Fifteen public school districts received the lowest overall grades across Niche’s 2027 Nassau County listings and Suffolk County listings, with grades ranging from C− to B−.
The tenth district landed in a seven-way tie at B−, bringing the list to 15.
The report cards show plenty of variation within those grades. One district with a C+ overall earned an A+ for food and an A− for clubs and activities. Another earned a B+ for college prep and a C for food.
Brentwood Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
Sports earned an A+ and clubs and activities earned an A, while academics received a C+ on Brentwood’s Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves the Brentwood area and enrolled 18,462 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C+ |
| Diversity | B− |
| Teachers | B |
| College Prep | B− |
| Clubs & Activities | A |
| Administration | A− |
| Sports | A+ |
| Food | C+ |
| Resources & Facilities | B |
About one-third met the English language arts standard
In 2024–25, 32% of tested students reached proficiency in English language arts and 36% did so in math on New York’s grades 3–8 tests.
Brentwood had 14.11 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count. The national public-school benchmark was 15.2 in 2023–24. The National Center for Education Statistics withheld the 2024–25 national ratio because Tennessee’s staffing data were missing. The ratios measure staffing across school systems, and individual class sizes vary.
A construction apprenticeship gives high school students hands-on training
Brentwood launched a two-year construction apprenticeship with labor partners in 2026. It’s one of the district’s career training options for high school students interested in the trades.
Freeport Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
Freeport earned a B+ for sports and a C− for administration on its Niche report card. The Nassau County district serves the Freeport area and enrolled 6,259 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | B |
| Diversity | B+ |
| Teachers | C |
| College Prep | B |
| Clubs & Activities | B |
| Administration | C− |
| Sports | B+ |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C+ |
Math proficiency reached 57%
In 2024–25, 47% of tested students reached proficiency in English language arts and 57% did so in math, according to Freeport’s state report card. The district had 11.44 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
The arts program goes from the classroom to the stage
Freeport High School’s fine and performing arts program includes visual and media arts, orchestra and chorus. Students can show work or perform at winter and spring arts festivals. Jazz band, musical theater and marching band are among the extracurricular options.
Glen Cove City School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
College prep earned a B+ and food received a C on Glen Cove’s Niche report card. The district serves Glen Cove in Nassau County and enrolled 3,221 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | B− |
| Diversity | A− |
| Teachers | B |
| College Prep | B+ |
| Clubs & Activities | B− |
| Administration | B− |
| Sports | B− |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C+ |
Math was seven points ahead of English language arts
Glen Cove’s 2024–25 state report card shows 40% proficiency in English language arts and 47% in math. The district had 11.14 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
An arts portfolio can count toward graduation
High school students pursuing Glen Cove’s arts graduation pathway build a portfolio in their discipline. The district publishes separate requirements for areas including visual arts, television production and dance, so students can see what work they’ll need to assemble.
Hampton Bays Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
Hampton Bays earned a B+ for teachers and college prep, alongside Cs for clubs and activities, administration, sports, food, and resources and facilities on its Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves Hampton Bays and enrolled 2,036 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | B |
| Diversity | B+ |
| Teachers | B+ |
| College Prep | B+ |
| Clubs & Activities | C |
| Administration | C |
| Sports | C |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C |
Math proficiency cleared 50%
Hampton Bays posted 38% proficiency in English language arts and 54% in math on its 2024–25 state report card. The district had 10.74 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
AP Capstone students take on a research project
At Hampton Bays High School, students in AP Capstone develop a research project and write a paper. The district reported in October 2026 that 14 seniors had earned the AP Capstone Diploma designation.
Lawrence Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
College prep earned a B+ while administration received a C− on Lawrence’s Niche report card. The district serves part of Nassau County’s Five Towns area, including Cedarhurst and Lawrence, and enrolled 2,192 students in kindergarten through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | B− |
| Diversity | B |
| Teachers | B |
| College Prep | B+ |
| Clubs & Activities | B− |
| Administration | C− |
| Sports | C+ |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | B− |
The state reported 35% proficiency in English language arts
Lawrence’s 2024–25 state report card shows 35% English language arts proficiency and withholds the combined math figure. Niche separately displays 47% math proficiency in its 2024–25 assessment series. Lawrence had 12.86 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
Music students have an honor society and recital
Lawrence High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society recognizes student musicians. The school paired its induction ceremony for the 2026–27 group with an honors recital, giving members a chance to perform.
