March 8, 2026
Syosset Central School District hits No. 2 nationwide in 2026 Niche rankings. Discover top stats, nearby rivals, and what makes it excel for Long Island families.
As parents drop off kids at Syosset Senior High School on South Drive this spring, they're buzzing about the latest news: Syosset Central School District just nabbed the No. 2 spot among America's best school districts in the 2026 Niche rankings. Long Island school district rankings and report cards show Syosset leading the pack, making it a hot topic from Jericho Turnpike delis to Woodbury coffee shops like Pumpernickels.
Syosset Central School District ranks No. 2 in the nation out of 10,394 districts, earning an overall A+ grade from Niche. It jumped three spots from last year, topping all Long Island districts ahead of Roslyn at No. 3, Half Hollow Hills at No. 9, and Jericho at No. 10. In New York, it's No. 1 according to recent data, and Public School Review places it at No. 29 out of 1,008 districts statewide, in the top 5% based on math and reading proficiency.
These rankings come from Niche's analysis of U.S. Department of Education data plus millions of parent and student reviews. Syosset scores A+ across academics, teachers, clubs and activities, college prep, and administration. Public School Review notes it's in the top 20% statewide for overall rank, math proficiency, reading/language arts, science, diversity, and student body size.
The district serves Syosset, Woodbury, parts of Plainview, Jericho, Muttontown, Oyster Bay Cove, and Hicksville with ten schools. Top performers include Syosset Senior High School, H.B. Thompson Middle School on Marge Locust Drive, and South Grove Elementary School, which earned Blue Ribbon status in 2025.
Syosset's academic performance tells the real story behind those top rankings. The district boasts exceptional standardized test results that far exceed both state and national benchmarks. In math proficiency, Syosset students hit 91% compared to New York's 52% average—nearly double the state rate. Reading and language arts proficiency reaches 78% in Syosset versus 49% statewide, while science proficiency climbs to 98% against the state's 78%. These numbers reflect rigorous curriculum standards and dedicated teaching across all grade levels, from elementary schools like Village Elementary on Syosset Road to the high school level.
College readiness metrics paint an equally impressive picture. Average SAT scores for Syosset students reach approximately 1,400, more than double the national average of 1,024. ACT scores average 31 compared to the national average of 19.4. The class of 2021-22 graduated at 98%, beating the state average of 87%, demonstrating that Syosset students don't just test well—they actually graduate and move on to higher education prepared and confident.
An 11:1 student-teacher ratio means more personal attention for every student, similar to nearby Roslyn's 12:1 setup. This smaller class size allows teachers at schools like Syosset Senior High School to provide individualized support that helps students succeed. Science whizzes shine too—Syosset had semifinalists in the 2009 Regeneron Science Talent Search, and history buffs took top prizes in New York's 2008 and 2009 contests. With one of New York's highest concentrations of top-ranked schools, Syosset sets the bar high for academic excellence across Nassau County.
Long Island dominates the top 10 with nearly half the spots. Roslyn earns A+ overall, with 75% reading proficiency and 81% math. Half Hollow Hills scores A+ in key areas, 64% reading and 76% math proficient. Jericho boasts 88% proficiency in both reading and math.
Other standouts include Great Neck, Manhasset, East Williston, Bethpage, and Hewlett-Woodmere in the top 50. Syosset's edge? Perfect A+ marks everywhere and the biggest student body in its top categories. Families chat about this at spots like Syosset Bakery on Jericho Turnpike or over bagels at Woodbury's Bagel Boss. If you're curious how Syosset's luxury real estate market has responded to the district's stellar reputation, the numbers are just as impressive.
These report cards highlight why Long Island parents prioritize districts like Syosset. Niche calls it among the best places to teach too, ranking No. 7 nationally.
Whether you're eyeing a move near H.B. Thompson Middle School or just proud of your local schools, Syosset's success inspires. For a broader look at how other Long Island school districts stack up, including North Fork leaders, or to see how neighboring districts like Commack are navigating enrollment challenges, check out more Long Island education stories on LI Daily to stay in the know on school district rankings and report cards.
