Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development is a public high school located in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, New York City. The school was originally a Drake's Cakes factory. Still today, different floors of the school are in Drake's colors, blue and yellow.
Serving 835 students in grades 9-12, Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks in the top 30% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 835 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Benjamin Banneker Academy's student population of 835 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
835 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1987
School Motto
The Education of Tomorrow, Rooted in Tradition Invites You
School Rankings
Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks within the top 30% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin Banneker Academy is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1171 out of 4346 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
10%
Hispanic
17%
30%
Black
74%
16%
White
2%
40%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Warriors
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Banneker Academy's ranking?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is ranked #1171 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Benjamin Banneker Academy often compared to?
Benjamin Banneker Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Bedford Academy High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Benjamin Banneker Academy?
The graduation rate of Benjamin Banneker Academy is 95%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Benjamin Banneker Academy?
835 students attend Benjamin Banneker Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Benjamin Banneker Academy students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Benjamin Banneker Academy?
Benjamin Banneker Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Benjamin Banneker Academy offer ?
Benjamin Banneker Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Benjamin Banneker Academy part of?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is part of New York City Geographic District #13 School District.
In what neighborhood is Benjamin Banneker Academy located?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is located in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 6 other public schools located in Clinton Hill.
School Reviews
Review Benjamin Banneker Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