Uniondale Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
Uniondale earned A− grades for teachers and clubs and activities, while academics received a C+ on its Niche report card. The Nassau County district serves the Uniondale area and enrolled 6,189 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C+ |
| Diversity | B+ |
| Teachers | A− |
| College Prep | B |
| Clubs & Activities | A− |
| Administration | B− |
| Sports | B− |
| Food | C+ |
| Resources & Facilities | B |
Half of tested students met the math standard
Uniondale’s 2024–25 state report card shows 41% proficiency in English language arts and 50% in math. The district had 11.55 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
The high school show choir performs beyond Uniondale
Uniondale High School’s Rhythm of the Knight show choir gives student performers a chance to sing and dance in competition. The school reported another round of competition wins in 2026.
Westbury Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade B−
Clubs and activities earned an A− and teachers received a C+ on Westbury’s Niche report card. The Nassau County district serves the Westbury area and enrolled 4,649 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | B− |
| Diversity | B |
| Teachers | C+ |
| College Prep | B |
| Clubs & Activities | A− |
| Administration | B |
| Sports | B |
| Food | B |
| Resources & Facilities | B+ |
The two test results were four points apart
Westbury posted 38% proficiency in English language arts and 42% in math on its 2024–25 state report card. Its 2024–25 federal staffing count showed 13.26 students per teacher, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
Students can earn recognition for proficiency in two languages
Westbury High School students can pursue the New York State Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. The district outlines how students can qualify and how existing assessment accommodations apply.
Amityville Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade C+
Sports earned an A− while academics received a C on Amityville’s Niche report card. The district straddles the county line, serving parts of Babylon in Suffolk and Oyster Bay in Nassau. It enrolled 2,872 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C |
| Diversity | B+ |
| Teachers | B+ |
| College Prep | B− |
| Clubs & Activities | B |
| Administration | C+ |
| Sports | A− |
| Food | B |
| Resources & Facilities | B− |
About one-third met the English language arts standard
Amityville’s 2024–25 state report card shows 32% proficiency in English language arts and withholds the combined math figure. Niche separately displays 37% math proficiency in its 2024–25 series. The district had 11.37 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
High school musicians earned a spot at All-State
Two Amityville Memorial High School students were selected to perform at the 2026 All-State music conference in Rochester. Families interested in music and visual arts can explore classroom and performance opportunities through the district’s arts department.
Greenport Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade C+
College prep earned a B and administration received a C− on Greenport’s Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves Greenport on the North Fork and enrolled 695 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C+ |
| Diversity | A− |
| Teachers | C+ |
| College Prep | B |
| Clubs & Activities | C+ |
| Administration | C− |
| Sports | C+ |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C+ |
Math was five points ahead of English language arts
Greenport posted 37% proficiency in English language arts and 42% in math on its 2024–25 state report card. The district had 10.69 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
The high school posts driver education information
Greenport High School posted driver education information for fall 2026 on its student resources page. The same page links the curriculum guide and course syllabi for families planning next year’s schedule.
Riverhead Central School District — Overall Niche Grade C+
Riverhead earned a B+ for college prep and a C for food on its Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves Riverhead and nearby communities and enrolled 5,753 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C+ |
| Diversity | B+ |
| Teachers | B |
| College Prep | B+ |
| Clubs & Activities | B |
| Administration | C+ |
| Sports | B− |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C+ |
English language arts proficiency was 29%
Riverhead’s 2024–25 state report card shows 29% English language arts proficiency and withholds the combined math figure. Niche separately displays 52% math proficiency in its 2024–25 series. Riverhead had 13.44 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
High school students can take morning classes at Suffolk Community College
Through Riverhead’s early college partnership, participating high school students travel to Suffolk County Community College in the morning and can earn college credits at reduced tuition. The district provides transportation.
Roosevelt Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade C+
Roosevelt earned an A+ for food and an A− for clubs and activities, while academics and college prep each received a C on its Niche report card. The Nassau County district serves Roosevelt and enrolled 3,255 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C |
| Diversity | B+ |
| Teachers | C+ |
| College Prep | C |
| Clubs & Activities | A− |
| Administration | C+ |
| Sports | B+ |
| Food | A+ |
| Resources & Facilities | B+ |
Four in 10 tested students met the math standard
Roosevelt’s 2024–25 state report card shows 35% proficiency in English language arts and 41% in math. It had 11.63 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
A new committee gives high school students a way to weigh in
Roosevelt invited high school students to apply for a district student advisory committee in fall 2026. The committee gives students a way to share their experiences and ideas with district leaders.
