The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts is a magnet performing arts high school and part of Buffalo, New York's public school system. It serves grades 5-12 and requires students to apply in the field of their desired major concentration.
Serving 575 students in grades 5-12, Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts ranks in the bottom 50% 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 35-39% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 575 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts's student population of 575 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
575 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Year Founded
1977
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence in the Arts and Academics
School Rankings
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts is 0.70, 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
#3088 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
10%
Hispanic
20%
30%
Black
46%
16%
White
21%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts's ranking?
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts is ranked #3088 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts often compared to?
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Artsis often viewed alongside schools like City Honors School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts?
The graduation rate of Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts is 95%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts?
575 students attend Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts students are Black, 21% of students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts?
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts offer ?
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts offers enrollment in grades 5-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts part of?
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts is part of Buffalo City School District.
In what neighborhood is Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts located?
Buffalo Academy For The Visual & Performing Arts is located in the Masten Park neighborhood of Buffalo, NY. There are 1 other public schools located in Masten Park.
School Reviews
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