Best Public Schools in Newark, NJ

The city of Newark, New Jersey is home to 76 schools, including 50 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 18 high schools, and 6 alternative schools. The schools in this district span a wide range of performance levels, from highly ranked charter schools like North Star Academy Charter School and TEAM Academy Charter School, to lower performing district schools like East Side High and Barringer High.

The top performing schools in Newark stand out with impressive metrics. Science Park High School, ranked 40th out of 426 high schools in the state, has a 91.1% graduation rate, 1.2% dropout rate, and test scores that far exceed the district and state averages. Similarly, the charter schools North Star Academy and TEAM Academy boast graduation rates of 91.1%, dropout rates of 1.2%, and excellent test performance. In contrast, some district high schools like East Side High and Barringer High have lower graduation rates around 91% and slightly higher dropout rates around 1.2%.

While the district-wide graduation rate of 91.1% matches the state average, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 16.6%. Additionally, there is a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 70-90% at most schools, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage. Spending per student varies widely, from around $5,000 to $35,000 per student, with the higher spending schools tending to be alternative or specialized programs. Overall, the Newark school district faces challenges, but the standout performance of a few schools demonstrates that high-quality education is possible with the right approaches.