10 Best Public Schools In New York City In 2024

New York City is the largest academic hub in the United States. Its educational system has often been described as top-notch.

It is home to some important libraries and research centres around the world. New York City schools receive the second-highest annual funding from the National Institutes of Health among all U.S cities.

The public school system in New York has some of the best and worst-performing public schools.

It is usually said that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. In New York City, there are private and public schools.

In this article, expect to find the best public schools in New York (10), the requirements needed for you enrol in them, a step-by-step guide towards the registration process and many more.

Why Attend a Public School in New York City?
Cost for Attending a Public School in New York City
How to Choose a Public School in NYC?
Who Can Apply to a Public School in New York City?
What Qualifications Do You Need Before Enrolling in a Public School in NYC?
Requirements for Enrolling in a Public School in New York City- Step by Step Guide
10 Best Public Schools in New York City
Conclusion
References

Why Attend a Public School in New York City?

There are quite a number of reasons why attending a public school in New York City is advantageous. Here are a few of them

Students enrolled in a public school in New York can have excursions in museums and go to prestigious places to learn everything from state history to historical gardens.
The quality of schools in New York city are not entirely bad. Classes are taught by successful and brilliant teachers at the top of their respective fields.
The government has more interest in the public schooling system of New York than in the private. As such, it opens your child up to networks as various leaders would most likely visit these schools occasionally.
There are a lot of scholarship schemes available for public schools and the tuition rate is really low as compared to the private schools.
If your child is between the ages of 5 and 21 is entitled to free public education.
Public schools in New York has provisions for counsellors to guide students who need help mentally, free of charge.

Cost for Attending a Public School in New York City

In the New York State Education Department, yearly tuition is set for students in public schools who do not live in NYC.

Grades K-6: Tuition is $5,253 for general education students and $4,892 for special education students.

Grades 7-12: Tuition is $7,040 for general education students and $13,007 for special education students.

How to Choose a Public School in NYC?

In New York City, every public school is on a website called “MySchools”. The website has information about schools in all the 32 districts in New York, categorized by neighborhood.

It also shows whether each school is accessible for children with disabilities and admission methods for applying to these schools.

MySchools provides background information and performance metrics for each public school in New York City, and school counselors and Family Welcome Centers can provide useful information.

There are also available forums for people to drop their school reviews according to their experiences.

In choosing a good public school, you can do this by surfing MySchool from the comfort of your home. You can also visit schools, attend information sessions, and talk to current parents and students to help you make an informed decision.

Who Can Apply to a Public School in New York City?

The New York City Department of Education is made up of more than 1800 public schools. In New York City, students apply to high school during their 8th grade year.

Current 9th grade students (who are not repeating 9th grade) also have the option to apply to programs with 10th grade seats

To apply to a public school in New York City, you must be-

A NYC resident
A current eighth grade or first-time ninth-grade student
Current public district and charter school students
A student with disabilities
Private or parochial school students
A student with accessibility needs
A student learning English
Student from immigrant families
A student in temporary housing
LGBTQ and gender nonconforming students
Students with children
Student who just wants to attend a public school

What Qualifications Do You Need Before Enrolling in a Public School in NYC?

The requirements will likely differ if you enrol your kid for the first time or transfer them from another school.

As a parent, to successfully enroll your child in a public school in the respective district area you will need to present quite a few documents like-

A general application form.
A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.
Emergency contact details of the parents or guardians.
Proof of residency.
Proof of guardianship and or custody.
Record of immunizations

During the application period, you can submit your application one of the following three ways:

Online with MySchools
Through your school counselor
Through a Family Welcome Center

Requirements for Enrolling in a Public School in New York City- Step by Step Guide

In enrolling your child in a public school in New York city, follow these easy steps

Step 1- Contact the public school for an application for an enrolment form. The school can help you with your application. You can do this by going to the school or by simply requesting for a form online.

Step 2- Submit your application for enrolment at the local school as soon as possible along with copies of. Also, your child’s birth certificate, your child’s Immunization History Statement, proof of your current address, copies of Family Court orders for confirmation of proof of name or custody arrangements.

Step 3- You will receive a letter from the public school either offering a place (as per the Regulations) or indicating that no place is available.

Step 4- If you have an offer of a place and want to accept it, visit the school to complete the enrolment process.

10 Best Public Schools in New York City

Ney York City has prominent public schools for students who are on low budget. Here you will see a full review of these best public schools in New York City.

#1. Stuyvesant High School

Stuyvesant High School is a top rated, public school located in New York City. It has 3,384 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1.

According to state test scores, 99% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading. This shows that most students are doing way better than before enrolling in this school.

