University Heights Elementary School

Summary:

University Heights Elementary School is a public elementary school in Hamilton, New Jersey, serving 318 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Hamilton Township Public School District, which is ranked 485 out of 615 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

University Heights has a more diverse student population compared to nearby schools like Alexander Elementary and Sayen Elementary. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by NJSLA test scores, is generally lower than state and district averages. For example, only 32.2% of 3rd graders were proficient or better in ELA, compared to 42% statewide. University Heights does outperform some nearby schools, such as Greenwood Elementary, in certain grade levels and subjects. The school has also seen a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, from 9.7% in 2018-2019 to 19.7% in 2021-2022, which is higher than the state average and many nearby schools.

University Heights Elementary School has seen a decline in its statewide ranking over the past several years, dropping from 432 out of 1,352 New Jersey elementary schools in 2016-2017 to 817 out of 1,342 in 2022-2023. This suggests the school is struggling to keep pace with others in the state. Additionally, there are significant disparities in performance among student subgroups, with the school's ranking for Hispanic students in the bottom 25% of New Jersey elementary schools, while the ranking for White students was in the bottom 30%. The school's relatively high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, coupled with the increasing chronic absenteeism rate, suggests that socioeconomic factors may be playing a significant role in the school's academic performance.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 645 Paxson Avenue
       Hamilton, NJ  08690


(609) 631-4167

District: Hamilton Township Public School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
817th of 1,342 New Jersey Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,468 Help


Students who attend University Heights Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Richard C Crockett Middle School
High:    Hamilton North - Nottingham

Student/teacher ratio:  10.1 Help
Number of students:  318

Racial breakdown:

White:
45.3%
Hispanic:
32.4%
African American:
13.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  23.3% Help


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 Compare University Heights Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details University Heights Elementary School ranks worse than 60.9% of elementary schools in New Jersey. It also ranks 8th among 17 ranked elementary schools in the Hamilton Township Public School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 39.09. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at University Heights Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (45.3%), Hispanic (32.4%), African American (13.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 23.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at University Heights Elementary School is 10.1, which is the 4th best among 17 elementary schools in the Hamilton Township Public School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare University Heights Elementary School employs 31.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at University Heights Elementary School is $12,468, which is the highest among 17 elementary schools in the Hamilton Township Public School District!
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

University Heights Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks University Heights Elementary School 817th of 1342 New Jersey public elementary schools. (See University Heights Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Hamilton Township Public School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Hamilton Township Public School District 485th of 615 New Jersey school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for University Heights Elementary School?

Rank History for University Heights Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at University Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 52.91 683rd 1204 43.3%
2004 62.68 614th 1298 52.7%
2005 74.45 349th 1303 73.2%
2006 80.58 147th 1314 88.8%
2007 68.90 497th 1329 62.6%
2008 62.28 634th 1338 52.6%
2009 60.64 640th 1346 52.5%
2010 56.75 715th 1354 47.2%
2011 69.95 474th 1360 65.1%
2012 69.63 500th 1363 63.3%
2013 65.99 585th 1367 57.2%
2014 60.13 656th 1363 51.9%
2015 62.39 530th 1357 60.9%
2016 61.24 564th 1346 58.1%
2017 71.95 432nd 1352 68.0%
2018 59.61 584th 1353 56.8%
2019 56.39 632nd 1360 53.5%
2021 48.59 614th 1317 53.4%
2022 53.63 627th 1345 53.4%
2023 39.09 817th 1342 39.1%
See the entire list of New Jersey Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at University Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 51.52 400th 948 57.8%
2021 65.63 165th 839 80.3%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at University Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 54.99 630th 1333 52.7%
2019 47.11 745th 1331 44.0%
2021 44.60 658th 1290 49.0%
2022 54.96 598th 1326 54.9%
2023 27.69 949th 1318 28.0%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at University Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 62.65 517th 1334 61.2%
2019 64.29 498th 1335 62.7%
2021 53.65 523rd 1297 59.7%
2022 52.55 610th 1324 53.9%
2023 40.93 763rd 1315 42.0%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at University Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 22.50 696th 899 22.6%
2021 28.78 688th 896 23.2%
2023 26.63 728th 982 25.9%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at University Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.75 596th 1022 41.7%
2019 45.72 578th 1023 43.5%
2021 52.45 425th 964 55.9%
2022 46.60 532nd 976 45.5%
2023 30.85 705th 975 27.7%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: New Jersey Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

