2023 Best Public High Schools in the Buffalo Area

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  276 reviews

Junior: I think that East is an amazing school and has been an excellent fit for me! My sister, my friends and I have all had amazing experiences at East and learned so much. We have a lot of opportunities at East with +60 clubs and the teachers care that students learn and understand the material. We’re given lots of opportunities for: leadership, volunteering, internships and job opportunities. I’ve grown so much throughout my time at East and I wouldn’t change my experiences for the world. I’ve expanded my knowledge and gotten to know my classmates throughout my three years of high school so far and I’m looking forward to senior year! I can’t wait to start my senior year and I’m looking at colleges. Regardless of where I go to school or what path I choose, I know that East has prepared me for college and life after graduation.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 981

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  355 reviews

Senior: Williamsville North is a great school hands down. The issues or problems that could be raised with this school are insignificant when compared to the wider benefits of this school. As an alum, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here even though I had my gripes when I was an actual student. Looking back, when compared to other schools, North offers so many opportunities and great programs. The sports may not be state championship level, but they offer great camaraderie and experiences. The music department is well-funded, the music suite is new and impressive, and Spartan Spectrum is a wonderful event. Homecoming is amazing even though they are making it worse over time. The teachers are mostly very friendly, even if some of them are slightly on edge and have below-average teaching methods. Overall, you'll look back on great years at Will North. Roll Spartans!... Read 355 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,390

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buffalo Public Schools, NY•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  228 reviews

Senior: City Honors is a great school for students who are looking for exceptional college readiness. The academics here are challenging, as students are offered a wide variety of AP and IB classes to prepare them for college. Many of the teachers are great educators and are very friendly. However, City Honors severely lacks in their administration team. Teachers and students alike have had many issues regarding administration, and many believe it's a crucial aspect of the school that could greatly improve the overall experience. There's also a lack of diversity within the staff team, with there only being one black teacher in the entire school currently. I believe it would greatly benefit the students to have more diversity within the staff team so they can better connect to their educators, and make school a more welcoming environment. Overall, City Honors is a great school for academics, but the rigorous environment may be challenging for some students to keep up with.... Read 228 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,070

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Clarence Central School District, NY•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  285 reviews

Junior: As far as high schools go, it's not too bad. Most teachers are great, know what they're talking about, expect much and yet are pretty understanding. There's a wide variety of classes to take at any level. Plenty of genuinely friendly and smart people. There are some downsides, tho. I transferred from a small private school in the middle of a pandemic, and it's really easy to feel lost and lonely if you don't get plugged into clubs or have a good friend group. You deal with a few double Ivy-league legacy types if you take AP classes, but it's not everyone. Workload is heavy and most students in my classes are stressed and sleep deprived, but I think that's pretty universal for the classes we take. There's a vandalism problem, so now teachers monitor how many people are in the bathroom at once and admin treats us like kindergarteners. If you want something (counseling, information, etc.) you have to take initiative and ask for it yourself, which isn't always a straightforward process.... Read 285 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,417

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Amherst Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  102 reviews

Senior: I love the community of people and teachers. Teachers are willing to help and student in need. When it comes to extra help days, teachers are great a following an extra help schedule. The music program is outstanding! The Chorale, Orchestra and Band do a great job every year between concerts, and playing outside of school. Recently the Chorale had the opportunity of singing in Carnage Hall, and the band and orchestra playing in Disney. Extracurricular in the music department are amazing as well! The chorale has a student lead Capella singing group, and Jazz band for band students. Every year Amherst does great on their operettas. The students and teachers are motivated to work hard and put on difficult yet amazing shows. Not to mention the amazing student lead fall and spring shows as well. Finally there are so many different classes you can take within Amherst High. Between cooking classes, art classes, AP Classes, Amherst has so many different opportunities based on your interests.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A

• Students 882

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Williamsville Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  242 reviews

Senior: What I like the most about Williamsville South High School is its choice of teachers. Most of them are very highly skilled and it's clear that they care about their students deeply. The administration of the school is also fantastic, because they provide safety in our school. The counselor I have is a very great human being, and I'm sure other counselors in this school are as well. He provides me with all the necessary information to be successful in my future, answers all of my questions and concerns, and helps me in every way/shape or form. Over all, it's a great high school with great faculty members, and it's located in a safe, quiet, and comfortable location.... Read 242 reviews

• grade A

• Students 887

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• East Aurora Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  126 reviews

Alum: East Aurora High School was a great school. My teachers were amazing and student-oriented. They were always willing to help me with my both in academic and non-academic ways. There was one time, the track team needed a throwing coach. My teammates and I went and asked a teacher, who had coached in the past, if he could help us out and he did. East Aurora High School also offers lots of good mathematics and technology classes. I participated in several of them. These programs provided many opportunities to explore and to better my technology skills. I learned how to use 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D modeling apps, and woodworking machines. East Aurora High School also has great sports teams. I participated on the Men's Swim team, which had 51 years of division titles in a row, and the Tack and Field Team, which also had several division titles. Other sports teams like the Girl's swim team, the cross-country teams, soccer teams, and basketball teams had won several division titles.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lancaster Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  304 reviews

