Serving 743 students in grades Prekindergarten-9, Waterfront Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-9
- Enrollment: 743 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Waterfront Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Waterfront Elementary School's student population of 743 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-9
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
743 students
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Waterfront Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Waterfront Elementary School is 0.70, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3955 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
29%
10%
Hispanic
15%
31%
Black
44%
15%
White
9%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Buffalo City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waterfront Elementary School's ranking?
Waterfront Elementary School is ranked #3955 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Waterfront Elementary School often compared to?
Waterfront Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bennett Park Montessori School, D'youville-porter Campus by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend Waterfront Elementary School?
743 students attend Waterfront Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Waterfront Elementary School students are Black, 29% of students are Asian, 15% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waterfront Elementary School?
Waterfront Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Waterfront Elementary School offer ?
Waterfront Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-9 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Waterfront Elementary School part of?
Waterfront Elementary School is part of Buffalo City School District.
In what neighborhood is Waterfront Elementary School located?
Waterfront Elementary School is located in the Columbus neighborhood of Buffalo, NY. There are 2 other public schools located in Columbus.
School Reviews
Review Waterfront Elementary 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
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.
