For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,836 students in Cortland, NY (there are 3 private schools, serving 319 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Cortland, NY are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 86%).
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)
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%
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?
88% of all K-12 students in Cortland are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 86%).
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: Fe Smith Intermediate School vs. Franklyn S Barry Primary School, Randall Middle School vs. Franklyn S Barry Primary School, Franklyn S Barry Primary School vs. Randall Middle School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.