Mountainside School District

The Mountainside School District in New Jersey consists of two schools: Deerfield Elementary School, a middle school serving grades 3-8, and Beechwood School, an elementary school serving grades PK-2. The data analysis reveals that Deerfield Elementary School is the standout institution in the district, consistently ranking among the top middle schools in New Jersey and demonstrating exceptional academic performance.

Deerfield Elementary School's students have consistently achieved proficiency rates significantly higher than the state averages on the NJSLA assessments in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. The school has maintained a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and a statewide ranking between 42nd and 70th out of over 700 middle schools in the state over the past three school years. Additionally, Deerfield Elementary School has a lower chronic absenteeism rate and a more favorable student-teacher ratio compared to Beechwood School, which may contribute to its academic success.

While comprehensive data is not available for Beechwood School, the information provided suggests that it is a smaller school with a higher percentage of free/reduced lunch recipients and a less favorable student-teacher ratio than Deerfield Elementary School. The significant difference in the percentage of free/reduced lunch recipients between the two schools may indicate potential equity concerns within the district, which the district may need to examine to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.