Average
#1842 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 39% in state
John Dewey High School
High School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #21
50 AVE X, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Enrollment
2,186
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,186
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Brooklyn
#246 of 570
public schools
New York high schools
#477 of 1,160
In district
#21 of 40
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #21
Equity
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About John Dewey High School
John Dewey High School serves 2,186 students in grades 9-12 in Brooklyn's 11223 neighborhood, offering a comprehensive high school experience with a student-teacher ratio of 14.6 to 1. With 150 full-time equivalent teachers, this regular public school provides educational opportunities in a large city setting with room for academic growth and development. The school ranks in the 23rd percentile statewide, placing it at #3,647 out of 4,758 New York high schools, indicating an environment focused on supporting students as they work toward their academic goals.
The substantial enrollment creates a diverse student body with opportunities for varied extracurricular activities and peer connections. Located on Avenue X, John Dewey High School sits in a working-class neighborhood where the median household income is $61,356 and about one-third of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The area reflects Brooklyn's characteristic blend of affordability and urban density, with median home values around $1 million reflecting the borough's real estate market.
With nearly 21% of residents experiencing poverty, the school serves a community with diverse economic backgrounds. The school operates within Brooklyn's vibrant urban landscape, providing students access to the cultural and educational resources that come with being part of New York City's extensive public school system.
What's said publicly about John Dewey High School
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.
Sources (2)
What Parents Should Know
John Dewey High School is a large school with 2,186 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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John Dewey High School — Students at John Dewey High School score 86% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
87.6%
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: 6.1/10.
How John Dewey High School Compares
See how John Dewey High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 87% (2019) to 87% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 92% (2019) to 86% (2021).
Location
50 AVE X, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering John Dewey High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. LIFE ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL FOR FILM AND MUSIC (rated 8.2/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is RACHEL CARSON HIGH SCHOOL FOR COASTAL STUDIES (rated 7.9/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, LEADERS HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 0.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Brooklyn, see our Brooklyn schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11223 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,950
Median Home Value
$1,063,200
Median Rent
$1,653/mo
Population
78,566
College Educated
33.6%
Homeownership
35.8%
Avg Commute
44.7 min
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Median Age
36.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding John Dewey High School has a median household income of $63,950. It is an area where 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,063,200, with a median rent of $1,653/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.5%. The average commute in the area is 45 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BENJAMIN N CARDOZO HIGH SCHOOL Bayside, NY | 6.9 |
| BETHLEHEM CENTRAL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Delmar, NY | 6.9 |
| CURTIS HIGH SCHOOL Staten Island, NY | 6.9 |
| SUSAN E WAGNER HIGH SCHOOL Staten Island, NY | 6.9 |
| WHITE PLAINS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL White Plains, NY | 6.9 |
| ACADEMY OF AMERICAN STUDIES Long Island City, NY | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about John Dewey High School
What grades does John Dewey High School serve?
John Dewey High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend John Dewey High School?
John Dewey High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,186 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at John Dewey High School?
The student-teacher ratio at John Dewey High School is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does John Dewey High School rank in NY?
John Dewey High School is ranked #1842 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is John Dewey High School's MySchoolScout rating?
John Dewey High School has a composite rating of 6.9 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 John Dewey High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, John Dewey High School has 87.0% math proficiency and 89.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is John Dewey High School a charter school?
No, John Dewey High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is John Dewey High School a Title I school?
No, John Dewey High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for John Dewey High School?
87.6% of students at John Dewey 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,186
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 150
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 87.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Kings County
- Phone
- (718) 373-6400
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #21- District Enrollment
- 34,525
- Schools in District
- 40
- District Rank
- #21 of 40
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
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