Long Island schools outperform New York averages despite high spending

Long Island public schools demonstrate academic proficiency levels that exceed New York state averages. In grades 3-8, mathematics proficiency stands at 59% compared to 57% statewide, while science proficiency is 63% versus 51% statewide. Students in the region also outperform the state on Regents exams in subjects such as Algebra II, Chemistry, and U.S. History.

However, these academic results are contrasted against high educational spending. Long Island spends approximately $35,000 per student, which is significantly higher than the New York statewide average of $32,000 and nearly double the national average of $18,000. Additionally, the average full-time teacher salary in the region exceeds $118,000, surpassing both the state and national averages.

Property taxes also play a significant role in local funding. In the Northport-East Northport district, property taxes per pupil are projected to reach $28,556 next year, a figure that is 57% above the Suffolk County average.