For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,207 students in Watertown, NY (there are 4 private schools, serving 1,120 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in Watertown, NY are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Watertown, NY are Watertown Senior High School, Case Middle School and Harold T Wiley School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Watertown, NY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the New York public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Watertown have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New York public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New York public school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Watertown, NY (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Watertown Senior High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1335 Washington St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3800
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3800
Gr: 9-12 | 1,181 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Case Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1237 Washington St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3870
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3870
Gr: 7-8 | 586 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Harold T Wiley School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1351 Washington St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3780
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3780
Gr: 5-6 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
North Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
171 E Hoard St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3750
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3750
Gr: K-4 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Sherman School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
836 Sherman St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3760
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3760
Gr: K-4 | 323 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Knickerbocker School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
739 Knickerbocker Dr
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3740
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3740
Gr: K-4 | 340 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Ohio Street School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1537 Ohio St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3755
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3755
Gr: K-4 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #88.
Starbuck Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
430 E Hoard St
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3765
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3765
Gr: K-4 | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: n/an/a
Jefferson-lewis-hamilton-herkimer-oneida Boces
Special Education School
20104 State Rte 3
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 779-7010
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 779-7010
Gr: K-12 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Watertown, NY?
The top-ranked public schools in Watertown, NY include Watertown Senior High School, Case Middle School and Harold T Wiley School.
How many public schools are located in Watertown?
9 public schools are located in Watertown.
What percentage of students in Watertown go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in Watertown are educated in public schools (compared to the NY state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Watertown?
Watertown public schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the New York public schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Watertown are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Watertown include: Knickerbocker School vs. Sherman School, Starbuck Elementary School vs. North Elementary School, Sherman School vs. Knickerbocker 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.