James Monroe High School is a public high school in Rochester, operated by the Rochester City School District.
Serving 809 students in grades 9-12, James Monroe Upper School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11-19% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21-39% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 809 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 60-64% (Btm 50% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James Monroe High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Rochester, NY, covering approximately 37.2 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 10-12 minutes, with an average distance of 4.1 miles from the school to the zone's edge, reaching up to 8.5 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
James Monroe Upper School's student population of 809 students has grown by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 81 teachers has grown by 50% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
809 students
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Year Founded
1923
Colors
White, Blue, Red
School Rankings
James Monroe Upper School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Monroe Upper School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3974 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
10%
Hispanic
49%
31%
Black
44%
15%
White
4%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
60-64%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)73.9%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
88%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Redjackets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Monroe Upper School's ranking?
James Monroe Upper School is ranked #3974 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are James Monroe Upper School often compared to?
James Monroe Upper Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rochester Early College International High School, School Without Walls by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 21-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of James Monroe Upper School?
The graduation rate of James Monroe Upper School is 60-64%, which is lower than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend James Monroe Upper School?
809 students attend James Monroe Upper School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of James Monroe Upper School students are Hispanic, 44% of students are Black, 4% of students are White, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Monroe Upper School?
James Monroe Upper School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does James Monroe Upper School offer ?
James Monroe Upper School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James Monroe Upper School part of?
James Monroe Upper School is part of Rochester City School District.
In what neighborhood is James Monroe Upper School located?
James Monroe Upper School is located in the Pearl Meigs Monroe neighborhood of Rochester, NY. There are 2 other public schools located in Pearl Meigs Monroe.
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