Buffalo School Recorded High Levels of Gun Violence
Community School 53 saw nearly 30 shootings within 500 yards between 2017 and 2025.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Data analysis covering the period from 2017 to 2025 identified Community School 53 in Buffalo as the site with the highest frequency of school-adjacent shootings in the city. The findings highlight the persistent impact of neighborhood violence on student environments.
Why it matters
Exposure to gun violence creates long-term trauma and educational inequality for children living in affected areas. This environment can significantly depress test scores and alter academic outcomes for students, many of whom reside in the neighborhoods surrounding these schools.
Between 2017 and 2025, School 53 recorded nearly 30 shootings within a 500-yard radius. Buffalo currently ranks 5th out of 30 similarly sized U.S. cities for rates of school-adjacent shootings.
The players
Community School 53
This educational institution in Buffalo experienced the highest concentration of nearby shootings in the city.
7 News I-Team
This investigative journalism group compiled the data regarding school-adjacent violence in collaboration with national experts.
Gun Violence Data Hub
An initiative from The Trace, this organization provides data and analysis concerning gun violence trends across the United States.
The details
Researchers defined school-adjacent incidents as shootings occurring within 500 yards of school grounds, with most incidents taking place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The student population at School 53 is over 70% Black, and the area was also affected by a 2022 mass shooting at a nearby grocery store.
Timeline
The analysis tracked shootings near schools from 2017 through 2025.
A mass shooting occurred at a grocery store near School 53 on May 14, 2022.
Research regarding the impact of gun violence was published in 2024.
Culture Shift
This report highlights a growing societal focus on how environmental stressors like neighborhood violence disrupt the fundamental mission of public education. It mirrors findings from the 2024 NIH report on gun violence impact, which documents the link between environmental trauma and student achievement.
Residents and families in the area may face ongoing concerns regarding public safety protocols and the long-term emotional well-being of students. The findings emphasize the need for continued community-based security strategies and support resources for local schools.
The takeaway
Understanding the geography of neighborhood violence is essential for developing effective support systems for vulnerable students. Prioritizing safety interventions in areas near schools can help mitigate the cycle of trauma that prevents students from reaching their full potential.
Further reading
For more information on school safety, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBW.
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