Bethlehem Central School District formed in 1930 and it offers students innovative educational programs. The District aims towards putting student achievement first, and providing a safe and respectful learning environment that promotes academic rigor, embraces technology, and responds to students' individual abilities while remaining responsible to taxpayers. Bethlehem's schools time after time are among the top-performing schools in the Capital Region and across New York State. Bethlehem Central Board of Education is elected by the voters of the district to establish policy and direct the administration of their schools.

Additionally, the Town of Bethlehem and part of the Town of New Scotland, Bethlehem Central is a Suburban Council school district that serves about 5,100 students in kindergarten through grade 12. There are five neighborhood elementary schools, serving students in grades 1 through 5; a 6-8 middle school; and a 9-12 high school. Bethlehem has a centralized kindergarten program, the Early Learning Center, located in its own wing of Slingerlands Elementary School. Officials endeavor to preserve an average class size of 22-24 students, with lower enrollment common in the primary grades and in some advanced and specialized high school courses.