Middle Schools in Hillside Public School District

The Hillside Public School District in New Jersey is home to two middle schools serving grades 6-8. While both schools serve predominantly African American and Hispanic student populations, there is a stark contrast in their academic performance and overall quality.

Hillside Innovation Academy stands out as the stronger performing middle school in the district. It is ranked 198 out of 748 New Jersey middle schools and has earned a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. In contrast, Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School is ranked 664 out of 748 and has a 1-star rating. Hillside Innovation Academy boasts significantly higher proficiency rates on state assessments, with 66% of 7th graders proficient in ELA compared to the district's 34% and the state's 55.7%. The school's 8th grade math proficiency rate of 35.9% is nearly triple the district average and double the state average.

While both schools serve high-need populations, with over 60% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, the data suggests that Hillside Public School District may need to address equity challenges and provide targeted academic interventions to improve student outcomes, especially at Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School. The existence of Hillside Innovation Academy, a higher-performing option within the district, underscores the importance of school choice in ensuring all students have access to a quality education.