Average
#3416 of 4,739 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
Enrollment
575
Student-Teacher
8.3:1
Score
5.4
Grades
5th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buffalo
#22 of 84
public schools
New York high schools
#916 of 1,160
In district
#18 of 59
BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Equity
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts
Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts serves 575 students in grades 5 through 12 on Masten Avenue in Buffalo. This specialized public school offers an exceptionally small student-teacher ratio of 8.3:1, with 69 full-time equivalent teachers providing personalized attention that many larger schools cannot match. The academy demonstrates solid academic performance with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks in the 74th percentile statewide at #1238 out of 4758 New York schools.
Students show particular strength in English Language Arts, with 49% scoring proficient or above, while mathematics presents opportunities for continued growth with 34% proficiency rates. As a visual and performing arts-focused institution, the school likely attracts students passionate about creative disciplines while maintaining academic rigor across traditional subjects. The intimate class sizes allow teachers to provide individualized support and mentorship that can be especially valuable for students developing both artistic talents and academic skills.
The school serves a diverse community where 45% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting an educated population that values both academic achievement and artistic expression. Located in Buffalo's urban landscape, the academy provides students with access to the cultural richness and opportunities that come with big-city living.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 8.3:1, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts — Students at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
67.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 11 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.3/10.
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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 46% (2019) to 72% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 51% (2019) to 77% (2021).
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 NARDIN ACADEMY (rated 6.6/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CITY HONORS SCHOOL (rated 6.2/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores slightly 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 | 5.6 |
| HEALTH SCIENCES CHARTER SCHOOL Buffalo | 0.4 mi | 5.0 |
| PS 17 Buffalo | 0.5 mi | 2.8 |
| CATHOLIC ACADEMY WEST BUFFALO Buffalo | 0.5 mi | 6.7 |
| CITY HONORS SCHOOL Buffalo | 0.8 mi | 6.2 |
| COMMUNITY SCHOOL #53 Buffalo | 0.6 mi | 5.0 |
| STANLEY MAKOWSKI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Buffalo | 0.8 mi | 3.3 |
| 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 | 4.1 |
| MARVA J DANIEL FUTURES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Buffalo | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| MARTIN LUTHER KING JR #48 Buffalo | 1.1 mi | 3.2 |
| BUFFALO SEMINARY Buffalo | 1.0 mi | 8.2 |
| BUFFALO COMMONS CHARTER SCHOOL Buffalo | 1.3 mi | — |
| PS 59 DR CHARLES DREW SCIENCE MAGNET Buffalo | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| REACH ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL Buffalo | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| DR GEORGE BLACKMAN ECC Buffalo | 1.5 mi | 3.4 |
| ERIE COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY Buffalo | 1.3 mi | — |
| PATHWAYS ACADEMY Buffalo | 1.3 mi | 5.7 |
| LAFAYETTE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Buffalo | 1.3 mi | 4.8 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has a median household income of $49,359. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $408,600, with a median rent of $1,025/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ADIRONDACK HIGH SCHOOL Boonville, NY | 5.4 |
| BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL Brooklyn, NY | 5.4 |
| CHEEKTOWAGA HIGH SCHOOL Cheektowaga, NY | 5.4 |
| CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL Middle Village, NY | 5.4 |
| EAST UPPER HIGH SCHOOL Rochester, NY | 5.4 |
| FRANK MCCOURT HIGH SCHOOL New York, 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 is ranked #3416 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts's MySchoolScout rating?
Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has a composite rating of 5.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts has 33.6% math proficiency and 49.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,549/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Buffalo). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (716) 816-4220
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
BUFFALO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 29,866
- Schools in District
- 61
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $30,022
- District Rank
- #18 of 59
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in New York 2026: Top Districts from NYC to the Suburbsbest schools
- Best Schools in New York, NY — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.