In Stuyvesant Public High school, your child would have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The advanced placement participation rate at Stuyvesant High School is 89%.

The total minority enrollment is 81%, and 43% of students are economically disadvantaged. It is one of the best public schools in NYC.

#2. Bronx High School of Science

Bronx High School of Science is a top rated, public school located in Bronx, New York City. The school boasts of 2,983 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1. According to state test scores, 99% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

Bronx High School of Science is ranked #2 amongst best public schools within New York. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Bronx High School of Science is 95%.

The total minority enrollment is 78%, and 43% of students are economically disadvantaged.

In terms of rankings, Bronx High School is rated- #35 in National Rankings, #5 in New York High Schools, #6 in New York, NY Metro Area High Schools, #2 in New York City Public Schools High Schools and #27 in STEM High Schools.

#3. Staten Island Technical School

Staten Island Technical High School is a top-rated, public school located in Staten island, New York. It has 1,334 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1. According to state test scores, 99% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

It was founded in 1988 and since then, it constantly ranks among the best public schools in New York city in graduation rate, regents test scores and attendance.

According to Niche, it ranks #3 in public schools in New York, and #13 in the nation. Your score on the Specialized High Schools Admission Test determines admission into Staten Island Technical Schools.

#4. Townshend Harris High School

Townsend Harris High School is a top rated, public school located in Flushing, New York. It boasts of at least 1,221 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 99% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

Townsend Harris High School is ranked #4 in public schools within New York. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams.

The AP participation rate at Townsend Harris High School is 100%. The total minority enrollment is 81%, and 48% of students are economically disadvantaged.

Townshend Harris High School is ranked #12 in National Rankings, #4 in New York High Schools, #1 in New York, NY Metro Area High Schools, #4 in New York City Public Schools High Schools and #155 in STEM High Schools.

#5. Jericho Senior High School

Jericho Senior High School is a top rated, public school located in Jericho, New York City. It has an estimated number of 1,164 as students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.

According to state test scores, 99% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

It is the only public school in the Jericho Union Free School District. The motto in Jericho Senior High is “Excellence in education begins here”.

According to Niche, it is ranked #5 of 1,247 in the best public schools in New York and #5 in the list of best public schools in New York City. The graduation rate is 98% and the average SAT score is 1400.

#6. Great Neck South High School

Great Neck South High School is a top rated, public school located in Great Neck, New York. It has an estimated number of 1,250 as students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.

According to state test scores, 99% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

Great Neck South High School is ranked #21 in schools within New York, #188 in national rankings and #6 amongst public schools in New York.

The total minority enrollment is 70% and about #20 of students in this school are economically disadvantaged. The college readiness of students at this school is ranked 78.2/100.

#7. Syosset Senior High School

Syosset Senior High School is a top rated, public school located in Syosset, New York. It has 2,233 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. According to state test scores, 98% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

Syosset Senior High School is ranked #40th within New York. The advanced placement coursework and exams at this school is at 81%. The total minority enrollment is 40% and at least 8% of students enrolled here are economically disadvantaged. It serves as the public high school for residents of The Syosset Central School District.

#8. High School Math Science and Engineering at the City College of New York

High School Math Science & Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY) is a top rated, public school located in NEW YORK, NY. It has 486 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading.

High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY is ranked eighth in Public high schools within New York. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams.

The AP participation rate at High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY is 100%. The total minority enrollment is 70%, and 40% of students are economically disadvantaged.

As regards rankings, this school is ranked- #28 in National Rankings, #11 in New York High Schools, #4 in New York, NY Metro Area High Schools, #8 in New York City Public Schools High Schools.

#9. High School of American Studies at Lehman College Bronx

High School of American Studies at Lehman College is a top rated, public school also located in Bronx, New York. It has 382 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.

According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading.

In High School of American Studies at Lehman College, students have the privilege of enjoying a small school with the resources of a large college.

Each class meets four days a week and runs 55 minutes longer than the typical high school period. Students at this school also get a one night a week break from having homework due to the following day.

#10. Roslyn High school

Roslyn High School is a top rated, public school located in Roslyn Heights, New York. It has 1,065 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. According to state test scores, 96% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.

Roslyn High School is ranked #39 within New York and students also have the opportunity to take advanced placement coursework and exams. The advancement participation rate at the high school is 82%.

They have a total minority enrollment rate of 30% and at least 13% of students are economically disadvantaged. It is the only high school in the Roslyn Union Free School District.

Conclusion

Edward Everett was the one who said that education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.

When considering the best public school to attend in New York City, ensure it is a place where your child can amass a wealth of knowledge and on the long run it would be worth it.