Is John Dewey High School a good school?

John Dewey High School ranks 776 th of 1242 New York high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend John Dewey High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 2,186 students attended John Dewey High School.

What is the racial makeup of John Dewey High School?

Students at John Dewey High School are 28% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 22% White, 19% African American, 2% Two or more races.

John Dewey High School

Summary:

John Dewey High School is a public high school located in Brooklyn, New York, serving 2,150 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the New York City Geographic District #21, which is ranked 537 out of 865 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Despite increased per-student funding over the years, John Dewey High School has consistently ranked in the bottom half of New York high schools, with a 2-star rating indicating below-average performance. The school struggles with low graduation rates, high dropout rates, and significant chronic absenteeism, all of which are well above state and district averages. Additionally, the school's proficiency rates on Regents/Common Core exams are generally lower than the state and district averages across various subject areas, with notable challenges for certain student subgroups, such as White, Hispanic, and Special Education students.

Interestingly, the nearby schools in the same district, including Rachel Carson High School, Liberation Diploma Plus, and Abraham Lincoln High School, also exhibit similar patterns of below-average performance, suggesting that the challenges faced by John Dewey High School may be systemic within the district. Despite the school's relatively low student-teacher ratio, the underlying socioeconomic factors, such as the high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, likely play a significant role in the school's academic and non-academic outcomes.

Detail:

Public 9-12

50 Ave X
Brooklyn, NY 11223-5799

(718) 373-6400

District: New York City Geographic District #21

SchoolDigger Rank:
776^th of 1,242 New York High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $17,259

Student/teacher ratio: 14.5

Number of students: 2,186

Racial breakdown:

Asian:

28.4%

Hispanic:

27.2%

White:

22.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 87.6%

See top rated New York high schools

Compare John Dewey High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details John Dewey High School ranks worse than 62.5% of high schools in New York. It also ranks 5^th among 11 ranked high schools in the New York City Geographic District #21. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 37.61. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at John Dewey High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at John Dewey High School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (28.4%), Hispanic (27.2%), White (22%). (See more...)

Compare Details 87.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at John Dewey High School is 14.5. 9 high schools in the New York City Geographic District #21 have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare John Dewey High School employs 150.2 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at John Dewey High School is $17,259. 7 high schools in the New York City Geographic District #21 spend more per student.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

John Dewey High School:

SchoolDigger ranks John Dewey High School 776^th of 1242 New York public high schools. (See John Dewey High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Homeless students:

Female students:

Male students:

Asian students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

New York City Geographic District #21:

SchoolDigger ranks New York City Geographic District #21 537^th of 865 New York school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for John Dewey High School

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Rank History for all students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2005	43.11	662^nd	935	29.2%
2006	42.83	668^th	986	32.3%
2007	51.37	599^th	1002	40.2%
2008	42.41	699^th	1027	31.9%
2009	40.28	724^th	1086	33.3%
2010	44.73	704^th	1117	37.0%
2011	43.86	719^th	1165	38.3%
2012	38.89	767^th	1198	36.0%
2013	32.39	827^th	1217	32.0%
2014	25.93	901^st	1237	27.2%
2015	27.83	914^th	1255	27.2%
2016	22.54	1012^th	1255	19.4%
2017	24.94	876^th	1221	28.3%
2018	29.61	849^th	1210	29.8%
2019	36.57	804^th	1207	33.4%
2021	20.23	457^th	519	11.9%
2022	31.67	801^st	1190	32.7%
2023	35.55	781^st	1228	36.4%
2024	37.61	776^th	1242	37.5%

