Very Good
#957 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 20% in state
High School for Environmental Studies
High School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 2
444 W 56TH ST, New York, NY 10019
Enrollment
1,053
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
7.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,053
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
7.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In New York
#90 of 346
public schools
New York high schools
#226 of 1,160
In district
#40 of 118
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 2
Equity
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About High School for Environmental Studies
High School for Environmental Studies serves 1,053 students in grades 9-12 in Manhattan's bustling Midtown West neighborhood. Located at 444 West 56th Street, this public high school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, supported by 75 full-time equivalent teachers. The school currently ranks in the 27th percentile among New York high schools, positioned at #3469 out of 4758 schools statewide, with room for academic growth.
With its environmental focus suggested by the name, the school provides education in one of New York City's most dynamic areas. Students attend school in ZIP code 10019, a highly educated community where 77% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood reflects economic diversity, with a median household income of $113,335 and an 11.7% poverty rate.
Median home values reach $958,800, indicating the area's desirability and urban character. The school's Midtown West location places students in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by the energy and opportunities of one of the world's most vibrant cities. This urban setting provides students with unique exposure to cultural institutions, businesses, and the diverse community that characterizes this densely populated area of over 42,000 residents.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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High School for Environmental Studies — Students at High School for Environmental Studies score 88% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
70.8%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 7.1/10.
How High School for Environmental Studies Compares
See how High School for Environmental Studies performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 86% (2019) to 89% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 90% (2019) to 87% (2021).
Location
444 W 56TH ST, New York, NY 10019
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering High School for Environmental Studies may also want to explore other high schools in the area. WEST END SECONDARY SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is URBAN ASSEMBLY GATEWAY SCHOOL FOR TECHNOLOGY (rated 8.2/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, STEPHEN T MATHER BUILDING ARTS AND CRAFTMANSHIP HIGH SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in New York, see our New York schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 10019 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$121,835
Median Home Value
$1,066,100
Median Rent
$2,619/mo
Population
44,276
College Educated
77.5%
Homeownership
21.6%
Avg Commute
28.5 min
Poverty Rate
10.7%
Median Age
40.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding High School for Environmental Studies has a median household income of $121,835. It is a well-educated community where 78% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,066,100, with a median rent of $2,619/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.7%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| ARDSLEY HIGH SCHOOL Ardsley, NY | 7.6 |
| DIVISION AVENUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Levittown, NY | 7.6 |
| EASTCHESTER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Eastchester, NY | 7.6 |
| EASTRIDGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Rochester, NY | 7.6 |
| GEN DOUGLAS MACARTHUR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Levittown, NY | 7.6 |
| LEWISTON PORTER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Youngstown, NY | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about High School for Environmental Studies
What grades does High School for Environmental Studies serve?
High School for Environmental Studies serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend High School for Environmental Studies?
High School for Environmental Studies has an enrollment of approximately 1,053 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at High School for Environmental Studies?
The student-teacher ratio at High School for Environmental Studies is 14:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does High School for Environmental Studies rank in NY?
High School for Environmental Studies is ranked #957 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is High School for Environmental Studies's MySchoolScout rating?
High School for Environmental Studies has a composite rating of 7.6 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 High School for Environmental Studies?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, High School for Environmental Studies has 87.5% math proficiency and 88.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is High School for Environmental Studies a charter school?
No, High School for Environmental Studies is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is High School for Environmental Studies a Title I school?
No, High School for Environmental Studies is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for High School for Environmental Studies?
70.8% of students at High School for Environmental Studies qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 99 Walker's Paradise
- Transit Score
- 100 Rider’s Paradise
- Bike Score
- 84 Very Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (3,049/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (New York). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,053
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 75
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 70.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- New York County
- Phone
- (212) 262-8113
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 2- District Enrollment
- 55,421
- Schools in District
- 119
- District Rank
- #40 of 118
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
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