Photo: Brandon Peterman (Zyrshnikashnu at en.wikipedia) · CC BY-SA 3.0Tonawanda’s public schools score below 54% of New York districts on tests and graduation
In Tonawanda, 41% of tested students read at a proficient level, below the New York average (49%). The grade covers the public school district serving Tonawanda, 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 77% 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.
Tonawanda’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 792 New York towns with household incomes within a quarter of Tonawanda’s, its schools beat 63%, higher than their 46% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state in math, below in reading
Reading proficiency is 41% and math 47% in spring 2022, against 49% and 46% statewide; 85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $21,500 per student, against $34,607 across New York (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Tonawanda Middle/High School. Enrollment is up 40% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
New Life Christian School (private) is 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 Tonawanda’s grade
B−: better than 46% of New York school districts, #432 of 755 New York towns. Both inputs trail the New York average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Tonawanda, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 785 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Tonawanda
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Grades 6–12 · 891 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Tonawanda’s public schools are run by Tonawanda 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
Tonawanda vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Tonawanda’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Tonawanda | B− | Tonawanda City |
| Tonawanda (town) | C+ | Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free |
| North Tonawanda | B− | North Tonawanda City |
| Grand Island | A− | Grand Island Central |
Every school in Tonawanda
3 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 Tonawanda’s schools
Are Tonawanda’s schools good?
On New York’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Tonawanda children attend score below 54% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #432 of 755 New York towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 63%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Tonawanda in?
Tonawanda City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,676 students in 2 schools (2024–25).
What is Tonawanda’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Tonawanda City School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Tonawanda spend per student?
$21,500 in Tonawanda City School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Tonawanda?
Yes: New Life Christian School (religious, grades K–12, 28 students).
Parents talk
What Tonawanda families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Tonawanda → 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.