See the entire list of New York High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	33.10	118^th	157	24.8%
2024	36.35	212^th	306	30.7%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	51.98	219^th	546	59.9%
2019	70.55	96^th	565	83.0%
2022	68.22	82^nd	481	83.0%
2023	74.21	72^nd	583	87.7%
2024	66.65	127^th	637	80.1%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	25.56	856^th	1095	21.8%
2019	30.90	796^th	1132	29.7%
2022	23.06	858^th	1038	17.3%
2023	26.06	880^th	1130	22.1%
2024	31.40	795^th	1144	30.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	33.49	796^th	1154	31.0%
2019	41.53	720^th	1179	38.9%
2021	28.67	247^th	289	14.5%
2022	34.90	732^nd	1101	33.5%
2023	38.54	714^th	1155	38.2%
2024	40.48	697^th	1170	40.4%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	53.74	199^th	498	60.0%
2019	56.72	172^nd	493	65.1%
2022	63.42	76^th	389	80.5%
2023	66.93	87^th	531	83.6%
2024	62.62	127^th	564	77.5%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	28.51	866^th	1176	26.4%
2019	34.46	816^th	1193	31.6%
2021	14.00	267^th	290	7.9%
2022	29.76	808^th	1155	30.0%
2023	34.64	789^th	1197	34.1%
2024	34.87	797^th	1219	34.6%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	30.68	826^th	1176	29.8%
2019	37.66	780^th	1190	34.5%
2021	30.58	294^th	354	16.9%
2022	32.11	774^th	1154	32.9%
2023	40.79	706^th	1191	40.7%
2024	41.18	725^th	1211	40.1%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	29.84	318^th	426	25.4%
2019	34.12	337^th	447	24.6%
2022	23.78	317^th	386	17.9%
2023	29.07	323^rd	424	23.8%
2024	35.70	299^th	426	29.8%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	41.11	379^th	679	44.2%
2019	53.75	282^nd	686	58.9%
2022	47.06	277^th	593	53.3%
2023	49.44	282^nd	671	58.0%
2024	43.42	368^th	690	46.7%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	31.48	550^th	791	30.5%
2019	33.49	546^th	815	33.0%
2021	29.26	50^th	64	21.9%
2022	28.89	530^th	760	30.3%
2023	25.80	627^th	851	26.3%
2024	31.56	580^th	865	32.9%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	37.14	31^st	43	27.9%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at John Dewey High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NY State Percentile
2018	9.64	733^rd	765	4.2%
2019	18.49	710^th	793	10.5%
2022	15.99	668^th	738	9.5%
2023	24.27	647^th	776	16.6%
2024	21.88	670^th	781	14.2%

See the entire list of Best New York High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: NY State Education Department, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: NY State Education Department

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a student
Friday, August 26, 2022

It is definitely an advanced school and perfect for anyone planning on achieving a STEM career. The teachers were always super helpful and engaged in the students lives. Close Quote

by a student
Thursday, August 25, 2022

This school is fantastic in all aspects. The teachers and staff help you no matter what the problem is. The team puts in the extra effort for students and ensures everyone is on the right track. The counselors will have you ready for college and prepare you in every way. There is a lot of pride in the sports teams here, with multiple championships won in the past couple of years. The students you meet here come from all parts of the world with friendly personalities. The variety of classes expands your knowledge with AP classes, diverse technology classes, college now classes, and multiple foreign language classes. Close Quote

by a student
Wednesday, August 24, 2022

There are so many opportunities and connections that you can get in this school. There are so many clubs, and if you're ever in doubt, you can always create your club by having your friends or people come with you. There are always people (both staff and students) willing to help you when in need. Everyone is super supportive and makes the school seem like a big, cozy community. This school is very motivating and provides many mental health resources to all students. The school pays attention to its students, which is excellent in such a rigorous environment. Close Quote

by a student
Saturday, August 13, 2022

I just graduated Dewey this past June and I can genuinely say I had the best four years of high school. The teachers are great with the students and try their best to work with the students and their situations. The STEM Academy program has some accelerating teachers who helps to provide students with as much opportunities as possible. The school productions will leave you with your mouth open by how amazing they are. Overall Dewey is just a great high school where you create a family with. If you're looking for a computer science high school, Dewey's the place to go. Close Quote

by a student
Monday, February 21, 2022

Dewey is a great high school! The teachers really care about students’ success and happiness, and are always there to help. We’re kept very updated at this school, and I’ve never felt lost. This has been especially helpful lately as I am getting ready to apply to colleges! Something very apparent walking through the halls is Dewey’s pride. The students are constantly coding, dancing, drawing, etc. We’re offered a huge variety of AP Courses along with really unique electives (Computer Science, Robotics, Business Management, Culinary Arts, Pre-Med, Law, Dance, Studio Art, Theatre, etc.) Dewey is great for experiencing different classes, cultures and making friends. Close Quote

by a student
Sunday, November 13, 2011

Very nice school, rigorous AP courses and classes, great for Computer Science and technology, beautiful campus, sports teams, many clubs and activities, helpful resource centers for tutoring on free periods (bands), school library, many interesting electives, overall the atmosphere and how the school is traditionally run is amazing. Close Quote

