For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,862 students in Cortland, NY (there are 3 private schools, serving 292 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Cortland, NY are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cortland, NY are Cortland High School, Cortland Junior High School and Randall Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cortland, NY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the New York public school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Cortland have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New York public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the New York public school average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cortland, NY (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cortland High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8 Valley View Dr
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4100
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4100
Gr: 9-12 | 592 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Cortland Junior High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
S Valley View Dr
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4111
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4111
Gr: 7-8 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Randall Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
31 Randall St
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4170
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4170
Gr: 5-6 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
Franklyn S Barry Primary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
20 Raymond Ave
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4150
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4150
Gr: PK-2 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Fe Smith Intermediate School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
33 Wheeler Ave
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4180
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4180
Gr: 3-4 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Cortland, New York Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
89 Madison Ave
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4160
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4160
Gr: K-6 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
1208 Church St
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4130
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4130
Gr: K-6 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cortland, NY?
The top-ranked public schools in Cortland, NY include Cortland High School, Cortland Junior High School and Randall Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Cortland?
5 public schools are located in Cortland.
What percentage of students in Cortland go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Cortland are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cortland?
Cortland public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the New York public schools average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cortland are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cortland include: Randall Middle School vs. Franklyn S Barry Primary School, Fe Smith Intermediate School vs. Franklyn S Barry Primary School, Franklyn S Barry Primary School vs. Randall Middle School
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