Southern Cayuga High School is a secondary school in Poplar Ridge, Cayuga County, New York. SCHS is operated by Southern Cayuga Central School District. In 2003 it had some 585 students and 45 teachers. The student body was 98% white, and 24% were eligible for free lunch, higher than the state average of 15%.
Serving 282 students in grades 7-12, Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 282 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 50% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School's student population of 282 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
282 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School 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 Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School is 0.34, 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
#935 out of 4346 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
16%
30%
Black
n/a
16%
White
80%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Chiefs
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School's ranking?
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School is ranked #935 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School often compared to?
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Auburn High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School?
The graduation rate of Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School is 90%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School?
282 students attend Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School?
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School offer ?
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School part of?
Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School is part of Southern Cayuga Central School District.
School Reviews
2 8/11/2009
While teachers and staff are all extremely dedicated to the students, the administration and school board continue to cut programs and teachers and mistrust the student body. This mistrust has led to an unpleasant school atmosphere.
Review Southern Cayuga 7-12 Secondary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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