High Schools in ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION School District

The ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION School District in New Jersey is home to two high schools: Orange High School and STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges. While both schools serve predominantly minority and economically disadvantaged student populations, the STEM Innovation Academy stands out as an exceptional institution, consistently ranking among the top high schools in the state.

The STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges significantly outperforms Orange High School and the overall district in academic metrics, with 89.1% of 9th-grade students proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 30.2% at Orange High School and 39.2% for the district. In Algebra I, 32.1% of 9th-grade students at the STEM Innovation Academy were proficient or better, compared to just 5.4% at Orange High School and 8% for the district. The school also boasts an impressive 97.8% four-year graduation rate, far exceeding the 73.9% rate at Orange High School.

While both schools face socioeconomic challenges, with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, the STEM Innovation Academy's success suggests that its specialized curriculum and teaching approach may be a key factor in its outstanding performance. In contrast, the ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION School District as a whole ranks 499 out of 615 districts in New Jersey, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating the need for systemic improvements to provide all students with the high-quality education they deserve.