Elementary Schools in Paterson Public School District

The Paterson Public School District in New Jersey is home to 29 elementary schools serving grades pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The district as a whole is ranked 572 out of 613 districts in the state and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating significant academic challenges across the system.

However, the data reveals a stark contrast in performance between the top-performing schools and the lower-performing ones. School 28 stands out as an exceptional school, ranking 2nd out of 1,338 elementary schools in New Jersey and earning a 5-star rating. This school has remarkably high test scores, with over 90% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and Mathematics. In contrast, Norman S. Weir, while ranked 906th, also demonstrates strong academic performance with 50% or more of students in grades 6-8 proficient or better in English Language Arts and 30% or more in Mathematics.

The district as a whole faces significant challenges, including high rates of chronic absenteeism and economic disadvantage, as indicated by the high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Spending per student and student-teacher ratios also vary widely across the district, suggesting uneven resource allocation. Identifying and replicating the successful strategies of the top-performing schools could be a valuable starting point for improving outcomes across the Paterson Public School District.