School Leadership

Clarence High School is recognized as one of the best high schools not only in Western New York, but in the state and the nation as well.

An independent survey of student academic performance at 112 local public high schools ranked Clarence High School second behind a city magnet school that has strict academic admission requirements. Our students consistently score among the highest on state Regents exams, advanced placement exams, and national standardized tests. More than 80 percent of our graduates receive a Regents diploma and 90 percent continue their studies at post-secondary institutions.

Clarence has a long and proud tradition of providing the best education possible to the students we serve. Clarence High School can trace its roots back to 1841 when the first independent high school in Erie County was built on Buffalo Road (now Main Street) in Clarence Hollow. The Clarence Classical School offered a high school education to students who could pay the tuition fee of $6 per year.

In the intervening years, the school changed locations and was reorganized several times under different names. In 1874 the school was renamed Parker Free Union School in honor of Dr. Jared Parker, a well-known physician and benefactor. Greek, Latin, higher mathematics, physics, and astronomy were among the subjects taught.

Shortly after the Clarence School District was established in 1946, plans were made to build a new school to replace Parker High School. When the present day Clarence High School was opened in 1951, it was hailed as a "symbol of the progressive spirit of a town and a people interested in enlarging and enriching the educational opportunities of their children."

That same attitude prevails today.

Our facilities are among the finest anywhere, from the centrally located library/media center to the science classroom complex, to the modern, Olympic-sized pool. The instructional program is designed to encourage students to achieve at the highest level. A number of innovative programs are in place to assist and support students as they strive for excellence

Our faculty is comprised of over 100 caring, creative professionals who constantly monitor and revise instructional plans based on their students' educational progress. They also strive to remain current with the best practices in their subject areas. District initiatives support teachers in this endeavor by making professional development opportunities widely available.

There are many reasons for our success. Modern facilities, an outstanding academic program, dedicated personnel, and a supportive community all contribute to making Clarence High School one of the finest learning institutions anywhere.

If you have any questions, please call us at (716) 407-9020.