Our Mission
The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District will provide an environment that fosters the creative, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being of each student in order to enable a mastery of the curriculum and a life-long learning capability to meet the challenges of the future.
History
The district was organized in 1931 but was enlarged through the annexation of several common school districts. It now includes the towns of Berne, most of Knox, and most of the town of Westerlo, along with small portions of the towns of New Scotland, Rensselaerville, Middleburgh and Wright.
The school district has an enrollment of 712 students and two school buildings: Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School serves students in K-6, and Berne-Knox-Westerlo Secondary School serves students in grades 7-12.
Our Community
Located about 25 miles west of Albany and about 150 miles north of New York City, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo community is nestled in the picturesque Helderberg Mountains. The district is centered in the hamlet of Berne (population 2,860) on Route 443 and covers approximately 126 square miles.
It boasts a strong rural character with agricultural roots, while being within close proximity to premiere shopping centers, cultural venues and diverse economic opportunities offered by the Greater Capital Region of Upstate New York.
Nationally renowned colleges and universities, such as the University at Albany and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, sit at the community’s doorstep, along with “Tech Valley,” a network of research and development facilities that are attracting high-tech industry to New York’s Capital Region. About one hour north sits Saratoga Springs, gateway to the Adirondacks. Montreal, Boston and New York City are all just a few hours away.