Schools

Syracuse Public Schools offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education designed to support students at every stage of development.

Beginning in kindergarten, students focus on core academic areas including English, math, science, reading, spelling, and history. At the elementary level, equal emphasis is placed on foundational life skills such as listening, following directions, sharing, and building healthy friendships. Special education services are available to ensure all students receive the support they need to succeed.

During the middle school and junior high years, students are guided in developing responsibility, accountability, and the importance of doing their best. Programs are in place to encourage punctuality, strong study habits, and personal ownership of learning. In addition to core coursework, 7th and 8th grade students gain experience in creative writing, speech, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, keyboarding, résumé building, and job interview preparation. Leadership opportunities are available through student council and other activities.

At the high school level, students in grades 9–12 participate in a homeroom program that focuses on essential life skills such as teamwork, goal setting, community service, digital responsibility, civic engagement, bullying prevention, substance abuse awareness, and healthy relationships. Graduation requirements include coursework in personal finance, speech, and computer skills to ensure students are prepared for life beyond high school.

Syracuse High School also offers a wide range of specialty courses, including art, foreign language, agriculture, business, computer programming, woodworking, metal and mechanical skills, and more — giving students opportunities to explore both college and career pathways.

All juniors have the opportunity to take the ACT placement test at no cost during the school day. Through partnerships with Peru State College and Southeast Community College, eligible juniors and seniors may enroll in dual-credit courses, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school. Students can access both in-person and online college-level coursework in subjects ranging from math and English to medical, dental, child development, and nutrition fields. The availability of the ACCUPLACER assessment further helps students identify strengths and align their academic plans with future goals.

In the Syracuse area, both school staff and community members take great pride in helping students reach their highest potential. Year after year, the majority of students score above average on state standards assessments. Graduating seniors are well known for earning numerous local and regional scholarships in academics, athletics, and the arts — a reflection of both the quality of our education and the character of our young people.

Syracuse students consistently excel beyond the classroom. At the elementary and junior high levels, Destination Imagination teams have earned top honors at the state level and advanced to national competition. Our high school vocal music program regularly receives superior ratings, and our band program continues to earn district recognition. Platform 11, our select musical ensemble, provides additional opportunities for students to showcase their talents.

Syracuse is also home to a strong FBLA chapter, with students earning top honors at the state level and advancing to national competitions. As an agriculture-based community, we are especially proud of our FFA program, where students frequently receive district and state recognition for leadership and achievement.

Athletics are another point of pride at Syracuse High School. Our teams consistently compete at a high level, earning district titles and qualifying for state competition across multiple sports. In addition to team accomplishments, individual athletes regularly bring home state medals in cross country, track, wrestling, golf, and other events. Many Syracuse athletes have gone on to compete at the collegiate level across Division I, II, and III programs.

Above all, we strive to instill discipline, teamwork, and resilience — qualities that serve our students not only in competition, but throughout their lives.

At Syracuse Public Schools, our staff is committed to ensuring every student has a positive educational experience — one they will carry with them for a lifetime. We see ourselves as partners with families and the community, working together to create meaningful opportunities for success.

We believe students who are engaged beyond the classroom often perform better academically and develop stronger leadership and life skills. That’s why we actively encourage involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, and community service.

Beginning in elementary school, students are introduced to a variety of opportunities, including math and science enrichment, music, fine arts, athletics, and other special programs designed to help them discover their interests and talents. As students move into middle school, junior high, and high school, those opportunities expand even further. Syracuse students can participate in a wide range of academic, leadership, and athletic organizations that help them grow both personally and academically.

Our goal is simple: to inspire every student to find their strengths, develop their gifts, and confidently discover their place in the world.

For more information about programs and opportunities, families are encouraged to visit the district website or contact Syracuse Public Schools directly.