Jefferson County Schools & Education
Jefferson County, New York
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 85.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,261
National avg $13,239
State avg $14,719
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#45
of 62 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Jefferson County, New York
A Robust School System for 16,000 Students
Jefferson County features a large network of 39 public schools managed by 12 districts. This system supports 16,761 students, with a significant concentration of 21 elementary schools providing the foundational education for the region.
Growth Opportunities in Graduation and Funding
The county reports an 84.0% graduation rate and a school score of 61.7, which both sit slightly below state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,261, placing it just under the national average of $13,000.
Watertown and Indian River Lead the Way
Watertown City School District and Indian River Central are the largest entities, together serving over 7,300 students. There are no charter schools in Jefferson County, as the 12 traditional districts manage all public enrollment.
City, Suburb, and Rural Diversity
Jefferson County offers a unique mix of 26 rural, eight city, and five suburban school settings. Watertown Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,083 students, creating a more traditional large-school experience for older students.
Diverse Living Options Near Jefferson Schools
From the urban atmosphere of Watertown to the rural expanses of Indian River, this county offers a school setting for every family. Consider the district's locale when searching for your next home to find the perfect fit for your student.
School Overview
Total Schools
39
in Jefferson County
Total Enrollment
16,761
students
School Districts
12
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
12 School Districts in Jefferson County
WATERTOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
INDIAN RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SOUTH JEFFERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
GENERAL BROWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
THOUSAND ISLANDS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BELLEVILLE-HENDERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
LA FARGEVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ALEXANDRIA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SACKETS HARBOR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
39 Public Schools in Jefferson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WATERTOWN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | WATERTOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,083 |
| CARTHAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL | CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 899 |
| CARTHAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 815 |
| INDIAN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL | INDIAN RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 781 |
| INDIAN RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL | INDIAN RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 672 |
| GENERAL BROWN JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | GENERAL BROWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 661 |
| CASE MIDDLE SCHOOL | WATERTOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–8 | Middle | 626 |
| HAROLD T WILEY SCHOOL | WATERTOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–6 | Middle | 574 |
| SOUTH JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL | SOUTH JEFFERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 553 |
| CALCIUM PRIMARY SCHOOL | INDIAN RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–3 | Primary | 545 |
| INDIAN RIVER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL | INDIAN RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–5 | Primary | 544 |
| MAYNARD P WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SOUTH JEFFERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 520 |
| BELLEVILLE HENDERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL | BELLEVILLE-HENDERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–12 | Other | 502 |
| LA FARGEVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL | LA FARGEVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–12 | Other | 496 |
| BLACK RIVER SCHOOL | CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–4 | Primary | 460 |
| NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | WATERTOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–4 | Primary | 455 |
| CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL | SOUTH JEFFERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 435 |
| SACKETS HARBOR CENTRAL SCHOOL | SACKETS HARBOR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–12 | Other | 410 |
| BROWNVILLE SCHOOL | GENERAL BROWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 3–6 | Primary | 409 |
| CARTHAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–4 | Primary | 378 |
BELLEVILLE-HENDERSON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$12,261
State avg $14,719
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Jefferson County, New York — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Jefferson County, New York?
Jefferson County features a large network of 39 public schools managed by 12 districts. This system supports 16,761 students, with a significant concentration of 21 elementary schools providing the foundational education for the region.
How do schools in Jefferson County perform academically?
The county reports an 84.0% graduation rate and a school score of 61.7, which both sit slightly below state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,261, placing it just under the national average of $13,000.
What are the major school districts in Jefferson County, New York?
Watertown City School District and Indian River Central are the largest entities, together serving over 7,300 students. There are no charter schools in Jefferson County, as the 12 traditional districts manage all public enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County offers a unique mix of 26 rural, eight city, and five suburban school settings. Watertown Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,083 students, creating a more traditional large-school experience for older students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Jefferson County, New York?
From the urban atmosphere of Watertown to the rural expanses of Indian River, this county offers a school setting for every family. Consider the district's locale when searching for your next home to find the perfect fit for your student.
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.