Beacon High School: Top New York School (2026 List)

About Beacon High School

Beacon High School is a public high school serving grades 9-12 within the New York City Public Schools system. The school enrolls approximately 1,435 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of about 15:1. Beacon High School emphasizes portfolio-based assessment, inquiry-driven learning, and interdisciplinary coursework across humanities, sciences, and the arts. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams, with an AP participation rate of 53%. Total minority enrollment is 65%, and 50% of students are economically disadvantaged. Reading proficiency is 99%. Per-pupil spending aligns with NYC district averages. Located on the Upper West Side, Beacon High School maintains a collaborative school environment and a community reputation for student-centered academics and strong college counseling. SAT and ACT preparation is integrated into the college readiness program. Beacon High School is known as one of the finest schools for portfolio learning and preparing students for postsecondary success, and it is one of the best high school in New York.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 0%

Reading 99%

State average proficiency is 0% in Math and 99% in Reading.

95

Full-time Teachers

15 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

1435

Total Students

$82249

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 35.19%

Asian 13.59%

Hispanic 31.29%

Black 12.47%

Two+ Races 5.85%

Native Am. 0.56%

White

35.19%

Asian

13.59%

Hispanic

31.29%

Black

12.47%

Two+ Races

5.85%

Native Am.

0.56%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 1435

65.3%

937 Female

34.7%

498 Male

Student Population

1435 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 15 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

237 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

Beacon High School Contact Information

Address

522 W 44TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10036

View on Map

Phone

(212) 465-4230

Call Now

Website

http://www.beaconschool.org

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 7:45 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

Recent efforts at Beacon High School have been directed toward broadening project-based learning opportunities and increasing student involvement in arts, research, and community programs. Students have shown their original work through exhibitions, theatrical performances and interdisciplinary academic projects that mirror the school’s creative learning approach. The school has also continued to support students through advisory programs, advanced electives and college readiness workshops. These opportunities are giving students leadership, teamwork and presentation skills in a wide range of subject areas.

FAQ

Q1. Are students allowed to go to cultural and arts events?

Ans. Yes, Beacon High School encourages students to be creative by offering programs in music, theater, and the visual arts.

Q2. Can students get rides from all neighborhoods?

Ans. Bus service is available depending on the district's eligibility zones.

Q3. Does Beacon High School offer individualized learning assistance?

Ans. Yes, Beacon High School gives students advice and help to help them reach their academic goals.

Q4. Do students get help getting ready for college?

Ans. Yes, Students can take the SAT and ACT and get help planning for college.

Q5. How does Beacon High School get students ready for success in the future?

Ans. Planning, skill-building, and guidance programs help students make the transition to college, vocational training, or a job.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say