Poughkeepsie High School is the public high school in the city of Poughkeepsie, New York. It is categorized as an inner city school district as a result of the high percentage of students living in low-income households. In the 2014-2015 school year, 73% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Serving 1,161 students in grades 9-12, Poughkeepsie High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the New York state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,161 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 61% (Btm 50% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Poughkeepsie High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Poughkeepsie High School's student population of 1,161 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 92 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,161 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
School Rankings
Poughkeepsie High School ranks within the top 30% of all 4,377 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Poughkeepsie High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#935 out of 4377 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
44%
30%
Black
44%
16%
White
5%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
61%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Pioneer
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Poughkeepsie High School's ranking?
Poughkeepsie High School is ranked #935 out of 4,377 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Poughkeepsie High School often compared to?
Poughkeepsie High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Spackenkill High School, Arlington High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% NY state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Poughkeepsie High School?
The graduation rate of Poughkeepsie High School is 61%, which is lower than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Poughkeepsie High School?
1,161 students attend Poughkeepsie High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Poughkeepsie High School students are Black, 44% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Poughkeepsie High School?
Poughkeepsie High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Poughkeepsie High School offer ?
Poughkeepsie High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Poughkeepsie High School part of?
Poughkeepsie High School is part of Poughkeepsie City School District.
School Reviews
Review Poughkeepsie High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.