Quick Facts

Small School Setting – With only about 100 students at each grade level, teachers get to know their students well and our scholars have more opportunities to join clubs, organizations and sports teams.

Nationally Recognized School for Academic Excellence – In 2017, Clinton High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, and is ranked in the top 25 public schools in New York State.

Tuition & Fees – There is no cost for ABC Scholars to attend the Clinton program. If admitted, scholars receive a free education plus room and board.

Tutoring Program – Scholars have access to college-level tutors from Hamilton College five nights a week during mandatory study hours.

Home Environment – Scholars live together in a home with a resident director and are hosted by volunteer local host families on Sunday afternoons.

Use of College Facilities – The ABC House is on the Hamilton College campus and Clinton ABC Scholars have free access to college facilities, including the library, fitness center, pool, field house and theater, as well as transportation services to local attractions.

A Long History of Success – Every Clinton ABC graduate has gone on to college. We have a 100% success rate!

Lifetime Friendships – Many of our scholars remain connected to their host families and friends throughout their lives.

About Clinton, NY

The Clinton Central School District is located in Clinton, New York, about 8 miles from Utica (population 62,000) and 45 miles east of Syracuse (population 145,000). The picturesque, New England-style village was founded in 1787 and named for George Clinton, the first governor of New York State. Clinton is a suburban/rural community with a solid educational history. Its citizens include executives, professional people and skilled workers, as well as educators from nearby Hamilton College (founded 1812). The district comprises 45 square miles, which encompasses the communities of Clinton, Clark Mills, Franklin Springs and the Town of Kirkland.

About Clinton High School

Clinton High School is composed of grades 9-12 with an average enrollment of 412 students and is proud to host one of 22 A Better Chance (ABC) Community Schools Programs from across the United States. Clinton offers a comprehensive, primarily academic, program of study.  Clinton is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and was selected as a school of excellence in the U.S. Department of Education’s School Recognition Program. In 2014, Newsweek ranked Clinton 232nd nationally and 23rd in New York State on its list of America’s Top Schools. There are 37,000 secondary schools in the U.S. and more than 5,200 in New York State.

Clinton High School offers honors and accelerated courses in English, mathematics and science, and Advanced Placement courses in calculus, chemistry, English language, European history, French language, physics, Spanish, language, studio art, studio art:2D design, U.S. history, U.S. government and politics. Clinton students also have the opportunity to take courses as part of the Bridge Programs at nearby Hamilton College and Utica College. A dual enrollment program also exists with Mohawk Valley Community College for French IV, Spanish IV and statistics.