John Dewey High School is a public high school in Gravesend, Brooklyn, New York City. It was founded and based on the educational principles of John Dewey. The school, under the supervision of the New York City Department of Education, was named a New American High School in 2000.
Serving 2,209 students in grades 9-12, John Dewey High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 89% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,209 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Btm 50% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 89% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 95% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John Dewey High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
John Dewey High School's student population of 2,209 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 163 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,209 students
Total Classroom Teachers
163 teachers
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
School Rankings
John Dewey High School 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 John Dewey High School is 0.77, which is more 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
#935 out of 4346 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
89%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
95%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
29%
10%
Hispanic
27%
31%
Black
16%
15%
White
24%
39%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
86%
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: Dragon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Dewey High School's ranking?
John Dewey High School is ranked #935 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New York.
What schools are John Dewey High School often compared to?
John Dewey High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like James Madison High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of John Dewey High School?
The graduation rate of John Dewey High School is 85%, which is lower than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend John Dewey High School?
2,209 students attend John Dewey High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of John Dewey High School students are Asian, 27% of students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Dewey High School?
John Dewey High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does John Dewey High School offer ?
John Dewey High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John Dewey High School part of?
John Dewey High School is part of New York City Geographic District #21.
In what neighborhood is John Dewey High School located?
John Dewey High School is located in the Gravesend neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 11 other public schools located in Gravesend.
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