University Heights Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: New Jersey Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4)
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100%

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Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Open Quote Both of my Children attended this school and I found the teachers to be approachable and extremely knowledgeable on subject matter and student development. Absolutely wonderful staff who get the most from almost every student. My two girls left University heights prepared for middle school & with very strong foundations for future development. Best school in Hamilton NJ in my humble opinion. Close Quote



Enrollment information for University Heights Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 406 7 38 4 0 n/a n/a 0 455
1989 388 8 24 2 0 n/a n/a 0 422
1990 382 8 31 2 0 n/a n/a 0 423
1991 372 8 30 1 0 n/a n/a 0 411
1992 351 12 26 6 0 n/a n/a 0 395
1993 339 14 29 5 0 n/a n/a 0 387
1994 321 20 24 5 0 n/a n/a 0 370
1995 317 20 23 10 0 n/a n/a 0 370
1996 317 20 23 10 0 n/a n/a 0 370
1998 329 23 17 8 0 n/a n/a 0 377
1999 332 15 13 6 0 n/a n/a 0 366
2000 288 15 10 8 3 n/a n/a 0 324
2001 279 9 21 5 2 n/a n/a 0 316
2002 307 11 14 14 0 n/a n/a 0 346
2003 307 11 14 14 0 n/a n/a 0 346
2004 330 13 15 16 3 n/a n/a 0 377
2005 332 15 12 17 0 n/a n/a 0 376
2006 345 19 12 21 0 n/a n/a 0 397
2007 328 22 16 32 0 n/a n/a 0 398
2008 321 24 21 34 0 n/a n/a 0 400
2009 306 34 14 34 2 0 0 0 390
2010 290 34 9 40 1 0 0 0 374
2011 284 22 13 29 3 0 4 0 355
2012 259 23 13 34 1 0 3 0 333
2013 245 30 15 39 0 1 4 0 334
2014 228 29 19 39 1 1 3 0 320
2015 211 17 20 38 0 0 5 0 291
2016 218 30 18 52 0 0 7 0 325
2017 216 25 17 50 0 1 8 0 317
2018 199 22 17 57 0 1 9 0 305
2019 180 35 17 75 0 1 12 0 320
2020 178 52 16 78 0 1 14 0 339
2021 144 51 18 80 0 1 13 0 307
2022 158 49 13 97 0 1 18 0 336
2023 144 43 10 103 0 0 18 0 318

