2023 Best Schools in the Rochester Area

• Brighton Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  284 reviews

Sophomore: After my first year at BHS, I must say that my expectations have been exceeded. There are great facilities and resources, and the teachers I've had care a great deal about their students. I don't eat lunch here, but from what I've heard, it's pretty bad. It's also great that there is a daily "FLEX" period where students can treat it as a free period, see a teacher for extra help, finish work.. etc. Supplemented by a rigorous and opportunistic academic curriculum, there is definitely a large emphasis on a work-life-school balance, so as long a student can handle the responsibilities that come with building their future, they will thrive here. Overall, I'm excited for the next three years!... Read 284 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,227

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  45 reviews

Junior: I've been going to the school for over 10 years and overall my experience has been amazing! I was really able to express my individuality with independent studies in the commons and all the faculty and staff encouraging creativity especially in music department. Even in the lower school a teacher let me create my own unit and help teach the class for a day. The only draw back is simply because there are so few people sometimes socially it can be difficult.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 515

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  189 reviews

Senior: I have had a largely enjoyable and educational six years in the Pittsford Central School District, like many of my peers. Teachers and students alike prioritize academics and post-graduation success, which I greatly value. The music and athletic programs are notably successful and competitive, while simultaneously providing students of all skills and backgrounds with opportunities to participate. My criticisms of Pittsford Mendon High school include the somewhat excessive expectations placed upon students, and the faculty's mishandling of social or cultural situations. Students are expected to take the most difficult classes possible, and as many as they can register for, rather than prioritizing their interests, career plans, and physical and mental health. Further, racial incidents within the district have been treated as an opportunity for unity and press, rather than a situation to learn from and amend. With further social progress, MHS would be an ideal school for any student.... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 966

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  241 reviews

Senior: High school is a challenge. Though academics are hard, I found it more difficult to find motivation to complete assignments for anything I wasn’t interested in. That’s something I hate about high school. I hate doing research on topics that are mundane and boring. I hate feeling the pressure of deadlines for things that I will never think about again after that deadline. I would just tell myself, “I’ll start tomorrow.” But that’s also something I love. School helped me break out of that mindset. That mindset hurt my grades, my pride, and my academics too much to continue. So, I made a change. Not only in school but in my personal life. In each project I find boring, I look for something interesting within it. I find motivation not because of that deadline but because of my dreams to pursue a higher education and an effort to improve my life. Thanks to school, I found the energy to make this change.... Read 241 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 877

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: Allendale Columbia School is an excellent school with a tight-knit community. My favorite part of the Allendale community is the supportive, passionate, and caring teachers whom I can always count on for engaging conversations. Additionally, Allendale encourages students to take an active role in the community, whether through participating in a speak-up forum, holding positions in student government, or providing feedback on various school matters. The school also fosters a progressive learning environment, prioritizing collaboration and hands-on work. At Allendale, all community members know each other. While the student body comprises of diverse backgrounds and personalities, most students are uniquely special and somewhat eccentric. In comparison to the Harley School, both schools are quite similar, but the choice ultimately depends on one's interests and personal vibe. By visiting both schools, you will be able to determine which one suits you best.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: Teachers are experienced and excellent. There are lots of cliques and rich kids. Conservative political climate. It is easy to find friends. Supportive counselors to help you with both educational and social difficulties.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 654

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Penfield Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  286 reviews

Senior: Penfield has a wide variety of talented teachers that are always willing to help students with their homework and schoolwork along with helping them to succeed in their academic career. The classes offered fit in with most peoples needs and there is something for everyone. The administration at the high school do their best to make everyone feel welcome and have an inclusive community. The sports and music programs are excellent and provide extra opportunities outside of the classroom. Lastly, there a club and/or extracurricular that fits everyone interests and provide students with the chance to get involved in many ways.... Read 286 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,377

