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#2534 of 4,739 schools in NY

Dryden High School

High School · DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

PO BOX 88, Dryden, NY 13053

Enrollment

345

Student-Teacher

8.8:1

Score

6.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Dryden

#2 of 5

public schools

New York high schools

#682 of 1,160

In district

#2 of 5

DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Academic performance

9.6 / 10

Exceptional

About Dryden High School

Dryden High School serves 345 students in grades 9-12 in this close-knit rural community in Tompkins County. With 39 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an impressive 8.8:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and strong relationships between educators and students. The school demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, earning an 8.5 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #160 out of 4,758 high schools statewide, placing it in the 97th percentile.

Students consistently excel in both core subjects, with 90% achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and an outstanding 98% reaching proficiency in mathematics. This academic excellence reflects both the dedication of the teaching staff and the supportive learning environment. The school draws from a community where 43% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, contributing to a culture that values education.

The area's median household income of $81,429 and median home value of $213,900 reflect a stable, middle-class community, though with a 19.3% poverty rate, the school serves families across various economic circumstances. Dryden High School offers students a quality education in the scenic rural setting of central New York's Finger Lakes region.

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.8:1, Dryden High School 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.

Located in a rural area, Dryden High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.3Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.25 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics9.6Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency97.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency87%
Overall Proficiency92%
Expected (poverty-adj.)59%
vs. Expected+33.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile94th
College Readiness2.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation6.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.9Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio8.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$29,783

Dryden High School — Students at Dryden High School score 92% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

48.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NY EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 97.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 89.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from NY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2021*
Math
97.5%
ELA
87%

* 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: 6.3/10.

How Dryden High School Compares

See how Dryden High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.3/10
47th percentile in NY
Academic
9.6/10
9.6/10
Growth
6.3/10
Above average
Environment
7.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
9:1 student-teacher ratio
39 teachers

Location

PO BOX 88, Dryden, NY 13053

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dryden High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. GROTON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Groton), with a very similar rating. Another option is GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.4/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Freeville), with a very similar rating. Additionally, CORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Cortland), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Dryden, see our Dryden schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.8 mi
School Distance Rating
DRYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL Dryden 0.0 mi 5.9
DRYDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dryden 1.3 mi 5.0
GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC SCHOOL Freeville 1.2 mi 6.4
FREEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dryden 2.1 mi 4.8
CASSAVANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dryden 3.5 mi 7.0
COVENANT LOVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Freeville 3.3 mi 6.7
GROTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Groton 6.3 mi 7.2
GROTON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Groton 6.3 mi 6.5
CAROLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Slaterville Springs 8.1 mi 6.3
SUNNY MEADOWS PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Groton 8.9 mi
FRANKLYN S BARRY PRIMARY SCHOOL Cortland 8.5 mi 3.9
CORTLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Cortland 9.3 mi 5.8
TOMPKINS-SENECA-TIOGA BOCES Ithaca 8.1 mi 7.0
DEWITT MIDDLE SCHOOL Ithaca 8.2 mi 5.8
NORTHEAST SCHOOL Ithaca 8.2 mi 7.2
CORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL Cortland 9.2 mi 6.3
CORTLAND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Cortland 9.2 mi 6.1
FE SMITH INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Cortland 9.8 mi 6.8
RANDALL MIDDLE SCHOOL Cortland 9.5 mi 7.4
ST MARY'S SCHOOL Cortland 9.8 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 13053 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,950

Median Home Value

$229,200

Median Rent

$922/mo

Population

4,756

College Educated

43.8%

Homeownership

68.5%

Avg Commute

23.9 min

Poverty Rate

21.2%

Median Age

40.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Dryden High School has a median household income of $71,950. It is a well-educated community where 44% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $229,200, with a median rent of $922/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dryden High School

What grades does Dryden High School serve?

Dryden High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Dryden High School?

Dryden High School has an enrollment of approximately 345 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dryden High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Dryden High School is 8.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dryden High School rank in NY?

Dryden High School is ranked #2534 out of 4,739 schools in NY.

What is Dryden High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dryden High School has a composite rating of 6.3 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 Dryden High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dryden High School has 97.5% math proficiency and 89.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Dryden High School a charter school?

No, Dryden High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Dryden High School a Title I school?

No, Dryden High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dryden High School?

48.4% of students at Dryden High School 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

County Safety
Average (283/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
345
Student-Teacher Ratio
8.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
39
Free/Reduced Lunch
48.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Tompkins County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
1,335
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$32,246
District Rank
#2 of 5

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 methodology

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