offers programs and services designed to help all students succeed. Adult students can earn their high school diploma through one of many programs tailored to meet their educational and personal needs. Career and job skills training programs are also available in fields such as licensed practical nursing, metal technologies, and security and law enforcement.
For school districts, Questar III support services like state aid planning, legal and labor relations, staff development, health and safety and communications provide the expertise of professionals in the field, as well as valuable connections to resources around the state.
For parents, there is understanding and support from teachers, therapists and other specialists whose goal is to help students, from preschoolers to high school seniors, reach their potential and prepare for challenges in their lives.
Educational Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Questar III’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer high school students the opportunity to learn career skills while earning a Regents diploma. The half-day programs are a great way for students to explore a variety of careers and develop specialized skills through hands-on learning and integrated academics. Programs are based at Columbia-Greene Educational Center in Hudson and Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy.
General Education
Questar III offers a wide array of general education offerings in arts, pre-kindergarten, science and technology and regional competitions.
Special Education
A decades-long leader in providing special education programs and related services to students with disabilities , Questar III provides a comprehensive array of services for students in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene county schools. Students are placed in programs according to their individual academic capabilities and social/behavioral needs.
Each program provides students with individualized instruction in a curriculum adapted to meet the state learning standards. Learning is enriched by interactive community-based experiences and through the support of specialists in speech, occupational and physical therapy. Questar III also offers extensive support services to component districts through itinerant services, consultation services and staff development opportunities.
Tech Valley High School
Students at Tech Valley High School explore math, science and technology in a dynamic learning community designed in partnership with business and higher education. The high school provides a unique educational opportunity that engages students in the region’s emerging technologies—biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, energy technology and advanced materials. The high school offers an integrated curriculum that meets New York State’s Regents requirements for post-secondary education. Students gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside local professionals as well as a comprehensive overview of career opportunities in the Tech Valley region.
The high school is a joint venture of Capital Region BOCES and Questar III.
For more information please contact: Questar III @ 518-477-8771.
