Some of the best primary or elementary schools across the United States have their roots in New York State — from the hustle and bustle of NYC to the more suburban areas like Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, etc. These schools typically provide students with not only an excellent academic foundation but also a strong culture of supportive teachers and classroom environments so that students grow into lifelong learners. Whether families are looking for a true STEM-based program that incorporates technology, arts-based instruction, or simply want a school whose student body has an impressive record of academic achievement, several options exist for families seeking best elementary schools in New York.
1. New Explorations Into Science, Tech, and Math High School
NEST+m (New Explorations into Science, Technology, and Math High School) is an incredible place for your child to learn and grow. NEST+m offers a unique mixture of rigorous STEM curriculum and the desire to succeed at the highest level. NEST+m has an overall 95% AP® participation rate and is one of the most diverse K-12 schools in NYC. NEST+m also provides exceptional opportunities for economically disadvantaged students to engage in their passions through an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and real-world applications.
NEST+m is a New York City Public School, therefore represents the forefront of quality, 21st Century education.
- Address: 111 COLUMBIA ST, NEW YORK, NY 10002
- Website: http://www.nestmk12.net
- Ranking: #18 in New York City Public Schools High Schools and #25 in New York High Schools
- Students: 583
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Overall Score 98.86/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
2. Bell Top School
Troy, NY, is home to a wonderful school community, “Bell Top School,” which provides an inclusive and supportive learning environment to K-5 students as they develop both academically and socially. Family satisfaction with the school is evident through the school’s outstanding academic results—82% of students scoring at or above grade-level in math and 67% in reading. Bell Top attracts many different types of families with diverse family backgrounds and has 20% of families that come from economically disadvantaged situations. In addition, Bell Top provides an incredible environment for its students by employing 27 outstanding full-time teachers, and the excellent environment encourages lifelong curiosity, confidence, and learning. This makes Bell Top an excellent learning environment for all students!
- Address: 39 Reynolds Rd, Troy, NY 12180
- Website: https://egcsd.org/
- Ranking: #1 in East Greenbush Central School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 309
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Overall Score 88.81/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
The Northeast School, located in Ithaca, NY, promotes a caring and supportive learning environment that encourages all children to excel from kindergarten through fifth grade. It has an excellent reputation for academic achievement, with 82% of students demonstrating proficiency in math and 62% demonstrating proficiency in reading. Families find it important to have a balanced student body and an inclusive culture at the Northeast School, which enables the School to foster the success of every student, particularly those who experience economic challenges; 30% of students come from families with limited financial resources. Under the guidance of 40 full-time teachers, the Northeast School provides an environment that encourages students to be curious, confident, and eager to learn.
- Address: 425 Winthrop Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Website: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/
- Ranking: #1 in Ithaca City School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 395
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Overall Score 87.93/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
4. Robert W Carbonaro School
The Robert W. Carbonaro School in Valley Stream, NY is a K-6 school that strives to provide a supportive and motivating environment for its students.With a proven track record of academic excellence, Carbonaro has achieved an average of 77% of students scoring proficient in mathematics and 57% of students scoring proficient in reading – higher than the district averages! The school serves a diverse population, and the 34 full-time teachers who staff the school provide every child with individualized instruction. Parents value the strong emphasis on nurturing each child’s development, the school’s commitment to helping all children succeed academically and socially, and the school’s balanced learning philosophy.
- Address: 50 HUNGRY HARBOR RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581
- Website:valleystreamdistrict24.org
- Ranking: #1 in Valley Stream 24 Union Free School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 386
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Overall Score 82.25/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
Nestled in the heart of the flourishing Valley Stream community, Forest Road School provides its students, PK-6 grade level, with the best possible learning environment to help them be successful. The school focuses on creating a supportive and integrated community. It has an extremely high academic achievement — in mathematics, 77% are proficient, and in reading, 67% are proficient. Therefore, these students have the opportunity to thrive academically while feeling safe and accepted in their school community. Forest Road employs 29 full-time educators. They strive to develop a personal connection with each student they teach, developing both female students (43%) and male students (57%), including 30% economically at-risk students, to a level of success and confidence as they continue on through their education.
- Address: 16 FOREST RD VALLEY STREAM, NY 1158
- Website: https://www.valleystream30.com/
- Ranking: #2-3 in Valley Stream 30 Union Free School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 336
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Overall Score 89.61/100
Here’s a quick insight👉: New York has some of the highest-ranked elementary schools in the U.S.
