Suffolk County Schools & Education
Suffolk County, New York
School Score
73/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 85.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,493
National avg $13,239
State avg $14,719
School Score
73/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#9
of 62 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Suffolk County, New York
A Massive Infrastructure of Suburban Excellence
Suffolk County features a staggering 341 public schools across 73 districts, serving over 223,235 students. The system is dominated by 207 elementary schools and a robust network of middle and high schools. This is one of the most complex and well-resourced educational landscapes in the United States.
High Investment Yields Elite Graduation Rates
Suffolk County boasts an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national benchmarks. Spending is exceptionally high at $18,493 per pupil, which is over $5,000 more than the national average. The resulting school score of 78.0 places the county among the state's top educational performers.
Brentwood and Sachem Anchor the Island
Brentwood Union Free School District is the largest in the county, educating 17,826 students across 17 schools. Sachem Central and Middle Country Central follow with 11,727 and 9,404 students respectively. Charter schools are rare here, making up just 0.6% of the total school landscape with only two campuses.
Vibrant Suburban Campuses and Large Schools
The county is almost entirely suburban, with 316 schools located in developed residential settings. Average school size is high at 655 students, led by Brentwood High School’s massive enrollment of 4,641 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a large, resource-rich community with extensive extracurricular and academic opportunities.
Invest in a High-Value Education Hub
Suffolk County is a premier destination for families who prioritize elite public education and suburban amenities. Homes in districts like Brentwood or Sachem offer access to high-funding environments that drive student success. When choosing a neighborhood, the county’s strong 89.4% graduation rate is a primary draw for homebuyers.
School Overview
Total Schools
341
in Suffolk County
Total Enrollment
223,235
students
School Districts
73
districts
Charter Schools
2
1% of total
School Type Breakdown
73 School Districts in Suffolk County
BRENTWOOD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SACHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MIDDLE COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WILLIAM FLOYD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
LONGWOOD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SMITHTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CENTRAL ISLIP UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SOUTH HUNTINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
341 Public Schools in Suffolk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL | BRENTWOOD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 4,641 |
| WILLIAM FLOYD HIGH SCHOOL | WILLIAM FLOYD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 3,013 |
| LONGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL | LONGWOOD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 2,977 |
| CENTRAL ISLIP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | CENTRAL ISLIP UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 2,576 |
| PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL | PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 2,443 |
| SACHEM HIGH SCHOOL EAST | SACHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 2,082 |
| RIVERHEAD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | RIVERHEAD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 2,001 |
| WALT WHITMAN HIGH SCHOOL | SOUTH HUNTINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,991 |
| SACHEM HIGH SCHOOL NORTH | SACHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,923 |
| BAY SHORE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | BAY SHORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,910 |
| LINDENHURST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | LINDENHURST UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,897 |
| COMMACK HIGH SCHOOL | COMMACK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,861 |
| CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL | CONNETQUOT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,757 |
| EASTERN SUFFOLK BOCES | EASTERN SUFFOLK BOCES | KG–12 | Special Education | 1,721 |
| NORTHPORT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | NORTHPORT-EAST NORTHPORT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,645 |
| NEWFIELD HIGH SCHOOL | MIDDLE COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,559 |
| EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR CSD | 7–12 | High | 1,530 |
| WALTER G O'CONNELL COPIAGUE HIGH SCHOOL | COPIAGUE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,524 |
| WARD MELVILLE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | THREE VILLAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,507 |
| NORTH BABYLON HIGH SCHOOL | NORTH BABYLON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,506 |
NORTHPORT-EAST NORTHPORT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$18,493
State avg $14,719
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Suffolk County, New York — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Suffolk County, New York?
Suffolk County features a staggering 341 public schools across 73 districts, serving over 223,235 students. The system is dominated by 207 elementary schools and a robust network of middle and high schools. This is one of the most complex and well-resourced educational landscapes in the United States.
How do schools in Suffolk County perform academically?
Suffolk County boasts an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national benchmarks. Spending is exceptionally high at $18,493 per pupil, which is over $5,000 more than the national average. The resulting school score of 78.0 places the county among the state's top educational performers.
What are the major school districts in Suffolk County, New York?
Brentwood Union Free School District is the largest in the county, educating 17,826 students across 17 schools. Sachem Central and Middle Country Central follow with 11,727 and 9,404 students respectively. Charter schools are rare here, making up just 0.6% of the total school landscape with only two campuses.
What is the school experience like in Suffolk County?
The county is almost entirely suburban, with 316 schools located in developed residential settings. Average school size is high at 655 students, led by Brentwood High School’s massive enrollment of 4,641 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a large, resource-rich community with extensive extracurricular and academic opportunities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Suffolk County, New York?
Suffolk County is a premier destination for families who prioritize elite public education and suburban amenities. Homes in districts like Brentwood or Sachem offer access to high-funding environments that drive student success. When choosing a neighborhood, the county’s strong 89.4% graduation rate is a primary draw for homebuyers.
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.