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Brighton Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: TCMS is a school that is very unique. After being here for 3 years, here is what I have to say. Most teachers are passionate about teaching & want to help students learn/grow as not only students, but people. I feel they are underappreciated by students who are ignorant to their opportunities and then therefore push the learning gap between those with learning differences or need aid as opposed to everyone else. My other issues are that the "diversity", really isn't what it's advertised as. People don't tend to make new friends and generally students stick to their "group". Problems and drama between students that are clearly evident to other kids - such as bullying - is turned a blind eye towards, especially because this is a Middle School, and you know how the system works here. The school has got its issues, but overall, promotes good practices and the administration has always worked hard. I'm just worried that, the school and district itself is trending in the wrong direction.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 831

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 461

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Penfield Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 552

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 643

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 348

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

High School Freshman: A wonderful school with extremely caring teachers who know what they're doing.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 656

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  114 reviews

Senior: 1. Strong academic programs: Schools that offer challenging and comprehensive academic programs are often highly regarded. This includes a variety of courses, opportunities for advanced study, and engaging teaching methods. 2. Supportive community: A welcoming and inclusive school community can greatly enhance the student experience. Positive relationships with teachers, staff, and fellow students contribute to a sense of belonging and support. 3. Extracurricular activities: Schools that offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, and arts programs, provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop skills, and make meaningful connections outside the classroom. 1. Workload and stress: Rigorous academic expectations and a heavy workload can sometimes lead to high levels of stress. Balancing academics with other responsibilities and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be a challenge for students.... Read 114 reviews

• grade A

• Students 811

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Victor Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  263 reviews

Sophomore: The academic programs at Victor Senior High School are commendable. The curriculum offers diverse subjects and opportunities for students to explore various fields of interest. The teachers are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, which enhances the learning experience. This school also offers many extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and performing arts groups allowing students to pursue their interests, and develop their talents. The school encourages student participation and provides resources and support for these activities. The school facilities at Victor Senior High School are well-maintained and provide a conducive environment for learning, with a welcoming and inclusive community. Overall, my experience at Victor Senior High School has been positive. The school offers a well-rounded education, supportive teachers, and a variety of extracurricular activities, providing a solid foundation for academic and personal growth.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,364

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 476

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairport Central School District, NY•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  339 reviews

Senior: Many amazing teachers and connections to be made! Sometimes play a game of portraying how diverse and great Fairport is, when it's not quite the case. Nevertheless a strong community, although bubbled, clicky and suburban. Wonderful opportunities if you are able to take advantage of them, but without a doubt more can be done to connect students with the tools and environments they need to succeed and feel belonging. A positive feeling, but again certain costs as well.... Read 339 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,299

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Pittsford Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 423

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Penfield Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 408

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Penfield Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: I love this school. The staff, the teachers, the district. Great music department & all the teachers are amazing.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Rush-Henrietta Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  246 reviews

Sophomore: My time so far at Rush Henrietta Senior High School has been amazing, however I chose not to rate it a 5 because there is always room for improvement! Some areas I would like to see improve is the selectivity of teachers. At this school we have above and beyond teachers who will do whatever it takes to cater to a students academic needs, however, there are some teachers that don’t put their all into their teaching, or so it seems to us students. This year mainly, I have noticed a new teacher that was hired this year that I also had as a teacher this school year who wasn’t the best. When many students confided in counselors this year regarding this teacher, the response was always “we choose the best teachers who are credible and very much qualified” however, if many are reporting the same teacher, students being concerned for their academic performance, I feel the staff should be more than happy to make a change, especially if students are concerned as well. Which shows we care.... Read 246 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,228

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Brighton Central School District, NY•

• 3-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Fabulous teachers; they genuinely care about children at this school and are very good at a. keeping the kids under control b. teaching c. having fun!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 697

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• West Irondequoit Central School District, NY•

• K-3

• grade A

• Students 158

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Penfield Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 1,051

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• West Irondequoit Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  210 reviews

Senior: I have had a great experience at Irondequoit High School. I'm in the class of 2023, a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and participate in 3 varsity sports (Lacrosse, Soccer and Swimming). My teachers and coaches have always been very supportive and helpful. One thing I especially like is the business department where I’ve taken multiple college credit courses with the partnership that the school has with Monroe Community College. It is a walking district, which means no buses, which is pretty unique. The campus itself isn’t very big, which is good and bad. Good in the sense that you know most classmates, but sometimes sporting events can’t be on campus.... Read 210 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,142

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1