At a glance
Reported students
588
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
55.46
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
10.6:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–06
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
New York elementary enrollment
80th percentile
Compared with 2,546 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
588
Birch School: 588 reported students.
State peer staffing position
31st percentile
10.6:1 reported; state peer median 11.7:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 554
- Teachers (FTE)
- 61
- Student–teacher ratio
- 9.1:1
What the reported data says about Birch School
Birch School is a public elementary school serving grades PK–06 in Merrick. It is one of 3 current school records connected to Merrick Union Free School District. NCES reports 588 students for 2024–25.
Among 2,546 elementary schools in New York with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 416 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 80th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 10.6:1, close to the New York median of 11.7:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (78.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.9%). English learners represent 2.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 12.1%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Birch School
- 1How do the reported 10.6:1 student–teacher ratio and 55.46 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 0.3 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 2.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 12.1%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 6.1%
- Lunch program
- Missing
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 0.3
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 1
- Social workers (FTE)
- 1
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White78.6%
- Hispanic9.9%
- Black2.4%
- Asian6.8%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial2.4%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Merrick Union Free School District
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Norman J Levy Lakeside School
Elementary · Grades PK–06
644 reported students
Chatterton School
Elementary · Grades PK–06
451 reported students
Public schools near Birch School
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norman J Levy Lakeside School Elementary · Merrick Union Free School District | PK–06 | 644 | 0.6 mi |
| Chatterton School Elementary · Merrick Union Free School District | PK–06 | 451 | 0.8 mi |
| Columbus Avenue School Elementary · Freeport Union Free School District | PK–01 | 175 | 1 mi |
| New Visions Elementary School Elementary · Freeport Union Free School District | KG–04 | 433 | 1.1 mi |
| Camp Avenue School Elementary · North Merrick Union Free School District | KG–06 | 491 | 1.4 mi |
| Archer Street School Elementary · Freeport Union Free School District | KG–04 | 433 | 1.6 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Birch School
What grades does Birch School serve?
Birch School reports grades PK–06 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Merrick Union Free School District.
How many students attend Birch School?
Birch School reported 588 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 80th percentile among 2,546 New York elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 554 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Birch School?
The calculated ratio is 10.6:1, based on 588 students and 55.46 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The New York median for the same school level is 11.7:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Birch School a public, charter, or magnet school?
Birch School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Merrick Union Free School District attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Birch School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
6.1% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Birch School in?
Birch School is part of Merrick Union Free School District, based in Merrick, NY, which operates 3 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Birch School?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Norman J Levy Lakeside School (0.6 mi), Chatterton School (0.8 mi), Columbus Avenue School (1 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.