2023 Best School Districts in the New York City Area

• Great Neck, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.48 out of 5  42 reviews

Senior: I have had a great experience with the Great Neck Public Schools over the 13 years I have been attending schools in the district. For kindergarten, I went to Parkville, for elementary school I went to E.M. Baker, for middle school I went to Great Neck North Middle School, and for high school I have been in Great Neck North High School. Let me just say that everything is amazing in these schools. I loved all of my teachers over the years, as they have really prepared me for my next step in life. I love the clubs and activities offered at the schools, as there are so many of them that the schools offer. Lastly, I love the schools’ environments, as they all have such a positive and supporting environment and help each student get through every day. As a result of these aspects of the district, I would highly recommend any Great Neck Public School for any family that is look for a new place to send their kids to school!... Read 42 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 6,831

• Jericho, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  34 reviews

Junior: The Jericho School District is a high-achieving and competitive school district. Students always aim to do their best and have shown excellence through their work. The teachers and administration are caring, kind, and strict when needed. They create a safe environment for students to be in and are there for students when needed. Jericho also provides a variety of extracurriculars to help students explore their interests. From sports to clubs, several activities are made available to students. However, one of the main problems at Jericho is the lack of diversity in the schools. There is an Asian majority with a few other ethnicities in the student body.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,153

• Syosset, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: Syosset High school is a n amazing place. It has given me so many opportunities. There is an unbelievably easy access to new clubs, internships, and opportunities. All the teachers want you to succeed, and pushing the normal course requirements is something that is encouraged. This is a place where learning to ones full potential is encouraged. The competitive environment has prepared me well for college, and has taught me how to take advantages of all my resources and make them work for me.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 6,578

• Roslyn, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.63 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: As a current student at Roslyn High School, I have experienced first hand that teachers are always ready to help and see their students succeed, and form bonds with students to grasp an understanding of each students learning style. The vast variety of clubs and other extra curricular activities ensure that every student has multiple ways to express their interests, and make life long friends. There are many places in the school where one can feel comfortable and make themselves at home with doing homework and enjoying a meal of choice. The sports and art facilities are places where people can exercise and express themselves creatively with encouraging teachers and coaches to push students to their full potential. Being a student at Roslyn ensures that you can explore every opportunity to succeed in your career(s) outside of school.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,204

• Scarsdale, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Alum: Quite simply the Scarsdale Schools have been among the very best for decades. Scarsdale High has had the highest levels of academic achievement in the country. Having worked for three of the top private research universities in the U.S. If a family has high expectations and is ready to be supportive of the schools as well as their students, I can't think of a better school system in America. Your students will do well!... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,657

• Westport, CT•

• School District

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  16 reviews

Freshman: This school district is absolutely wonderful. The teachers are so helpful and kind with the students and teach a lot. It's a great community with everyone willing to help one another achieve their goals. Once, my friend forgot to bring their coat to class during the winter and they had a fire drill, so the teacher gave her her coat to wear.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 5,329

• Woodmere, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.56 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: I grew up in Hewlett and I am raising my daughter here. The academics are amazing. The community is welcoming and they do so many amazing events for families. Starting from FECC (early childhood center), which was warm and helped create an amazing foundation. Then onto the elementary schools, which teaches accountability along with social, emotional and academics. This district has it all! One last bit of information, your child can get credits for college once in the high school. This is an overlooked bonus but definitely great for kids and parents. This district has it all ! Family, excellent schools, close to private beach clubs and 35 minutes from Manhattan and Brooklyn. I highly recommend raising a family here... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,938

• New Hyde Park, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  54 reviews

Alum: Herricks is a diverse environment with a staff of people who care greatly for their students. The curriculum of this school is competitive and fair, giving students an advantage for once they enter college and beyond. Attending this school has significantly prepared me the education and difficulties that I have faced in my undergraduate education. Additionally, it is thanks to the aid I received from the faculty at Herricks that has allowed me many opportunities. The relationships formed during my time at this school have significantly influenced my recent achievements. Without this school, I may not be in the position I am in today and for that I am grateful.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,039

• New Canaan, CT•

• School District

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  Rating 4.74 out of 5  19 reviews

Alum: I had a great experience with the New Canaan school district. I made many great friends through the years and still remain friends to this day! There is an excellent competitive atmosphere academically, athletically, and in the Arts.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,155

• Millburn, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  34 reviews

Freshman: great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports. great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports. great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,697

• Dix Hills, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: Best school district in New York! My son has been attending it since 3 years, entire staff has been so helpful and considerated. Blessed to be part of this school district.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 7,604

• Demarest, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  31 reviews

Alum: Demarest ‘21 alum. This school prepares you for any school you want to intend including the Ivy League, military academies, the best public schools, and others. Most common schools my classmates went to were Rutgers, NYU, and Northeastern (where I am now.) Students usually attend Princeton, Cornell, and Penn every year. The rest of the Ivy League has been populated well, too. A 98th percentile SAT or ACT does not set you apart here. Students must beware the stress and imbalance possible here. Arts and sports are vibrant and well attended. The theatre and music program are excellent.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 2,101

