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Average

#3227 of 4,742 schools in NY

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts

High School · BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

450 MASTEN AVE, Buffalo, NY 14209

Enrollment

575

Student-Teacher

8.3:1

Score

5.4

Grades

5th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New York schools

#3,227 of 4,742

In Buffalo

#34 of 85

public schools

In district

#27 of 59

BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts

5.4/10

High School in Buffalo · grades 5th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Leonardo Da Vinci High School

7.9/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Health Sciences Charter School

7.9/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts is a public high school in Buffalo, NY, part of BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts serves approximately 575 students, and covers grades 5th-12th, and has a 8.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #3,227 of 4,742 schools in NY.

Structured state assessment records for Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 5.4 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • NY avg 7.0

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

At 8.3:1 students to teachers, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

52% of students at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.4Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.13 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17.9% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency35.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-25 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.2 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-19.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
College Readiness5.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation8.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.1Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio8.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$30,022
Chronic Absenteeism51.7%

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts — Students at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

67.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NY EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 41.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
34.3% (2021 NYSED)
ELA Proficiency 51.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
54.9% (2021 NYSED)

Based on 35 test records from NY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
73%
ELA
70%
2010
Math
53%
ELA
57%
2011
Math
56%
ELA
56%
2012
Math
29%
ELA
38%
2013
Math
13%
ELA
34%
2014
Math
38%
ELA
43%
2015
Math
49%
ELA
51%
2016
Math
49%
ELA
56%
2017
Math
49%
ELA
58%
2018
Math
46%
ELA
51%
2019
Math
46%
ELA
51%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
30.5%
ELA
48.8%
2022
Math
17.9%
ELA
35.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.4/10.

How Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts Compares

See how Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.4/10
32th percentile in NY
Academic
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
6.4/10
Average
Environment
6.1/10
Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.4
Sports
16
7 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
8:1 student-teacher ratio
69 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
51.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
8.3% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics16sports offered
7 boys'·9 girls'·16 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

450 MASTEN AVE, Buffalo, NY 14209

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BUFFALO SEMINARY (rated 8.2/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CITY HONORS SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LEONARDO DA VINCI HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Buffalo, see our Buffalo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
LEONARDO DA VINCI HIGH SCHOOL Buffalo 0.3 mi 7.9
HEALTH SCIENCES CHARTER SCHOOL Buffalo 0.4 mi 7.9
PS 17 Buffalo 0.5 mi 4.7
CATHOLIC ACADEMY WEST BUFFALO Buffalo 0.5 mi 6.7
CITY HONORS SCHOOL Buffalo 0.8 mi 8.1
COMMUNITY SCHOOL #53 Buffalo 0.6 mi 3.8
STANLEY MAKOWSKI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Buffalo 0.8 mi 5.2
NARDIN ACADEMY Buffalo 0.7 mi 6.6
STANLEY G FALK SCHOOL Buffalo 0.8 mi 7.2
PS 74 HAMLIN PARK - CLAUDE AND OUIDA CLAPP ACADEMY Buffalo 0.7 mi 5.7
MARVA J DANIEL FUTURES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Buffalo 1.1 mi 5.4
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR #48 Buffalo 1.1 mi 6.2
BUFFALO SEMINARY Buffalo 1.0 mi 8.2
BUFFALO COMMONS CHARTER SCHOOL Buffalo 1.3 mi 3.1
PS 59 DR CHARLES DREW SCIENCE MAGNET Buffalo 1.1 mi 4.9
REACH ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL Buffalo 1.6 mi 2.7
DR GEORGE BLACKMAN ECC Buffalo 1.5 mi 4.6
ERIE COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY Buffalo 1.3 mi
PATHWAYS ACADEMY Buffalo 1.3 mi 5.2
LAFAYETTE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Buffalo 1.3 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 14209 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$49,359

Median Home Value

$408,600

Median Rent

$1,025/mo

Population

8,373

College Educated

46.1%

Homeownership

34.1%

Avg Commute

20.3 min

Poverty Rate

25%

Median Age

35.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
ALEXANDER MIDDLE SCHOOL-HIGH SCHOOL Alexander, NY 5.4
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HS-FIN INFO TECH Cambria Heights, NY 5.4
CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL Middle Village, NY 5.4
METROPOLITAN SOUNDVIEW HIGH SCHOOL (THE) Bronx, NY 5.4
NORTHERN ADIRONDACK MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL Ellenburg Depot, NY 5.4
QUEENS SCHOOL OF INQUIRY (THE) Flushing, NY 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts

What grades does Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts serve?

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts serves students in grades 5th through 12th.

How many students attend Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts?

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has an enrollment of approximately 575 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts?

The student-teacher ratio at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts is 8.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts rank in NY?

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts ranks #3,227 of 4,742 schools in NY.

What is Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts's MySchoolScout rating?

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts a charter school?

No, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts a Title I school?

No, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts?

67.5% of students at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
78 Very Walkable
Transit Score
51 Good Transit
Bike Score
63 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 12th
Enrollment
575
Student-Teacher Ratio
8.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
69
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Erie County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
51.7%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
29,866
Schools in District
61
Per-Pupil Spending
$30,022
District Rank
#27 of 59

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