As of the 2025–2026 school year, New York State has more than 1,200 public high schools. This count includes traditional district schools, charter schools, and specialized high schools. New York City alone accounts for over 500 of these schools.
Understanding how many high schools are in New York helps parents, students, and educators plan for admissions, transfers, and district assignments. Below we break down the numbers by region and type.
How the Numbers Break Down by Region
New York State covers a large area, so high school counts vary widely from the city to rural upstate regions. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) collects annual data on all public schools.
| Region | Estimated Number of Public High Schools | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Over 500 | Includes all five boroughs, plus charter and specialized schools |
| Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) | Around 170 | Many large districts with multiple high schools |
| Hudson Valley & Capital Region | Approximately 200 | Covers Westchester, Rockland, Albany, and surrounding counties |
| Central & Western NY | Roughly 250 | Includes Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and smaller cities |
| Northern NY & Rural Areas | About 100 | Smaller, often single-school districts |
These totals are based on NYSED’s most recent public data from 2025. Exact numbers change slightly each year as new schools open and others close.
Types of High Schools in New York
Not all high schools are the same. New York offers several types to meet different student needs.
- Traditional public high schools – run by local school districts, open to all residents
- Charter schools – publicly funded but independently operated, often with a specific focus
- Private and parochial schools – funded through tuition and religious organizations
- Specialized high schools – like the nine Specialized High Schools in NYC that require an exam (SHSAT)
- Magnet and alternative schools – themed programs (e.g., STEM, arts) or for students needing nontraditional settings
New York City alone has about 150 private high schools, while the rest of the state adds another 200+. Including all types, the total number of high schools in New York exceeds 2,000.
Why the Number Matters for Families
Knowing how many high schools are in New York helps families decide where to apply and which programs are available. For example, if you live in NYC, you can choose among hundreds of options — but competition varies by school.
In rural areas with fewer schools, students may have fewer choices but often benefit from smaller class sizes. Every family should research their local district’s offerings before the application deadline.
Application Deadlines to Keep in Mind
For New York City public high schools, the main application opens in early October 2025 and closes in early December 2025 for fall 2026 admission. Upstate districts set their own schedules, usually between January and March 2026.
If you’re applying to specialized high schools, the SHSAT is offered in October and November of 2025. Register through your child’s school or the NYC Department of Education website.
Resources for Finding the Right School
You can search all public high schools by county on the NYSED website. Many districts also hold virtual open houses in the fall. For private schools, the New York State Association of Independent Schools maintains a directory.
How the Count Has Changed Over Time
The number of high schools in New York has grown slowly over the past decade. Charter schools increased from about 50 in 2010 to over 100 today. Meanwhile, some rural districts have consolidated due to declining enrollment.
Overall, the total remains stable at roughly 1,200 public high schools and 800 private/religious schools. The mix shifts slightly each year, but the pool stays large enough to serve the state’s 1.5 million high school students.
To summarize: New York has more than 1,200 public high schools statewide, with over 500 concentrated in New York City. Including private, charter, and specialized options, the total rises above 2,000. Families should check official sources for the most current list and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many high schools are in New York City?
New York City has over 500 public high schools, plus about 150 private high schools. The exact number changes each year as new schools open and others close.
How many high schools are in New York State total?
New York State has more than 1,200 public high schools across all regions. Including private and charter schools, the total exceeds 2,000.
What is the largest high school in New York?
The largest high school by enrollment is often Brooklyn Technical High School, which serves over 5,000 students. Other large specialized schools also have high capacity.
How do I find high schools near me in New York?
You can use the New York State Education Department’s school search tool by county or district. For New York City, the Department of Education’s website lists all schools by borough.
Are charter high schools included in the count of New York high schools?
Yes, charter high schools are publicly funded and counted among the total public high schools. As of 2025, there are over 100 charter high schools in New York State.