• Manhasset, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: Manhasset is undoubtedly a top school district. The academic, athletics, and arts opportunities are extensive and impressive. Teachers are very knowledgeable about their subject matter and often do their best to support students however they can. Almost every student is above average and has extraordinary accomplishments. However, parents expect for their kids to be the best and there is a toxic competitive culture. In high school, many students are stressed out and resort to cheating. They often still succeed, but they feel the need to sacrifice their integrity to accomplish the goals they feel pressured to complete by the community. Nevertheless, I still graduated from this school feeling prepared to attend my dream college and well educated on the past, present, and future. Instead of suffering the shortcomings of a weak district, the problems manhasset students face are the consequences of being so high performing.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 3,051

• Old Westbury, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Small schools with faculty and Teachers who are helpful in choosing from a. Variety of interests. School has many clubs and sports options.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,666

• Chappaqua, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Sophomore: As a current Sophomore in the Chappaqua Central District I can strongly say that the district is an overall fantastic district that puts a lot of emphasis on challenging each and every student in a way that helps them succeed. Starting from 7th grade, the students are split into two different math tracks to accommodate for those that are more mathematically inclined. In high school, a variety of AP courses also allows students to push themselves to learn higher level material. There are also clubs for the many things students are interested in including art, science and even gaming. A range of courses in the performing arts also allows students to explore new instruments and roles in the production of stage performances. However one thing that is not as fantastic about the district is the underlaying racism towards minorities. Although in school the importance of inclusion and non-prejudice is spread, there is still a problem when it comes to the media and private conversations.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,572

• Bronxville, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: The teachers were really nice, usually willing to help, and eager to make sure students learned.A downside could be that it was very 'what you make of it', you definitely had to be active to make the most of the offered resources.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,603

• Armonk, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: Byram Hills is not very diverse, we hear that. But that's NOT the school district's fault! The area has a certain demographic and the students that attend are a product of the community. The bottom line is that the district does an excellent job at educating whomever is attending. It does not matter what race/ethnicity the student is, he/she will get the best education offered in a public school district. The only issue we have had is with the high school nurse, she is not an ethical or kind person.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,274

• North Merrick, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  93 reviews

Junior: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has been a very welcoming experience, full of academic opportunities as well as social activities such as sports, clubs, and volunteer activities. I regard it very highly in terms college readiness, as its curriculum is very demanding but rewarding in terms of skills and knowledge.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 5,234

• Scarsdale, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: My overall experience with Edgemont High School was life-changing. I moved to this school at the beginning of high school and it was very rigorous and competitive, very different from my old school. Nevertheless, this rigor built me into a much stronger student as the classes challenged me and prepared me for real-life. The only thing I would like to see change is some of the teacher's teaching styles because I had to teach myself many topics I was tested on in certain classes.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 2,034

• Greenwich, CT•

• School District

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Overall, a great district! Teachers are highly skilled and caring and the school administration does their best to offer academic excellence as well as extracurriculars.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 15

• Students 8,773

• Pelham, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: Overall the Pelham Union Free School District has served me very well over the 12 years I have been attending. There is always a sense of family and inclusiveness throughout all of the school and I have made so many pleasant memories that I will keep with me forever. I feel that the curriculum is challenging, however, I feel that it could be improved by becoming more challenging. I feel prepared for college and my future for the most part.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,790

• Ridgewood, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: Ridgewood High Schools's motto, "A Tradition of Excellence" is not reflective of RHS's population. Ridgewood goes beyond excellence. Every year Ridgewood administration is constantly finding new ways to better the school. Last year they bought a large screen-printer. A few years before they bought 3-D printers for the science lab. Now while Ridgewood is often encouraging students, especially girls to become young scientists and pursue STEM majors, the school also provides many opportunities for students interested in liberal arts to explore the world of literature, history, psychology, etc. There are interesting and unique classes students can take such as Physics, Engineering, and Art (one class), Dance, Robotics, Art History, and Crime and Mystery Literature. However, I feel that besides all these amazing aspects, the school does not truly listen to their students. Even with a student government, students are still told no, constantly. This needs to change for the school to evolve.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,604

• Briarcliff Manor, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: Briarcliff High School has been an excellent experience for me. The academics and teachers are top notch and it was easy to make friends. There's also a lot of school pride. I'll miss Briarcliff when I graduate. Let's go BEARS!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,358

• Darien, CT•

• School District

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: Darien High School is an incredible school for college preparation, but the atmosphere can be stifling. The school is a pipeline for Ivy League kids and future hedge fund managers, and it offers incredible AP classes and even beyond. For parents, make sure to realize that your kids are under intense pressure both socially and academically, and for students, whether the school tells you or not: IT'S OK TO FAIL!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,653

• Tenafly, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  22 reviews

Works Here: A highly academic school district that values the effects of social and emotional activities as well as the truly academic. Classes are challenging and students are encouraged to participate in team events, competitions, and activities outside of the classroom that can further expand their knowledge by applying it to real-life situations.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,360