Average
#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
Enrollment
345
Student-Teacher
8.8:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Dryden High School — Students at Dryden High School score 92% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 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: 6.3/10.
How Dryden High School Compares
See how Dryden High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 97.5% (2019) to 97.5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 92% (2019) to 87% (2021).
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
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CHAUTAUQUA LAKE SECONDARY SCHOOL Mayville, NY | 6.3 |
| CHENANGO FORKS HIGH SCHOOL Binghamton, NY | 6.3 |
| EAGLE ACADEMY FOR YOUNG MEN OF STATEN ISLAND (THE) Staten Island, NY | 6.3 |
| FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY II SECONDARY SCHOOL New York, NY | 6.3 |
| HOOSICK FALLS HIGH SCHOOL Hoosick Falls, NY | 6.3 |
| INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Bronx, NY | 6.3 |
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (607) 844-8694
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 1,335
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $32,246
- District Rank
- #2 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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.