Very Good
#1779 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 38% in state
Willow Ridge Elementary School
Elementary School · SWEET HOME CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
480 WILLOW RIDGE DR, Amherst, NY 14228
Enrollment
394
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
7.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
394
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
7.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Amherst
#3 of 9
public schools
New York elementary schools
#1,041 of 2,549
In district
#3 of 6
SWEET HOME CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Academic growth
8.0 / 10
Very strong
About Willow Ridge Elementary School
Willow Ridge Elementary School in Amherst, New York, is a regular public school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 394 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10.9:1, the school offers personalized attention and support for its young learners. The dedicated team of 36 full-time equivalent teachers ensures that each child receives the guidance they need to thrive academically.
Willow Ridge Elementary has a MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks at #1948 among New York’s 4758 schools, placing it in the 59th percentile overall. In terms of academic performance, 62% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA)/Reading, while 42% demonstrate proficiency or better in Math. These scores indicate that there is room for improvement and ongoing focus on student development.
The school is situated in a large suburban area, offering a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their interests and develop socially and academically. Willow Ridge Elementary School is deeply embedded within its community, fostering strong relationships between families, teachers, and students.
Score Breakdown
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Willow Ridge Elementary School — Students at Willow Ridge Elementary School score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.0/10.
How Willow Ridge Elementary School Compares
See how Willow Ridge Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 42% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 67% (2021).
Location
480 WILLOW RIDGE DR, Amherst, NY 14228
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Willow Ridge Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. MAPLEMERE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 2.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Buffalo), with a very similar rating. Additionally, HEIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Williamsville), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Amherst, see our Amherst schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SWEET HOME SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Amherst | 0.6 mi | 7.1 |
| AUTISM SERVICES Amherst | 1.1 mi | 5.4 |
| HERITAGE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Amherst | 1.1 mi | 6.2 |
| GLENDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tonawanda | 1.0 mi | 6.6 |
| ST CHRISTOPHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tonawanda | 1.2 mi | 5.6 |
| SWEET HOME MIDDLE SCHOOL Amherst | 1.5 mi | 3.8 |
| JEWISH HERITAGE DAY SCHOOL/OHR TEMIMIM Amherst | 1.3 mi | 6.4 |
| KENMORE EAST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Tonawanda | 2.1 mi | 6.2 |
| MAPLEMERE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Amherst | 2.4 mi | 7.2 |
| THOMAS A EDISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tonawanda | 2.6 mi | 6.3 |
| HEIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Williamsville | 2.3 mi | 6.9 |
| BEN FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Buffalo | 3.1 mi | 4.8 |
| BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Buffalo | 3.1 mi | 7.1 |
| HEIM MIDDLE SCHOOL Williamsville | 2.5 mi | 4.8 |
| WINDERMERE BLVD SCHOOL Amherst | 3.4 mi | 6.2 |
| ST BENEDICT SCHOOL Amherst | 3.4 mi | 6.3 |
| SPRUCE SCHOOL North Tonawanda | 2.7 mi | 6.1 |
| NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Tonawanda | 2.7 mi | — |
| AMHERST CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Amherst | 3.6 mi | 6.9 |
| SMALLWOOD DRIVE SCHOOL Amherst | 3.5 mi | 4.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 14228 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,426
Median Home Value
$246,100
Median Rent
$1,264/mo
Population
24,345
College Educated
48.8%
Homeownership
54.1%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
16%
Median Age
33.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Willow Ridge Elementary School has a median household income of $72,426. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $246,100, with a median rent of $1,264/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.0%. 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 |
|---|---|
| ANDERSON SCHOOL (THE) New York, NY | 7.0 |
| BLUE CREEK SCHOOL Latham, NY | 7.0 |
| BRONX DELTA SCHOOL Bronx, NY | 7.0 |
| CHAMBERS SCHOOL Kingston, NY | 7.0 |
| CHANGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ballston Lake, NY | 7.0 |
| CHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chester, NY | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Willow Ridge Elementary School
What grades does Willow Ridge Elementary School serve?
Willow Ridge Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Willow Ridge Elementary School?
Willow Ridge Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 394 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Willow Ridge Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Willow Ridge Elementary School is 10.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Willow Ridge Elementary School rank in NY?
Willow Ridge Elementary School is ranked #1779 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is Willow Ridge Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Willow Ridge Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.0 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 Willow Ridge Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Willow Ridge Elementary School has 42.2% math proficiency and 62.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Willow Ridge Elementary School a charter school?
No, Willow Ridge Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Willow Ridge Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Willow Ridge Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Willow Ridge Elementary School?
33.0% of students at Willow Ridge Elementary 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 394
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 36
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Erie County
- Phone
- (716) 250-1575
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
SWEET HOME CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 3,684
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $25,505
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
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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