Erie County Schools & Education
Erie County, New York
School Score
59/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 85.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,451
National avg $13,239
State avg $14,719
School Score
59/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#41
of 62 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Erie County, New York
A Massive Infrastructure of Over 200 Schools
Erie County operates an expansive system of 221 public schools within 53 districts, educating a total of 122,013 students. The landscape is rich with 123 elementary schools and 54 high schools, making it one of the largest educational networks in the state. This scale provides an unparalleled breadth of programs and extracurricular options for local students.
Navigating Performance in a Large System
The county's graduation rate sits at 84.5%, closely trailing the state average of 85.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,451, which is more efficient than the state average but slightly below the national mark. Despite its size, the county manages a composite school score of 62.4, reflecting the diverse challenges of urban and suburban education.
Buffalo City and Williamsville Lead the Way
Buffalo City School District is the largest entity by far, managing 60 schools and 29,507 students. Williamsville and Kenmore-Tonawanda also serve as major suburban hubs, educating nearly 16,000 students between them. Notably, 22 charter schools operate in the county, representing 10% of all facilities and offering significant parental choice.
Suburban and City Schools with Scale
The county's schools are primarily located in suburban (98) and city (93) locales, creating a fast-paced and social educational environment. The average school size is 552 students, with the Charter School for Applied Technologies topping the charts at 2,309 students. This scale ensures that students have access to a wide variety of specialized tracks and athletic programs.
Unlock Endless Options for Your Children
Erie County is a top pick for families who want variety, offering everything from large suburban districts to specialized urban charter schools. Researching homes in Williamsville or the Buffalo suburbs can place your family near some of the region's most sought-after educational programs. Let school variety and district reputation guide your home-buying journey.
School Overview
Total Schools
221
in Erie County
Total Enrollment
122,013
students
School Districts
53
districts
Charter Schools
22
10% of total
School Type Breakdown
53 School Districts in Erie County
BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
WILLIAMSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
KENMORE-TONAWANDA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
WEST SENECA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
LANCASTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORCHARD PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
FRONTIER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLARENCE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SWEET HOME CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
HAMBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
221 Public Schools in Erie County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES | CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES | KG–12 | Charter | 2,309 |
| LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL | LANCASTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,652 |
| ORCHARD PARK HIGH SCHOOL | ORCHARD PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,385 |
| KENMORE WEST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | KENMORE-TONAWANDA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 8–12 | High | 1,358 |
| FRONTIER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | FRONTIER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,352 |
| WILLIAMSVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL | WILLIAMSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,321 |
| WILLIAM STREET SCHOOL | LANCASTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–6 | Middle | 1,293 |
| CLARENCE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | CLARENCE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,284 |
| HUTCHINSON CENTRAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL | BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,175 |
| KENMORE EAST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | KENMORE-TONAWANDA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 8–12 | High | 1,127 |
| WEST SENECA WEST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | WEST SENECA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,110 |
| TAPESTRY CHARTER SCHOOL | TAPESTRY CHARTER SCHOOL | KG–12 | Charter | 1,108 |
| CITY HONORS SCHOOL | BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–12 | High | 1,080 |
| SWEET HOME SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | SWEET HOME CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,072 |
| FRONTIER MIDDLE SCHOOL | FRONTIER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 1,071 |
| ORCHARD PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL | ORCHARD PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 1,059 |
| TONAWANDA MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL | TONAWANDA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–12 | High | 1,011 |
| HAMBURG HIGH SCHOOL | HAMBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 987 |
| MCKINLEY VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL | BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Vocational | 986 |
| INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–8 | Primary | 981 |
CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$12,451
State avg $14,719
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Erie County, New York — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Erie County, New York?
Erie County operates an expansive system of 221 public schools within 53 districts, educating a total of 122,013 students. The landscape is rich with 123 elementary schools and 54 high schools, making it one of the largest educational networks in the state. This scale provides an unparalleled breadth of programs and extracurricular options for local students.
How do schools in Erie County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate sits at 84.5%, closely trailing the state average of 85.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,451, which is more efficient than the state average but slightly below the national mark. Despite its size, the county manages a composite school score of 62.4, reflecting the diverse challenges of urban and suburban education.
What are the major school districts in Erie County, New York?
Buffalo City School District is the largest entity by far, managing 60 schools and 29,507 students. Williamsville and Kenmore-Tonawanda also serve as major suburban hubs, educating nearly 16,000 students between them. Notably, 22 charter schools operate in the county, representing 10% of all facilities and offering significant parental choice.
What is the school experience like in Erie County?
The county's schools are primarily located in suburban (98) and city (93) locales, creating a fast-paced and social educational environment. The average school size is 552 students, with the Charter School for Applied Technologies topping the charts at 2,309 students. This scale ensures that students have access to a wide variety of specialized tracks and athletic programs.
How can I find homes near good schools in Erie County, New York?
Erie County is a top pick for families who want variety, offering everything from large suburban districts to specialized urban charter schools. Researching homes in Williamsville or the Buffalo suburbs can place your family near some of the region's most sought-after educational programs. Let school variety and district reputation guide your home-buying journey.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.