Red Hook ranked top high school in region by U.S. News & World Report

Red Hook High School is rated the top high school in the region, which spans Dutchess and Orange counties, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2026-27 Best High Schools ranking.
Overall, the West Market Street school was ranked 37th among public high schools in New York and was in the top 13% of all 27,000 public high schools examined nationally.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work happening every day at Red Hook High School,” Principal Dr. Kyle Roddey said. “None of this happens without the dedication of our teachers and staff, the support of our families and, most importantly, the hard work of our students. Being recognized as the top high school in the region is something our entire school community should be proud of.”
Red Hook has been honored in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list each year in recent memory. The organization ranks schools with a methodology that factors in data from the U.S. Department of Education, state assessments, College Board (Advanced Placement) and International Baccalaureate. The College Readiness Index and College Curriculum Breadth Index, two measurements of student participation and proficiency on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams, accounted for 40% of a school’s score. Other factors included proficiency and performance on state math, science and reading assessments (40%); learning outcomes for “underserved” students, including a school’s Black, Hispanic and low-income populations; and a school’s graduation rate.
The data used incorporates a three-year average from the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
Red Hook during the 2024-25 year had a 95% graduation rate, among the highest in the region. However, the continued growth of participation in IB classes was the largest factor in the ranking. This past June, 34 members of the Class of 2026 graduated with a full IB diploma, the most in school history. U.S. News & World Report showed 36% of all students during the timeframe factored into the ranking took at least one IB exam and 35% passed at least one exam.
The school is continuing to expand its IB English for All initiative, with two new IB classes in the coming year that incorporate theatre instruction into the literature curriculum already offered to students. New career training courses in welding and cybersecurity, and the unique Winners Circle Project, have also been added.
“We are especially proud that more of our students than ever are challenging themselves through rigorous IB coursework and demonstrating that high expectations and expanded opportunities can go hand in hand,” Roddey said. “At the same time, we continue to grow career and technical pathways that give students meaningful options for their futures.”
Previously, Linden Avenue Middle School in November was included in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Middle Schools list for New York.
“In every choice we make as a district, we take an intentional, future-focused approach to preparing students for post-graduate success,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Warden said. “We offer rigorous courses that encourage students to build transferable skills, and our students are thriving as a result. We are pleased this focus on career preparation has been recognized.”