Several NYC and statewide elementary schools consistently appear in national rankings for academic excellence, student growth, and advanced curriculum offerings.
William L. Buck School in Valley Stream, NY, provides a nurturing educational environment focused on achievement for students in grades K-6 from many different backgrounds. With an outstanding 77% proficiency in math and 57% proficiency in reading, this school has built its reputation around helping students excel academically and providing teachers who truly care about their students. The student population (48% female, 52% male) may include students of varying abilities and backgrounds; however, each student is supported by a strong team of 22 full-time teachers, all of whom make sure that no child goes without encouragement or support while attending the school
- Address: 75 Horton Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11581, United States
- Website: https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org/
- Ranking: #2-3 in Valley Stream 24 Union Free School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 310
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Overall Score 80.4/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
7. Clearstream Avenue School
Clearstream Avenue School is a vibrant, caring school serving the PK-6 grade levels. It provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive learning environment to children and families in the Valley Stream area. 77% of students at Clearstream Avenue School are proficient in mathematics; 72% are proficient in reading. Clearstream Avenue School provides the academic foundation for each child while building confidence and curiosity to explore the world of education. With 53% of the population being female, 47% male, Clearstream Avenue School has 25 full-time teachers who are committed to helping each child reach their maximum potential. Nearly half of the students are economically challenged, and Clearstream Avenue School works diligently to develop and support every child’s ability to succeed.
- Address: 60 CLEARSTREAM AVE VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580
- Website: https://www.valleystream30.com/
- Ranking:#1in Valley Stream 30 Union Free School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 384
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Overall Score 91.42/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
8. Ballet Tech Nyc Ps For Dance
Ballet Tech/NYC Public School for Dance is located in New York City and provides a diverse environment where students in grades 4-8 can develop academically and artistically. With a 77% proficiency rate in Math and Reading, the students at Ballet Tech develop into confident and successful learners who are prepared to take advantage of all educational opportunities to shine throughout their lives. Ballet Tech has eleven caring teachers who work with a wide variety of ages and backgrounds and provide their students with a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages academic and artistic growth.
- Address: 890 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
- Website: https://ballettech.org/
- Ranking: #184 in New York City Public Schools Elementary Schools
- Students: 116
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Overall Score: Award Winning
9. Shaw Avenue School
Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream, NY, serves students in grades Pre-K through 6 and is part of the well-established Valley Stream Union Free School District 30. The school has a reputation for encouraging learning and building a strong community. Based on state education data, about 49% of students are at or above the level of proficiency in math. Some famous people who went to this high school are Steve Buscemi, Fred Armisen, and Jim Breuer. All three have found great success in the entertainment industry. The district helps students find different career paths and develop their skills by focusing on both academics and the arts. Shaw Avenue School is a caring and welcoming place where students are encouraged to learn and develop.
- Address: 99 SHAW AVE, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580
- Website: https://www.valleystream30.com/
- Ranking: #2-3 in Valley Stream 30 Union Free School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 746
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Overall Score 83.42/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
10. Leo F Giblyn School
The Leo F. Giblyn School, located in Freeport, New York provides a welcoming and nurturing learning atmosphere for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The school has a track record of strong academics as evidenced by its 70% proficiency in math and 57% proficiency in reading, along with the strong level of commitment from its over 47 teachers toward meeting the needs of all learners. At the same time there is also a balanced representation of both boys and girls that contribute to the overall community.
- Address: 150 N COLUMBUS AVE FREEPORT, NY 11520
- Website: https://www.freeportschools.org/
- Ranking: #1 in Freeport Union Free School District Elementary Schools
- Students: 526
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Overall Score 82.5/100
- 🔗 Visit School Profile
Here’s something interesting:
⭐ Most Important Fact About the Best Elementary Schools in New York
The most significant fact about the Best Elementary Schools in New York is that they consistently rank among the top in the nation for teacher quality and student performance, with many schools outperforming national averages in both math and reading proficiency. This strong academic foundation is supported by certified, highly experienced educators and enriched learning programs that prepare students for long-term success.
Conclusion: Selecting the best educational environment can impact your child’s success in the future. The schools statewide continue to elevate academic and community support for all students, creating a supportive environment for the development of all children. With devoted educators, high levels of achievement, and caring learning environments, New York’s elementary schools provide families with excellent opportunities to be successful and develop as individuals. Whether you value academic performance, diversity, or total development of the child, you can be confident that by finding the best elementary school in New York, you are providing your child with an exceptional start to their successful future.
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