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at University Heights Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 455 23.0 19.7 n/a
1989 422 22.0 19.1 n/a
1990 423 23.0 18.3 1.7
1991 411 22.0 18.6 2.9
1992 395 22.0 17.9 4.8
1993 387 21.0 18.4 3.1
1994 370 21.0 17.6 3.8
1995 370 20.0 18.5 5.7
1996 370 20.0 18.5 5.7
1998 377 21.0 18.0 4.8
1999 366 21.0 17.4 5.7
2000 324 20.0 16.2 8.3
2001 316 20.2 15.6 7.6
2002 346 22.0 15.7 8.4
2003 346 22.0 15.7 8.4
2004 377 23.0 16.4 8.2
2005 376 23.0 16.3 n/a
2006 397 24.0 16.5 5.3
2007 398 23.0 17.3 12.1
2008 400 19.0 21.1 10.5
2009 390 29.5 12.2 12.3
2010 374 22.0 17.0 16.3
2011 355 20.0 17.7 15.2
2012 333 24.0 13.8 18.3
2013 334 25.3 13.1 21.3
2014 320 26.9 11.8 25.3
2015 291 26.0 11.1 20.3
2016 325 27.0 12.0 24.9
2017 317 28.1 11.2 24.3
2018 305 28.5 10.6 23.6
2019 320 28.5 11.2 24.1
2020 339 29.2 11.5 26.3
2021 307 30.2 10.1 28.7
2022 336 30.2 11.1 27.1
2023 318 31.2 10.1 23.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio University Heights Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 455 23.0 19.7 n/a
1989 422 22.0 19.1 n/a
1990 423 23.0 18.3 1.7
1991 411 22.0 18.6 2.9
1992 395 22.0 17.9 4.8
1993 387 21.0 18.4 3.1
1994 370 21.0 17.6 3.8
1995 370 20.0 18.5 5.7
1996 370 20.0 18.5 5.7
1998 377 21.0 18.0 4.8
1999 366 21.0 17.4 5.7
2000 324 20.0 16.2 8.3
2001 316 20.2 15.6 7.6
2002 346 22.0 15.7 8.4
2003 346 22.0 15.7 8.4
2004 377 23.0 16.4 8.2
2005 376 23.0 16.3 n/a
2006 397 24.0 16.5 5.3
2007 398 23.0 17.3 12.1
2008 400 19.0 21.1 10.5
2009 390 29.5 12.2 12.3
2010 374 22.0 17.0 16.3
2011 355 20.0 17.7 15.2
2012 333 24.0 13.8 18.3
2013 334 25.3 13.1 21.3
2014 320 26.9 11.8 25.3
2015 291 26.0 11.1 20.3
2016 325 27.0 12.0 24.9
2017 317 28.1 11.2 24.3
2018 305 28.5 10.6 23.6
2019 320 28.5 11.2 24.1
2020 339 29.2 11.5 26.3
2021 307 30.2 10.1 28.7
2022 336 30.2 11.1 27.1
2023 318 31.2 10.1 23.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for University Heights Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $06 (0.0%) $12,462 (100.0%) $12,468

Data source: New Jersey Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on University Heights Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 632nd of 1360 Elementary schoolsRanks 817th of 1342 Elementary schools
 14.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (University Heights Elementary School)47.532.2
 15.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Hamilton Township Public School District)43.830.6
 13.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)50.242
 8.2%
3rd Grade Mathematics (University Heights Elementary School)62.557.1
 5.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Hamilton Township Public School District)46.733.5
 13.2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (New Jersey)55.145.9
 9.2%
4th Grade English Language Arts (University Heights Elementary School)58.550
 8.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Hamilton Township Public School District)47.639.1
 8.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)57.451.3
 6.1%
4th Grade Mathematics (University Heights Elementary School)58.546.1
 12.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Hamilton Township Public School District)35.425.5
 9.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (New Jersey)5144.3
 6.7%
5th Grade English Language Arts (University Heights Elementary School)58.332.1
 26.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Hamilton Township Public School District)50.143.1
 7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)57.953.2
 4.7%
5th Grade Mathematics (University Heights Elementary School)55.332.2
 23.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Hamilton Township Public School District)35.526.3
 9.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (New Jersey)46.840.1
 6.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students320318
 0.6%
African American3543
 22.9%
American Indian00
Asian1710
 41.2%
Hispanic75103
 37.3%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White180144
 20%
Two or More Races1218
 50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients24.1%23.3%
 0.8%


Schools Near University Heights Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about University Heights Elementary School

Students who attend University Heights Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Richard C Crockett Middle School
High : Hamilton North - Nottingham

Students at University Heights Elementary School are 45% White, 32% Hispanic, 14% African American, 6% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 318 students attended University Heights Elementary School.

University Heights Elementary School ranks 817th of 1342 New Jersey elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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