Buffalo Public Schools

Buffalo Public Schools serves approximately 31,000 students in Buffalo, New York, It is located in Erie County of western New York and operates nearly 70 facilities.

History
The Buffalo Public School System was started in 1838, 13 years after the completion of the Erie Canal and only 6 years after the 1832 incorporation of the City of Buffalo. Buffalo was the first city in the state of New York to have a free public education system supported by local taxes. Although New York City had a free public education system prior to 1838, NYC obtained additional funding through private donations and sources. Buffalo Public Schools' first Superintendent of Schools, Oliver Gray Steele (1805–1879), was a prominent and successful business man. Originally from Connecticut, Steele relocated to Buffalo in 1827. He held three different terms as Superintendent between 1838 and 1852, during which twelve new elementary facilities were built, bringing the total to 15 elementary buildings. A building for a dedicated high school was also purchased during this time. Steele is credited as being the "Father of the Public Schools of Buffalo" as his reorganization of the schools in Buffalo enabled children to have access to a free public education. Over 35 people have held the position of Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools since that time.

Administration
The Board of Education of the Buffalo City School District is the policy-making body for the Buffalo Public Schools, as provided by the Constitution of New York, and is under the general supervision of the New York State Education Department. The board consists of nine members elected by popular vote of District residents.

Elementary schools
Except where noted, all schools serve Grades PreK-8
 * D'Youville Porter Campus School, Front Park
 * Buffalo Elementary School of Technology, Willert Park
 * Early Childhood Center 17, Cold Springs
 * Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, Front Park
 * Native American Magnet School, Grant Ferry
 * Hillery Park Elementary School, Seneca
 * Frank A. Sedita Academy, Front Park
 * Harriet Ross Tubman School, Emslie
 * Bennett Park Montessori School, Willert Park
 * Bilingual Center, First Ward
 * Marva J. Daniel Futures Preparatory School, Medical Park
 * Lovejoy Discovery School, Lovejoy
 * International School, Grant Ferry
 * School 48 @ MLK, Medical Park
 * North Park Community School, North Park
 * Community School, Kingsley
 * Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence, #54, Parkside
 * Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet, MLK Park
 * Annex 59, Polonia
 * Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction, Leroy
 * Frederick Law Olmsted School, Park Meadow
 * Roosevelt Early Childhood Center, Riverside
 * Discovery School, South Abbott
 * Houghton Academy, Kaisertown
 * Lorraine Elementary School, Abbott McKinley
 * Hamlin Park Claude & Ouida Clapp Academy, Hamlin Park
 * Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy, Columbus
 * William J. Grabiarz School of Excellence, Military
 * Highgate Heights School, Kensington
 * School 81, North Park
 * Early Childhood Center 82, Kenfield
 * Health Care Center for Children, Grider
 * Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence, Grider
 * B.U.I.L.D. Community School, MLK Park
 * Southside Elementary School, Seneca
 * West Hertel Academy, Military
 * Waterfront Elementary School, Columbus
 * Harvey Austin School, Emerson
 * Stanley Makowski Early Childhood Center, Kingsley

Secondary schools
Except where noted, all schools serve Grades 9-12