Photo: Pubdog · Public domainLancaster’s public schools outscore 78% of New York districts
Math proficiency in Lancaster’s districts is 59%, above the New York average (46%). The grade covers the public school district serving Lancaster, 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 79% 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.
Lancaster’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 1039 New York towns with household incomes within a quarter of Lancaster’s, its schools beat 97%, higher than their 78% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 54% and math 59% in spring 2022, against 49% and 46% statewide; 97% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,555 per student, against $34,607 across New York (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Lancaster Middle School, then Lancaster High School. See the path ↓
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 Lancaster’s grade
A−: better than 78% of New York school districts, #125 of 755 New York towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the New York average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Lancaster, with each school’s own grade.
4th grade in Lancaster
William Street School
Grades 4–6 · 1,274 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Lancaster
William Street School
Grades 4–6 · 1,274 students · 13:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Lancaster
William Street School
Grades 4–6 · 1,274 students · 13:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Lancaster
Lancaster Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 876 students · 13:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Lancaster
Lancaster Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 876 students · 13:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Lancaster
Lancaster High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,682 students · 12:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Lancaster
Lancaster High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,682 students · 12:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Lancaster
Lancaster High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,682 students · 12:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Lancaster
Lancaster High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,682 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Lancaster’s public schools are run by Lancaster Central School District, which also serves Depew and Lancaster. Parts of Lancaster (3% of its land) are served by Depew Union Free instead. 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 above the state in reading
Lancaster vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Lancaster’s borders.
Every school in Lancaster
6 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 Lancaster’s schools
Are Lancaster’s schools good?
By New York’s own tests, yes: the public schools Lancaster children attend outscore 78% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #125 of 755 New York towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 97%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Lancaster in?
Lancaster Central School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 5,321 students in 7 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Lancaster are served by Depew Union Free.
Where do Lancaster kids go to high school?
Lancaster High School, with 1,682 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Lancaster’s graduation rate?
97% of the class of 2023 in Lancaster Central School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Lancaster spend per student?
$20,555 in Lancaster Central School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Lancaster families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Lancaster → 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.