Trinity Episcopal Church and Parish House · Photo: Stephen Schweitzer · CC BY-SA 4.0Watertown’s public schools score below 93% of New York districts on tests and graduation
In Watertown, 31% of tested students are proficient in math, below the New York average (46%). The grade covers the public school district serving Watertown, 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 88% 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.
Watertown’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 34% of tested students were proficient in reading and 31% in math, against 49% and 46% statewide; 88% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
70% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87% across New York. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,205 per student, against $34,607 across New York (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Case Middle School, then Watertown Senior High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Ihc Elementary School Grades K-5 (private), Immaculate Heart Central Jr./Sr. High School (private) and Faith Fellowship Christian School (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 Watertown’s grade
D: better than 7% of New York school districts, #727 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 Watertown, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Watertown
Harold T Wiley School
Grades 5–6 · 614 students · 12:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Watertown
Harold T Wiley School
Grades 5–6 · 614 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Watertown
Case Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 586 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Watertown
Case Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 586 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Watertown
Watertown Senior High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,181 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Watertown
Watertown Senior High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,181 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Watertown
Watertown Senior High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,181 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Watertown
Watertown Senior High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,181 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Watertown’s public schools are run by Watertown City School District, which also serves Watertown. 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
Watertown vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Watertown’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Watertown | D | Watertown City |
| Watertown (town) | C− | South Jefferson Central PK–12 · Watertown City K–12 |
| Pamelia | C+ | General Brown Central PK–12 · Indian River Central PK–12 |
| Le Ray | C+ | Indian River Central |
Every school in Watertown
11 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 Watertown’s schools
Are Watertown’s schools good?
On New York’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Watertown children attend score below 93% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #727 of 755 New York towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 6%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Watertown in?
Watertown City School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 3,940 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do Watertown kids go to high school?
Watertown Senior High School, with 1,181 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Watertown’s graduation rate?
70% of the class of 2023 in Watertown City School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Watertown spend per student?
$20,205 in Watertown City School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Watertown?
Yes: Ihc Elementary School Grades K-5 (Catholic, grades PK–5, 189 students), Immaculate Heart Central Jr./Sr. High School (Catholic, grades 6–12, 178 students) and Faith Fellowship Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 144 students).
Parents talk
What Watertown families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Watertown → 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.