Challenges Facing New York’s Lowest-Ranked High Schools

As the new school year approaches in New York State, families often seek information about the quality of local schools. Recent evaluations have revealed the performance of public high schools across the state, highlighting top-performing schools as well as those facing significant challenges.

While many discussions focus on the highest-ranked institutions, it is equally important to understand the situation of schools at the bottom of the rankings to provide a fuller picture of educational opportunities.

How New York High Schools Are Ranked

These comprehensive evaluations assessed 1,276 schools across the state, using a detailed set of criteria to determine rankings. The methodology focused on several key performance indicators:

• College readiness (30%), reflecting how well schools prepare students for higher education.

• State test proficiency and performance (20% each), measuring student achievement on standardized exams.

• Performance of disadvantaged students (10%), evaluating support for less-privileged learners.

• Curriculum breadth (10%), considering the availability of advanced coursework.

• Graduation rate (10%), showing the percentage of students who successfully complete high school.

While institutions like Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, The High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College, and Stuyvesant High School are often praised for their exemplary performance, this analysis shifts attention to schools that—despite ongoing efforts—ranked at the bottom. Understanding the unique challenges these schools face can help identify areas for improvement and additional student support.

Schools Highlighted at the Bottom of the Rankings:

• OnTECH Charter High School – Syracuse, NY

With an enrollment of 253 students, the school struggles with a graduation rate below 70%. Such a low rate often reflects deeper issues such as lack of student engagement, academic challenges, or external pressures preventing students from completing their education.

• Newcomers High School – Long Island City, NY

Interestingly, this school recorded a high graduation rate, showing success in retaining students. However, it ranked near the bottom due to a marked lack of college readiness, suggesting that while students finish high school, they may not acquire the skills and knowledge needed for higher education.

• Crotona International High School – Bronx, NY

Like Newcomers, Crotona achieved a strong graduation rate but suffered from very low college readiness scores. This gap indicates that graduates, despite holding diplomas, may struggle with post-secondary opportunities, pointing to possible shortcomings in curriculum rigor or college-prep programming.