Photo: Juliancolton · Public domainPoughkeepsie’s public schools score below 98% of New York districts on tests and graduation
In Poughkeepsie, 14% of tested students are proficient in math, below the New York average (46%). The grade covers the public school district serving Poughkeepsie, 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 72% 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.
Poughkeepsie’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 25% of tested students were proficient in reading and 14% in math, against 49% and 46% statewide; 72% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
60% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87% across New York. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $31,773 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 6 the district’s path is Poughkeepsie Middle School, then Poughkeepsie High School. Enrollment is down 10% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Little Water Preparatory Charter School and Tabernacle 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 Poughkeepsie’s grade
D−: better than 2% of New York school districts, #754 of 755 New York towns. Both inputs trail the New York average; among the 875 New York towns with similar household incomes, Poughkeepsie’s schools place at the bottom.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Poughkeepsie, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Poughkeepsie
Smith Early Learning Center
Grades PK–1 · 328 students · 19:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Poughkeepsie · depends on your address
Poughkeepsie Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 871 students · 12:1 students per teacher
S F B Morse Elementary School
Grades K–6 · 432 students · 11:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 871 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 871 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,151 students · 12:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,151 students · 12:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,151 students · 12:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,151 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Poughkeepsie’s public schools are run by Poughkeepsie City School District. 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
Poughkeepsie vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Poughkeepsie’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Poughkeepsie | D− | Poughkeepsie City |
| Poughkeepsie (town) | B | Wappingers Central PK–12 · Arlington Central K–12 · Spackenkill Union Free K–12 |
| Lloyd | B | Highland Central |
Every school in Poughkeepsie
9 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 Poughkeepsie’s schools
Are Poughkeepsie’s schools good?
On New York’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Poughkeepsie children attend score below 98% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they place at the bottom. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Poughkeepsie in?
Poughkeepsie City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,724 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
Where do Poughkeepsie kids go to high school?
Poughkeepsie High School, with 1,151 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Poughkeepsie’s graduation rate?
60% of the class of 2023 in Poughkeepsie City School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Poughkeepsie spend per student?
$31,773 in Poughkeepsie City School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Poughkeepsie?
Yes: Tabernacle Christian Academy (religious, grades K–12, 97 students). Poughkeepsie also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Poughkeepsie families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Poughkeepsie → 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.