Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development is a public high school located in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, New York City. The school was originally a Drake's Cakes factory. Still today, different floors of the school are in Drake's colors, blue and yellow.
Serving 854 students in grades 9-12, Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks in the top 30% 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 45-49% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 854 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Benjamin Banneker Academy's student population of 854 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
854 students
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Year Founded
1987
School Motto
The Education of Tomorrow, Rooted in Tradition Invites You
School Rankings
Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks within the top 30% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin Banneker Academy is 0.38, 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
#1171 out of 4346 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
16%
31%
Black
77%
15%
White
2%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Warriors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Banneker Academy's ranking?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is ranked #1171 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Benjamin Banneker Academy often compared to?
Benjamin Banneker Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Bedford Academy High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Benjamin Banneker Academy?
The graduation rate of Benjamin Banneker Academy is 95%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Benjamin Banneker Academy?
854 students attend Benjamin Banneker Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Benjamin Banneker Academy students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Benjamin Banneker Academy?
Benjamin Banneker Academy has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Benjamin Banneker Academy offer ?
Benjamin Banneker Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Benjamin Banneker Academy part of?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is part of New York City Geographic District #13.
In what neighborhood is Benjamin Banneker Academy located?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is located in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 6 other public schools located in Clinton Hill.
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