Best Public Schools in Buffalo, NY

The city of Buffalo, New York is home to 85 schools, including 53 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 24 high schools, and 5 alternative schools. The data reveals a complex picture of academic performance across the district, with stark disparities between the highest and lowest performing schools.

At the top, City Honors School stands out as a consistently high-achieving public high school, ranking 89th out of 1,242 high schools in New York. It boasts impressive proficiency rates on state assessments, with over 70% of 5th graders proficient in ELA and math, as well as excellent Regents exam pass rates. Another standout is North Park Community School #50, an elementary school with strong academic performance, with proficiency rates above 57% in 3rd grade ELA and math. The Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park also shows solid overall performance, with proficiency rates above the state average in most grade levels and subjects.

However, the district as a whole faces significant challenges, with a 4.9% dropout rate and a concerning 34.1% chronic absenteeism rate. Many schools struggle to reach proficiency levels, especially in math, and there are wide disparities in per-student spending, ranging from $10,500 to over $75,000. Addressing these issues, particularly the impact of economic disadvantage, will be crucial for improving educational outcomes across the Buffalo City School District.