Willingboro Public School District

The Willingboro Public School District in New Jersey operates 8 schools, including 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. The district serves a predominantly African American student population, with high rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. However, the academic performance of these schools is a significant concern, with consistently low proficiency rates on state assessments and several schools ranking poorly compared to other schools in the state.

Willingboro High School is the district's lone high school, ranking 412 out of 422 New Jersey high schools and earning a 0 out of 5 star rating from SchoolDigger. The school has alarmingly low proficiency rates in English Language Arts (15.4%), Algebra I (1.3%), and Science (4.5%), as well as a high chronic absenteeism rate of 29.4%. Similarly, Willingboro Memorial Middle School ranks 654 out of 748 New Jersey middle schools, with proficiency rates well below state averages and a chronic absenteeism rate of 27.6%.

The district's elementary schools, such as James A Cotten Intermediate School, also struggle with low academic performance, with proficiency rates far behind state benchmarks. Across the district, there are significant disparities in per-student spending, ranging from $9,338 to $19,173, which may contribute to the uneven educational outcomes. Addressing the academic challenges, chronic absenteeism, and funding inequities will be crucial for the Willingboro Public School District to improve the educational experiences and opportunities for its students.