Best Public Schools in Rochester, NY

The city of Rochester, New York is home to 111 schools, including 72 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 21 high schools, and 4 alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population and span a wide range of academic performance levels, from highly-ranked institutions like Brighton High School to those struggling to meet standards, such as Franklin Upper School.

Some standout schools in the area include Brighton High School, which is consistently ranked among the top in the state, and Twelve Corners Middle School, another high performer in the Brighton Central School District. Meanwhile, True North Rochester Preparatory Charter School serves a predominantly minority and economically disadvantaged student population, yet achieves strong academic outcomes, particularly in math. In contrast, Exploration Ele Charter School - Science-Technol has struggled academically, ranking near the bottom of New York elementary schools.

The data reveals stark disparities in educational outcomes within the Rochester City School District, with some schools performing reasonably well while others, such as Franklin Upper School and Northeast College Preparatory High School, struggle with extremely low graduation rates, high dropout rates, and poor test scores. Socioeconomic factors appear to play a significant role, as schools serving higher-need populations tend to have weaker academic outcomes.