The Huntington School District has been ranked among the safest in the United States by Niche.com, which helps users find schools and neighborhoods when they are looking to relocate.
Huntington was ranked No. 60 in New York and No. 207 in the country, placing it in the top 2.5 percent in the nation for school district safety.
When compiling its school safety ranking, Niche considered per pupil expenditures, student absenteeism, in-school and out of school suspensions, expulsions, law enforcement referrals and school related arrests.
“It goes without saying that the range of opportunities provided to students in Huntington would be much less meaningful without a safe and secure school environment,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “We take matters of safety and security very seriously, particularly in light of tragic episodes that have occurred in schools across the nation in recent years.”
“Niche is a website that helps you discover the schools and neighborhoods that are right for you,” according to the organization. “We rigorously analyze dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews to produce comprehensive rankings, report cards, and profiles for every K-12 school, college, and neighborhood in the U.S. Niche has the most comprehensive data available on U.S. schools and neighborhoods. We’re constantly updating and connecting millions of data points to produce new rankings and insights. We have over 100 million reviews and poll responses along with transparent statistics and comparable grades to help you find the right school or neighborhood for you.”
Huntington schools are among
the safest in the country for students.
The Huntington UFSD was ranked No. 94 overall in the state out of 670 individual school districts and was listed in the top 500 in the entire country, coming in at No. 474.
Niche.com ranks Huntington as No. 28 in the state for diversity and No. 32 as “best for athletes.”
“The district’s rating overall is well deserved and reflects the hard work, commitment and passion of so many students and staff members,” Mr. Polansky said.
The Huntington School District traces its roots to 1657 when Jonas Houldsworth made a “covenant and agreement” to “school such persons or children as shall be put to him for that end by ye inhabitants,” according to the town archives. The first school building was erected in 1660.
The New York State Legislature authorized the formation of the Huntington Union Free School District in 1857 and the next year a new brick school house was completed. Algernon S. Higgins was hired to serve as the school’s first principal, according to the town archives. Huntington graduated its first class of six students in 1862.