The Best Schools in Westchester County: Rankings, Data, and Tools

Finding the right school district is often the top priority for homebuyers in Westchester County. While real estate professionals cannot provide subjective advice or steering on schools, we can certainly point you toward the data-driven resources you need to make an informed decision for your family.

Westchester is home to some of the highest-rated school districts in the nation. Below is a guide to the top performers and the best tools to help you research them.

Top-Rated Public School Districts in Westchester

Based on recent 2025-2026 rankings from Niche and state graduation data, these districts consistently lead the pack in academic excellence and student outcomes:

• Scarsdale Union Free School District: Frequently ranked as the #1 district in the county, Scarsdale is known for its rigorous academics and high student-teacher ratios.
  
  
• Chappaqua Central School District: Home to Horace Greeley High School, this district is lauded for its exceptional STEM and arts programs.
  
  
• Bronxville Union Free School District: A unique "one-campus" district known for its small community feel and nearly 100% graduation rates.
  
  
• Rye City School District: Offers small class sizes and robust community support in a historic coastal setting.
  
  
• Byram Hills Central School District (Armonk): Highly regarded for its facilities and setting students up for success in higher education.
  
  
• Pelham Union Free School District: Known for high performance and strong community involvement.
  
  

Essential Research Tools for Homeowners

To get a granular look at test scores, teacher quality, and parent reviews, use these independent websites:

• Niche.com: Provides comprehensive letter grades (A+ to F) for districts based on rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education and user reviews.
  
  
• GreatSchools.org: A non-profit that provides ratings based on student growth, college readiness, and equity.
  
  
• Westchester County GeoHub: Use this official county map to verify exactly which school district a specific property falls into—boundaries don't always align with town lines!
  
  
• NY State Education Department (NYSED): Access the official "Report Cards" for every public school in New York to see raw data on enrollment and graduation.
  
  

Thinking About Private Schools?

Westchester also offers premier private options, including:

• Rye Country Day School (Pre-K–12)
  
  
• Hackley School in Tarrytown (K–12)
  
  
• Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle (PK–12)
  
  

Contact Me

If you have questions about the local real estate market or need help navigating neighborhoods within these districts, I am here to help.

James Daley The Ricci Team – Powered by PLACE Keller Williams NY Realty Email: jim@thericciteam.com Phone: 914-415-7060 Website: The Ricci Team