Senior: My experience at Lancaster High School has been great! In my opinion, the faculty and staff here do a great job at creating an adaptable and supportive learning environment. There's almost an endless amount of resources for whatever any of the students here need, which is extremely helpful when trying to get work done. All of the students are provided with a wide range of opportunities, including five educational academies and many different electives. My school has much more to offer than just the core classes, which is one of the favorite things about my school. I personally participate in the PLTW academy, which has allowed me to explore the things I'm actually interested in, such as technology and engineering. Overall, the past four years at this high school have been very positive, and I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else.... Read 304 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,762

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Orchard Park Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  223 reviews

Niche User: My time with Orchard Park High School was great. The staff and teachers there were friendly and helpful to me. They helped me with studying and gave me study guides for tests and quizzes. They also knew about my disabilities and provided assistants to help me with my disabilities. It was very different from my previous school, Orchard Park Middle School. They did not care for my disabilities and did not see my potential in how I was smart enough to go into a bigger class. They wrote me off as a problem student. At High School the staff were very different and knew about my disabilities and were able to see the potential I had. The after school clubs were good. I was in a media club where I worked on the morning announcements. I worked in text prompter, changing cameras and being the announcer. The students were also very friendly and the teachers were friendly and helpful and always tried to improve the morning announcements. Overall I enjoyed Orchard Park High School.... Read 223 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,418

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buffalo Public Schools, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  239 reviews

Junior: It is a great school for those interested in the Engineering Fields of Mechanical/Architectural, Biomedical, Electrical, and Computer. They have a wide range and variety of AP courses and the teachers are great too!... Read 239 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,147

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sweet Home Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  157 reviews

Senior: I loved my time at Sweet Home! All of the teachers were very nice and you could tell they genuinely wanted to see you succeed. They always offered extra help during their free periods if you needed it, and many of them even took time out of their day to stay afterschool for extra help. Also, the school does a lot of activities to bring everyone together, such as making t-shirts for all of us or hosting fun little games. Overall, they just want to see everyone getting involved and making the most of their time in high school. They don't want anyone to feel left out or like they don't belong, which I like about this school. In the future, I would hope to see some changes with getting prepared for college and life out of high school. Although they do stuff now, I think it would be nice if they dedicated a class or a program to it so that students feel 100% prepared. Graduating from high school can be a scary experience, but it's a lot easier if you have a solid plan afterwards.... Read 157 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,039

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hamburg Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  218 reviews

Senior: Hamburg is a great school with many attributes. We have supportive staff and students for the most part, though there are always a few exceptions to that rule. Students at Hamburg are typically intelligent and driven, and will challenge themselves with AP or college-level courses. The majority of Hamburg students go on to higher education. Hamburg offers multiple ways to begin higher education while still enrolled in high school. Several classes in your senior year, and a couple in junior, offer dual enrollment with nearby Hilbert College at a much lower price than you would pay for a normal college education. Beginning in your junior year, there is also an option to enroll in vocational programs to learn a trade such as cosmetology, plumbing, auto repair, childcare, welding, pre-veterinary school, and more.... Read 218 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,093

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Buffalo Public Schools, NY•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  131 reviews

Freshman: I feel like my time at Olmsted High School has been very good done considering that I have been going virtually. I would've enjoyed having more of a way to communicate with other students like me but overall, it is a very good school!... Read 131 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 893

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Grand Island Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: Overall, I'd say that my experience with Grand Island High School was very good. I enjoyed all of my teachers, and they have all made tremendous differences in my life. I also think that there is a lot of student involvement in sports, clubs, and things like pep rallies or dances. I think that the amount of things for students to do definitely elevates students' high school experience, and there is pretty much something for everyone. The only negative about Grand Island is it's not very diverse, so a lot of kids don't get to experience a diverse high school.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 942

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buffalo Public Schools, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: Choosing Leonardo Da Vinci High School was one of the best choice I made towards my future. Leonardo Da Vinci has a bit of everything. To begin with they have fantastic opportunities like free college classes, amazing teachers and counselors helping you with every paperwork. This highschool may be small but there is alot of students here that make me feel comfortable and they make me feel like a family. When it comes to making friends you can meet here students from so many different backgrounds. We always have resources around us to get successful. Currently, I am a senior and my journey to get my college stuff done has been so easy. Da Vinci helps you with Fafsa, Tap, and applying to scholarships as soon as it opens. I would like Da Vinci to be a bigger highschool we can have our own gym and teachers can have bigger rooms.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 408

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Starpoint Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  148 reviews