Enrollment information for John Dewey High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1989	1055	977	229	705	3	n/a	n/a	2969
1990	975	1028	318	703	2	n/a	n/a	3026
1991	942	1047	380	701	1	n/a	n/a	3071
1992	939	1054	422	675	12	n/a	n/a	3102
1993	1029	1105	463	664	7	n/a	n/a	3268
1994	1016	1197	471	714	10	n/a	n/a	3408
1995	913	1287	429	664	5	n/a	n/a	3298
1996	913	1287	429	664	5	n/a	n/a	3298
1997	930	1304	422	717	8	n/a	n/a	3381
1998	907	1289	410	727	10	n/a	n/a	3343
1999	922	1286	456	719	15	n/a	n/a	3398
2000	851	1219	539	680	9	n/a	n/a	3298
2001	832	1174	618	619	12	n/a	n/a	3255
2002	729	1041	800	594	16	n/a	n/a	3180
2003	729	1041	800	594	16	n/a	n/a	3180
2004	676	1052	851	630	15	n/a	n/a	3224
2005	695	1070	940	631	13	n/a	n/a	3349
2006	626	991	1047	617	13	n/a	n/a	3294
2007	550	971	1041	615	9	n/a	n/a	3186
2008	521	970	1060	681	8	n/a	n/a	3240
2009	437	918	998	620	14	n/a	n/a	2987
2010	367	893	936	566	12	n/a	n/a	2774
2011	312	820	961	522	10	0	0	2625
2012	234	659	846	413	7	1	0	2160
2013	231	505	779	373	9	1	1	1899
2014	245	493	729	401	9	0	3	1880
2015	271	566	704	400	10	0	11	1962
2016	288	697	736	462	15	0	22	2220
2017	272	762	695	484	16	14	25	2268
2018	263	739	719	501	16	19	37	2294
2019	279	688	653	507	16	15	31	2189
2020	322	649	625	551	10	16	29	2202
2021	343	651	616	589	11	17	34	2261
2022	353	557	587	620	10	14	31	2172
2023	391	476	542	617	12	12	100	2150
2024	482	414	620	594	12	13	51	2186

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at John Dewey High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1989	2969	151.7	19.5	n/a
1990	3026	161.1	18.7	n/a
1991	3071	156.7	19.5	n/a
1992	3102	147.3	21.0	n/a
1993	3268	149.3	21.9	n/a
1994	3408	150.9	22.6	n/a
1995	3298	137.7	24.0	n/a
1996	3298	137.7	24.0	n/a
1997	3381	143.5	23.6	39.5
1998	3343	154.3	21.7	27.2
1999	3398	157.9	21.5	24
2000	3298	153.6	21.5	25.2
2001	3255	139.7	23.3	27.3
2002	3180	n/a	n/a	n/a
2003	3180	n/a	n/a	n/a
2004	3224	n/a	n/a	n/a
2005	3349	n/a	n/a	0
2006	3294	156.0	21.1	84.7
2007	3186	146.9	21.7	87.6
2008	3240	148.6	21.8	41.2
2009	2987	148.0	20.2	44.2
2010	2774	131.6	21.0	n/a
2011	2625	117.6	22.3	61.4
2012	2160	114.0	18.9	65.9
2013	1899	94.1	20.1	18.6
2014	1880	89.1	21.0	83.7
2015	1962	97.0	20.2	82.9
2016	2220	106.0	20.9	77.7
2017	2268	121.8	18.6	77
2018	2294	129.1	17.7	83.3
2019	2189	130.7	16.7	81.9
2020	2202	147.5	14.9	81.6
2021	2261	143.3	15.7	85.3
2022	2172	152.8	14.2	85.3
2023	2150	157.6	13.6	86.2
2024	2186	150.2	14.5	87.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio John Dewey High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1989	2969	151.7	19.5	n/a
1990	3026	161.1	18.7	n/a
1991	3071	156.7	19.5	n/a
1992	3102	147.3	21.0	n/a
1993	3268	149.3	21.9	n/a
1994	3408	150.9	22.6	n/a
1995	3298	137.7	24.0	n/a
1996	3298	137.7	24.0	n/a
1997	3381	143.5	23.6	39.5
1998	3343	154.3	21.7	27.2
1999	3398	157.9	21.5	24
2000	3298	153.6	21.5	25.2
2001	3255	139.7	23.3	27.3
2002	3180	n/a	n/a	n/a
2003	3180	n/a	n/a	n/a
2004	3224	n/a	n/a	n/a
2005	3349	n/a	n/a	0
2006	3294	156.0	21.1	84.7
2007	3186	146.9	21.7	87.6
2008	3240	148.6	21.8	41.2
2009	2987	148.0	20.2	44.2
2010	2774	131.6	21.0	n/a
2011	2625	117.6	22.3	61.4
2012	2160	114.0	18.9	65.9
2013	1899	94.1	20.1	18.6
2014	1880	89.1	21.0	83.7
2015	1962	97.0	20.2	82.9
2016	2220	106.0	20.9	77.7
2017	2268	121.8	18.6	77
2018	2294	129.1	17.7	83.3
2019	2189	130.7	16.7	81.9
2020	2202	147.5	14.9	81.6
2021	2261	143.3	15.7	85.3
2022	2172	152.8	14.2	85.3
2023	2150	157.6	13.6	86.2
2024	2186	150.2	14.5	87.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

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