Best school districts in New York
A good school can lead to a lifetime of opportunities. Myriad data shows that lifetime earnings dramatically increase with every degree obtained. Bachelor's degree holders will earn an average of roughly $26,000 more each year than high school graduates. And for those who decide that pursuing a college degree is not the best postsecondary option, a good school will provide students with the tools and support to make that choice, and the foundational skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.
For many families, the school district is a top criteria when deciding where to buy a home. But this consideration and ability to choose is not a luxury all families can afford, especially in today's wildly competitive housing market.
One important proxy of a quality education is per-student spending. According to the most recent Census data available, the national average per-pupil expenditure in fiscal year 2019 was $13,187. Several recent studies suggest that increased spending per student correlates with higher academic achievement, particularly in districts serving predominantly low-income students. Since public schools are largely funded by property taxes, schools in low-income areas suffer the most from a lack of funding for critical expenditures like staff salaries and benefits, transportation, instructional resources, and support services.
There are more than 13,000 school districts in the U.S., each one slightly different, for better or worse, than the next. However, several common denominators exist and, when compared, can serve as indicators of what makes an impactful district.
Stacker compiled a list of the best school districts in New York using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks school districts based on a variety of criteria including academics (SAT/ACT scores and state proficiency tests), teacher salaries, expenses per student, and access to extracurricular activities.
#10. Chappaqua Central School District (Chappaqua)
- Number of schools: 6 (3,653 students)
- Graduation rate: 97% (82% reading proficient and 88% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $136,453 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
#9. Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District (Woodmere)
- Number of schools: 5 (2,975 students)
- Graduation rate: 96% (82% reading proficient and 79% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $129,051 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
#8. Bronxville Union Free School District (Bronxville)
- Number of schools: 3 (1,629 students)
- Graduation rate: 95% (85% reading proficient and 87% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $140,127 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
#7. Herricks Union Free School District (New Hyde Park)
- Number of schools: 5 (4,018 students)
- Graduation rate: 97% (83% reading proficient and 86% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $120,202 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
#6. Manhasset Union Free School District (Manhasset)
- Number of schools: 4 (3,189 students)
- Graduation rate: 99% (82% reading proficient and 86% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $126,719 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
#5. Syosset Central School District (Syosset)
- Number of schools: 10 (6,626 students)
- Graduation rate: 98% (76% reading proficient and 89% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $145,899 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
#4. Scarsdale Union Free School District (Scarsdale)
- Number of schools: 7 (4,791 students)
- Graduation rate: 99% (87% reading proficient and 90% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $141,580 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
#3. Roslyn Union Free School District (Roslyn)
- Number of schools: 5 (3,218 students)
- Graduation rate: 98% (79% reading proficient and 85% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $133,786 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
#2. Jericho Union Free School District (Jericho)
- Number of schools: 5 (3,173 students)
- Graduation rate: 98% (88% reading proficient and 92% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $131,477 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
#1. Great Neck Public Schools (Great Neck)
- Number of schools: 10 (6,846 students)
- Graduation rate: 96% (83% reading proficient and 86% math proficient)
- Average teacher salary: $129,517 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