Senior: Starpoint High School has provided me with a well-rounded education. I have had wonderful and supportive teachers and guidance counselors who have looked out for my best interest. I have enjoyed engaging in a variety of extra-curricular activities- TRACK, CROSS-COUNTRY, TECH CLUB, and STAGE CREW. I have been especially impressed by the variety of elective courses offered at this school. The Starpoint Community has been especially supportive during the COVID-19 Pandemic as my teachers have guided me to continue learning in both a fully remote and hybrid model.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 905

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lockport City School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: Lockport High School offers a lot of opportunities that some other schools might not offer. The school offers a bunch of different AP and High School college credited courses for students to take. The school also offers BOCES to students who are planning to go to trade school or do something different then go straight to university. The teachers that they have hired here are phenomenal I feel like I can go to any of them about my problems or issues. The teachers also try their hardest to keep students on track and help out when it is needed. I have also had an amazing experiences when it comes down to athletics in this school. In my freshman year I participated in 3 different sports every season during the fall I did swimming, during the winter I did Track and Filed and during the spring I did softball. I was very active in all these sports and had a good experiences with the coaches and the school spirit. I loved it so much I continued to play sports into my senior year.... Read 164 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,332

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Iroquois Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  91 reviews

Senior: Iroquois High School is great academically. Many of the teachers are very helpful and easy to talk to. They volunteer their time to help students one-on-one or in groups. There are many extracurricular activities for students to get involved in, and lots to sports teams to join. However, the school itself could use some modern updating and an improvement in their technology/computers. Overall, this school is great and I would recommend it to anyone!... Read 91 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 693

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• West Seneca Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  131 reviews

Senior: I have been a part of the West Seneca Central School District since elementary school and I have always loved everything about it. There are many clubs and sports to partake in that make you enjoy the school even more! The teachers are so sweet and are always there for you when you need them the most. During my college application process, I have always had my school counselor and past teachers be there for me every step of the way. This school is very helpful and everyone there is kind, considerate, and puts your needs before their own.... Read 131 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 801

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District, NY•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  144 reviews

Senior: Starting high school in 8th grade at first was a little strange and felt like I wasn’t ready. The best thing for me that helped me through that was the amazing friends I made. Even now I think being able to talk to your counselor about anything is really helpful, they have got me ready for each of school and even helped tremendously on getting ready for college. I’ve learned so much more than just academics, I’ve learned life skills that will guide me though the rest of my life. I have really enjoyed my high school experience, and I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve done.... Read 144 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,174

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: Provides many excellent learning opportunities for a variety of students, many of whom are extremely passionate about their education. Contains a wonderful teaching staff and a multitude of sports and extra-curricular activities. Personally, the school, it's teachers, and my classmates have had an extremely positive impact on me, encouraging my growth as not only a student but as a person.... Read 64 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,182

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Depew Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  68 reviews

Junior: i have been attending Depew High School since kindergarten, and i would not want to be anywhere else! I believe the education given to us by our teachers is amazing and they put so much time and effort to help us grow. Our athletic programs have helped me survive all the tough times. I participate in sports such as volleyball and cheer. Our coaches put their heart into helping us get better at what we love. We may not always win when it comes to sports, but we sure give it our all. My favorite part of the year would be spirit week. Depew has had the biggest rival in all of WNY against Lancaster for 50 years. The big football game and assembly is something i am so proud to be apart of. Since we are not a huge school, most teachers and students will know each other or be acquainted some how, which makes us all a closer family. I am a Junior now and have 2 more years to complete, but my experience so far has been something i would not change and will remember as the years pass.... Read 68 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 538

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Cheektowaga Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  111 reviews

Alum: I went to cheektowaga high school as a incoming junior. I didn’t know anyone and I was scared that I would end up with no friends and have a hard time in the new environment. I was wrong. On my first day I felt very welcomed by both students and staff. I ended up having a little group of friends that stuck with me and still are my friends after graduation. The teachers made learning the easiest it could be while having to deal with covid and online schooling. It felt like they really cared for us to learn. The counseling was also a plus, they had very flexible counseling and you could pretty much walk in whenever and either have a small wait time or be able to talk with someone right away. I would recommend this school.... Read 111 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 679

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buffalo, NY•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  60 reviews

Niche User: Buffalo Academy of Science is a BUFFALO, NY public charter school that is above average. It serves 770 students in grades K-12, with a 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio. According to state test results, 95% of children are proficient in arithmetic and 92 percent are proficient in reading.... Read 60 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 906

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Cleveland Hill Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  97 reviews

Senior: My school, Cleve Hill, isn’t a very large school. In fact out of the 4 schools in our town ours is the smallest. But small isn’t a bad thing. My graduation class has about 95 kids in it and I have been friends with most of them since pre-k! Our school spirit is second to none. We have a very diverse student body and teachers that truly care! I only wish there were more sports options. We don’t have soccer and I have played since I was 3 years old. My guidance and college counselors have been especially helpful in finding the school that fits me best! I am fortunate to have been at Cleve Hill for my whole school career!... Read 97 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 385

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1