South Country Central School District — Overall Niche Grade C+
South Country earned an A for diversity and a D+ for administration on its Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves the Bellport and East Patchogue area and enrolled 3,906 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C+ |
| Diversity | A |
| Teachers | B− |
| College Prep | B |
| Clubs & Activities | C+ |
| Administration | D+ |
| Sports | B |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C+ |
Staffing was about 10 students per teacher
South Country’s 2024–25 state report card shows 30% proficiency in English language arts and 35% in math. The district had 10.37 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
Bellport High offers culinary arts and business diploma pathways
Students at Bellport High can pursue career and technical education pathways in culinary arts or business ownership. Each pathway includes a sequence of courses and an industry-standard exam.
Central Islip Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade C
Central Islip earned Bs for clubs and activities, administration and food, alongside a C− for academics on its Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves the Central Islip area and enrolled 7,981 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C− |
| Diversity | B |
| Teachers | C |
| College Prep | C+ |
| Clubs & Activities | B |
| Administration | B |
| Sports | C+ |
| Food | B |
| Resources & Facilities | C |
About one-third met each test standard
The 2024–25 state report card shows 32% proficiency in English language arts and 34% in math. Central Islip had 14.73 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, slightly below the 15.2 national benchmark.
High school instrumentalists perform for the community
Central Islip High School’s music department gives student musicians opportunities to perform during the school year. The district’s spring 2026 instrumental concert featured high school performers.
Hempstead Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade C
Hempstead earned a B for teachers and a C− for both academics and administration on its Niche report card. The Nassau County district serves Hempstead and enrolled 5,677 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C− |
| Diversity | B− |
| Teachers | B |
| College Prep | C+ |
| Clubs & Activities | B− |
| Administration | C− |
| Sports | B− |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C+ |
Hempstead had the highest student-teacher ratio in the group
Hempstead’s 2024–25 state report card shows 34% proficiency in English language arts and withholds the combined math figure. Niche separately displays 30% math proficiency in its 2024–25 series. Hempstead had 20.28 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, above the 15.2 national benchmark.
A York College partnership gives students a start on college credit
Hempstead High School’s Smart Scholars program with York College gives participating students a route to college coursework while they are still in high school.
Wyandanch Union Free School District — Overall Niche Grade C−
Wyandanch earned a B for diversity and C− grades for academics, administration, and resources and facilities on its Niche report card. The Suffolk County district serves the Wyandanch area and enrolled 2,583 students in pre-K through grade 12 in 2024–25.
| Niche category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Academics | C− |
| Diversity | B |
| Teachers | C |
| College Prep | C |
| Clubs & Activities | C |
| Administration | C− |
| Sports | C |
| Food | C |
| Resources & Facilities | C− |
About one in four met the English language arts standard
Wyandanch’s 2024–25 state report card shows 26% proficiency in English language arts and withholds the combined math figure. Niche separately displays 26% math proficiency in its 2024–25 series.
The district had 12.54 students per teacher in the 2024–25 federal count, below the 15.2 national benchmark.
A mentorship initiative connects students with community support
Wyandanch’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative connects students with mentoring and support intended to help them succeed in school and prepare for work. The district and the Town of Babylon announced their joint commitment at Wyandanch Memorial High School.
Where the cutoff fell and what families can check
Eight districts earned a C+ or lower, and seven earned a B−. The next higher overall grade in the combined pool was a B. The ties also show how much the individual report cards varied.
Among the B− districts, teacher grades ranged from a C in Freeport to an A− in Uniondale. Among the C+ districts, Roosevelt earned an A+ for food while Riverhead and South Country each received a C.
Families comparing schools can confirm their assigned campus with the district’s enrollment office, then use New York’s public education data site to open that school’s report card and check results for the grades their child will attend.
Academics account for half of the overall score under Niche’s 2027 district methodology, which also weighs teacher-related data, student and parent feedback, and other factors.
The state test figures below come from New York’s 2024–25 report cards and show the percentage of tested students in grades 3–8 who scored at Levels 3 or 4.
Where the state withheld a combined math figure, the profile gives Niche’s separately labeled result. Niche describes its proficiency series as drawing from grades 3–8 assessments and high school Regents exams.