Ulster County Schools & Education
Ulster County, New York
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 85.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,662
National avg $13,239
State avg $14,719
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#21
of 62 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Ulster County, New York
A Strong Educational Backbone in the Hudson Valley
Ulster County features 43 public schools across 10 districts, educating over 20,198 students. The system is well-distributed with 21 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools. This robust network provides comprehensive academic coverage for families across the county's varied geography.
Exceptional Funding and Academic Success
Ulster County achieves a graduation rate of 86.5%, well above both the state and national averages. The county invests a high $18,662 per pupil, providing significantly more resources than the $13,000 national benchmark. With a school score of 76.9, Ulster stands out as one of the stronger educational performers in the region.
Kingston City Schools Anchor the System
Kingston City School District is the largest in the county, educating 6,017 students across 10 schools. Other major districts include Onteora Central and Wallkill Central, which also serve substantial student populations. The county relies on traditional public education, with no charter schools currently operating in the area.
Suburban Focus with Regional Campus Vibes
More than half of the county's schools are located in suburban settings, with an average school size of 470 students. Kingston High School is the largest facility with 1,856 students, providing a large-scale campus experience for its learners. This mix of suburban and rural schools offers a wide range of environments for Hudson Valley families.
Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools
Ulster County's combination of high funding and strong graduation rates makes it a magnet for homebuyers with families. Focus your home search in the Kingston or Wallkill districts to take advantage of the county's premier educational resources. High school scores here are a primary indicator of the long-term value and community health in the area.
School Overview
Total Schools
43
in Ulster County
Total Enrollment
20,198
students
School Districts
10
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
10 School Districts in Ulster County
KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
SAUGERTIES CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MARLBORO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
RONDOUT VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
HIGHLAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ELLENVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ONTEORA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (OCFS)
ULSTER BOCES
43 Public Schools in Ulster County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL | KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,856 |
| WALLKILL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | WALLKILL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,004 |
| J WATSON BAILEY MIDDLE SCHOOL | KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 968 |
| M CLIFFORD MILLER MIDDLE SCHOOL | KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 822 |
| MARLBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | MARLBORO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 761 |
| SAUGERTIES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | SAUGERTIES CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 756 |
| ELLENVILLE JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | ELLENVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 731 |
| ELLENVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ELLENVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–6 | Primary | 674 |
| NEW PALTZ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 668 |
| HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HIGHLAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 638 |
| MARLBORO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL | MARLBORO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 628 |
| RONDOUT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | RONDOUT VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 569 |
| HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL | HIGHLAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 512 |
| GEORGE WASHINGTON SCHOOL | KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 449 |
| OSTRANDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | WALLKILL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–6 | Primary | 439 |
| MARLBORO MIDDLE SCHOOL | MARLBORO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 433 |
| JOHN G BORDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL | WALLKILL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–8 | Middle | 432 |
| RICCARDI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SAUGERTIES CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–6 | Primary | 428 |
| NEW PALTZ MIDDLE SCHOOL | NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 421 |
| HARRY L EDSON SCHOOL | KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–4 | Primary | 418 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$18,662
State avg $14,719
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Ulster County, New York — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Ulster County, New York?
Ulster County features 43 public schools across 10 districts, educating over 20,198 students. The system is well-distributed with 21 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools. This robust network provides comprehensive academic coverage for families across the county's varied geography.
How do schools in Ulster County perform academically?
Ulster County achieves a graduation rate of 86.5%, well above both the state and national averages. The county invests a high $18,662 per pupil, providing significantly more resources than the $13,000 national benchmark. With a school score of 76.9, Ulster stands out as one of the stronger educational performers in the region.
What are the major school districts in Ulster County, New York?
Kingston City School District is the largest in the county, educating 6,017 students across 10 schools. Other major districts include Onteora Central and Wallkill Central, which also serve substantial student populations. The county relies on traditional public education, with no charter schools currently operating in the area.
What is the school experience like in Ulster County?
More than half of the county's schools are located in suburban settings, with an average school size of 470 students. Kingston High School is the largest facility with 1,856 students, providing a large-scale campus experience for its learners. This mix of suburban and rural schools offers a wide range of environments for Hudson Valley families.
How can I find homes near good schools in Ulster County, New York?
Ulster County's combination of high funding and strong graduation rates makes it a magnet for homebuyers with families. Focus your home search in the Kingston or Wallkill districts to take advantage of the county's premier educational resources. High school scores here are a primary indicator of the long-term value and community health in the area.
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.