Tompkins County Schools & Education
Tompkins County, New York
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 85.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,187
National avg $13,239
State avg $14,719
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#29
of 62 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Tompkins County, New York
A Diverse and Innovative Learning Hub
Tompkins County manages 33 public schools across nine districts, serving 10,426 students. The system includes 15 elementary schools and 11 high schools, supplemented by specialized alternative and special education facilities. This variety reflects the county's reputation as an intellectual and educational center.
High Graduation Rates and Scholarly Investment
The county maintains a strong 86.0% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 85.3%. Education is well-funded with a per-pupil expenditure of $16,187, which is over $3,000 above the national median. A school score of 71.3 highlights the county's success in translating these resources into academic results.
Ithaca City Schools Lead the County
The Ithaca City School District is the largest by far, managing 12 schools and 4,969 students. Dryden Central and Lansing Central also provide key educational services for 1,282 and 1,154 students respectively. Tompkins County also features one charter school, offering a specialized alternative to its traditional public districts.
A Unique Mix of City and Rural Schools
Tompkins County offers a diverse locale mix with 20 rural schools, seven city schools, and five suburban campuses. Ithaca Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,341 students, while the average school size across the county is a comfortable 316. This allows families to choose between urban energy and rural tranquility for their children's education.
Put Down Roots in an Academic Center
Tompkins County is a top choice for families who value academic excellence and school diversity. Explore homes in the Ithaca or Lansing districts to ensure your children benefit from the county's high graduation rates and generous funding. Proximity to these quality schools is a major driver of local real estate demand.
School Overview
Total Schools
33
in Tompkins County
Total Enrollment
10,426
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in Tompkins County
ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
LANSING CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
TRUMANSBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
GROTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEWFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
TOMPKINS-SENECA-TIOGA BOCES
GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEW ROOTS CHARTER SCHOOL
33 Public Schools in Tompkins County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITHACA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,341 |
| BOYNTON MIDDLE SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 526 |
| DRYDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 486 |
| DEWITT MIDDLE SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 478 |
| RAYMOND C BUCKLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LANSING CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 405 |
| GROTON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | GROTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | High | 402 |
| TRUMANSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | TRUMANSBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 389 |
| NORTHEAST SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 385 |
| LANSING HIGH SCHOOL | LANSING CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 383 |
| GROTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | GROTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 380 |
| SOUTH HILL SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 380 |
| LANSING MIDDLE SCHOOL | LANSING CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 366 |
| DRYDEN HIGH SCHOOL | DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 362 |
| NEWFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | NEWFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 341 |
| BELLE SHERMAN SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 307 |
| CAYUGA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 303 |
| RUSSELL I DOIG MIDDLE SCHOOL | TRUMANSBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 302 |
| CAROLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 293 |
| TOMPKINS-SENECA-TIOGA BOCES | TOMPKINS-SENECA-TIOGA BOCES | 1–12 | Special Education | 293 |
| LEHMAN ALTERNATIVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL | ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | High | 286 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$16,187
State avg $14,719
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Tompkins County, New York — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Tompkins County, New York?
Tompkins County manages 33 public schools across nine districts, serving 10,426 students. The system includes 15 elementary schools and 11 high schools, supplemented by specialized alternative and special education facilities. This variety reflects the county's reputation as an intellectual and educational center.
How do schools in Tompkins County perform academically?
The county maintains a strong 86.0% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 85.3%. Education is well-funded with a per-pupil expenditure of $16,187, which is over $3,000 above the national median. A school score of 71.3 highlights the county's success in translating these resources into academic results.
What are the major school districts in Tompkins County, New York?
The Ithaca City School District is the largest by far, managing 12 schools and 4,969 students. Dryden Central and Lansing Central also provide key educational services for 1,282 and 1,154 students respectively. Tompkins County also features one charter school, offering a specialized alternative to its traditional public districts.
What is the school experience like in Tompkins County?
Tompkins County offers a diverse locale mix with 20 rural schools, seven city schools, and five suburban campuses. Ithaca Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,341 students, while the average school size across the county is a comfortable 316. This allows families to choose between urban energy and rural tranquility for their children's education.
How can I find homes near good schools in Tompkins County, New York?
Tompkins County is a top choice for families who value academic excellence and school diversity. Explore homes in the Ithaca or Lansing districts to ensure your children benefit from the county's high graduation rates and generous funding. Proximity to these quality schools is a major driver of local real estate demand.
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.