East Rockaway High School reports continued academic gains in 2025-26

Posted Friday, July 24, 2026 10:26 am

Among the school’s most notable successes is the continued growth of its Advanced Placement program, with the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher rising by 30% in just four years.

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District

East Rockaway High School closed out the 2025-26 school year with impressive academic gains, reflecting a sustained commitment to student achievement and college readiness.

By Kayla Dechter

East Rockaway High School continued its streak of academic success during the 2025-26 school year, with improvements in Advanced Placement performance, Regents exam scores and graduation rates.

According to the district, 90 percent of students who took Advanced Placement exams earned a score of 3 or higher in 2026, up from 60 percent in 2022. Student participation in AP courses also increased, with the number of exams taken rising from 217 in 2022 to 336 this year — a nearly 55 percent increase.

The district also reported its fourth consecutive year of a 100 percent graduation rate, a milestone Superintendent James DeTommaso highlighted during the board of education’s July reorganization meeting as a rare achievement among New York schools.

Regents exam results also improved, including an increase in students earning mastery-level scores, according to the district.

District officials said they plan to present a comprehensive District Report Card to the Board of Education and the community this fall, highlighting academic growth and other key performance data from across the school system.

“This reflects the dedication of our students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators,” district officials said, noting that the collaborative effort continues to drive student achievement.

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