For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,836 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 53%), 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 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the New York public school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cortland, NY (2026-27)
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 | 582 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
8 Valley View Dr
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4111
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 758-4111
Gr: 7-8 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
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 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
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 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
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 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
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%
Cortland County Jail (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
54 Greenbush St
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-5399
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-5399
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 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the New York public schools average of 61% (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
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.