Photo: ILoveCortlandNewYork · CC BY-SA 4.0Cortland’s public schools score below 78% of New York districts on tests and graduation
On the state reading tests, 35% of Cortland’s students scored proficient, below the New York average (49%). The grade covers the public school district serving Cortland, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New York, not nationally.
From New York state tests taken in spring 2022, when 85% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Cortland’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 35% of tested students were proficient in reading and 35% in math, against 49% and 46% statewide; 85% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
80–84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87% across New York (the state reports Cortland’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $25,949 per student, against $34,607 across New York (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Fe Smith Intermediate School, then Cortland Junior High School, then Cortland High School. Enrollment is down 8% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Mary's School (private) and Cortland Christian Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Cortland’s grade
C−: better than 22% of New York school districts, #638 of 755 New York towns. Both inputs trail the New York average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Cortland, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Cortland
Franklyn S Barry Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 417 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Cortland
Franklyn S Barry Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 417 students · 11:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Cortland
Franklyn S Barry Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 417 students · 11:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Cortland
Franklyn S Barry Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 417 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Cortland
Fe Smith Intermediate School
Grades 3–4 · 291 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Cortland
Fe Smith Intermediate School
Grades 3–4 · 291 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Cortland
Randall Middle School
Grades 5–6 · 272 students · 9:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Cortland
Randall Middle School
Grades 5–6 · 272 students · 9:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Cortland
Cortland Junior High School
Grades 7–8 · 274 students · 10:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Cortland
Cortland Junior High School
Grades 7–8 · 274 students · 10:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Cortland
Cortland High School
Grades 9–12 · 582 students · 10:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Cortland
Cortland High School
Grades 9–12 · 582 students · 10:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Cortland
Cortland High School
Grades 9–12 · 582 students · 10:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Cortland
Cortland High School
Grades 9–12 · 582 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Cortland’s public schools are run by Cortland City School District, which also serves Cortlandville and Virgil. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Cortland vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Cortland’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Cortland | C− | Cortland City |
Every school in Cortland
7 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New York’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Cortland’s schools
Are Cortland’s schools good?
On New York’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Cortland children attend score below 78% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #638 of 755 New York towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 24%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Cortland in?
Cortland City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,836 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do Cortland kids go to high school?
Cortland High School, with 582 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Cortland’s graduation rate?
80–84% of the class of 2023 in Cortland City School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Cortland spend per student?
$25,949 in Cortland City School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Cortland?
Yes: St. Mary's School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 130 students) and Cortland Christian Academy (religious, grades K–12, 101 students).
Parents talk
What Cortland families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Cortland → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New York. Stars are from neighbors.