Best Public Schools in Paterson, NJ

The city of Paterson, New Jersey is home to 45 schools, including 31 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 9 high schools, and 2 alternative schools, all part of the Paterson Public School District. While the district is ranked 572 out of 613 in the state and has a 0-star rating, a few standout schools demonstrate exceptional academic performance, including School 28, which has been ranked among the top 1-2 elementary schools in New Jersey for the past 3 years, and the charter schools College Achieve Paterson and Paterson Arts and Science, which also show strong academic results.

The data reveals a wide range in performance across Paterson's schools, with the top-performing institutions seeing 50-100% proficiency rates on state assessments, while the lowest-performing schools struggle with single-digit proficiency. This stark divide is further reflected in the district's 91.1% high school graduation rate, which is above the state average, and the 16.6% chronic absenteeism rate, which is quite high. Factors like the high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 47% to 93%, and the wide disparity in per-student spending, from $6,561 to $23,741, suggest significant socioeconomic challenges and resource inequities impacting the Paterson school community.

Overall, the data paints a complex picture of the Paterson school system, with pockets of excellence coexisting alongside widespread struggles. Addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the performance gaps will be crucial to improving educational outcomes for all of Paterson's students, regardless of the school they attend.