West Essex High School

Summary:

West Essex High School is a public high school serving grades 9-12 in North Caldwell, New Jersey, with a student population of 1,043. The school is part of the West Essex Regional School District, which is ranked 95 out of 613 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

West Essex High School consistently outperforms the state average in academic performance, with 76.4% of 9th-grade students proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 58.1%. The school also boasts an impressive 4-year graduation rate ranging from 90.9% to 98.5% over the past few years, significantly higher than the state average. Additionally, West Essex High School's student group performance, including female, male, Asian, Hispanic, and white students, as well as students with special education needs, is consistently among the top in the state.

When compared to nearby high schools, such as Montclair High School, West Orange High School, and Verona High School, West Essex High School consistently outperforms these schools in academic performance, graduation rates, and student group rankings. Additionally, West Essex High School's spending per student ($9,583 in 2018-2019) is lower than some of the nearby schools, yet the school's academic performance and other key metrics remain strong, suggesting an efficient use of resources.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 65 West Greenbrook Rd
       North Caldwell, NJ  07006


(973) 228-1200

District: West Essex Regional School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
70th of 426 New Jersey High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,583 Help


Feeder schools for West Essex High School:

Elementary:    Adlai E. Stevenson School
    Essex Fells Elementary School
    Grandview Elementary School
    Lester C Noecker
    More...
Middle:    Gould/Mountain Elementary School
    West Essex Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  10.6 Help
Number of students:  1,055

Racial breakdown:

White:
79.8%
Hispanic:
9.6%
Asian:
7.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  3.8% Help


 See top rated New Jersey high schools

 Compare West Essex High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details West Essex High School ranks better than 83.6% of high schools in New Jersey. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 74.39. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at West Essex High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
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 Racial makeup is: White (79.8%), Hispanic (9.6%), Asian (7%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 3.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at West Essex High School is 10.6. (See more...)
Help
Compare West Essex High School employs 99 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at West Essex High School is $9,583.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

West Essex High School:

SchoolDigger ranks West Essex High School 70th of 426 New Jersey public high schools. (See West Essex High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


West Essex Regional School District:

SchoolDigger ranks West Essex Regional School District 95th of 613 New Jersey school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for West Essex High School?

Rank History for West Essex High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 81.72 51st 343 85.1%
2004 75.02 85th 348 75.6%
2005 75.09 88th 351 74.9%
2006 76.84 75th 357 79.0%
2007 70.98 114th 361 68.4%
2008 72.08 111th 359 69.1%
2009 73.37 103rd 370 72.2%
2010 75.56 86th 371 76.8%
2011 73.59 105th 378 72.2%
2012 74.75 86th 388 77.8%
2013 79.45 42nd 396 89.4%
2014 78.66 50th 411 87.8%
2015 45.95 160th 406 60.6%
2016 60.51 101st 409 75.3%
2017 53.08 148th 411 64.0%
2018 60.78 107th 415 74.2%
2019 80.34 42nd 416 89.9%
2021 72.98 64th 405 84.2%
2022 71.75 64th 415 84.6%
2023 72.50 64th 422 84.8%
2024 74.39 70th 426 83.6%
See the entire list of New Jersey High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 56.67 100th 355 71.8%
2019 93.02 17th 349 95.1%
2021 62.37 73rd 333 78.1%
2022 81.39 24th 344 93.0%
2023 69.96 46th 339 86.4%
2024 72.17 52nd 349 85.1%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.55 305th 345 11.6%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.39 126th 403 68.7%
2019 79.43 43rd 408 89.5%
2021 77.46 46th 402 88.6%
2022 69.85 64th 414 84.5%
2023 70.37 58th 416 86.1%
2024 72.50 58th 416 86.1%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 49.57 152nd 405 62.5%
2019 73.17 63rd 407 84.5%
2021 70.07 66th 402 83.6%
2022 67.81 74th 410 82.0%
2023 69.59 79th 414 80.9%
2024 70.56 62nd 415 85.1%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.87 67th 198 66.2%
2019 74.48 28th 191 85.3%
2021 77.72 20th 165 87.9%
2022 77.16 27th 175 84.6%
2023 53.66 72nd 172 58.1%
2024 70.24 39th 174 77.6%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.19 103rd 368 72.0%
2019 91.70 19th 364 94.8%
2021 65.99 77th 374 79.4%
2022 67.47 67th 382 82.5%
2023 60.69 93rd 385 75.8%
2024 82.01 43rd 394 89.1%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at West Essex High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 45.48 148th 340 56.5%
2019 70.90 50th 339 85.3%
2021 62.43 58th 336 82.7%
2022 64.76 65th 335 80.6%
2023 66.96 57th 335 83.0%
2024 62.50 86th 337 74.5%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey High 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.

West Essex High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
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Data source: New Jersey Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.5)
0%

50%

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50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Open Quote Weak English and Science departments.

English - Diane Gray is a ruthless grader who forces students to write her way and grades subjectively. There is no evidence that her style and grading contributes to better writing or higher SAT/AP test scores. She has destroyed college hopes of many students I know. She's just a miserable person.

Science dept - just look at how few students take AP bio after honors bio. Teachers can't teach and just give out bad grades to students who can't teach themselves.

There is too much cheating in class. Ask how many students are absent on test days in order to take a makeup test after hearing about test topics from friends.

Sports is everything at WE. Field hockey wins games because the coach threatens kids who win games by less than 8 points. What the hell is going on at this school?

The administration must know what's going on and turn a blind eye. Close Quote



Enrollment information for West Essex High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 800 1 40 4 0 n/a n/a 0 845
1989 717 1 43 4 0 n/a n/a 0 765
1990 648 0 35 8 0 n/a n/a 0 691
1991 645 0 18 8 0 n/a n/a 0 671
1992 609 0 21 7 0 n/a n/a 0 637
1993 624 2 12 1 0 n/a n/a 0 639
1994 630 1 12 0 0 n/a n/a 0 643
1995 553 3 46 19 0 n/a n/a 0 621
1996 553 3 46 19 0 n/a n/a 0 621
1998 543 4 45 28 1 n/a n/a 0 621
1999 567 1 40 19 0 n/a n/a 0 627
2000 563 4 29 20 0 n/a n/a -1 615
2001 567 3 29 16 0 n/a n/a 0 615
2002 633 6 21 17 0 n/a n/a 0 677
2003 633 6 21 17 0 n/a n/a 0 677
2004 647 4 21 24 0 n/a n/a 0 696
2005 666 4 26 22 0 n/a n/a 0 718
2006 669 0 26 32 0 n/a n/a 0 727
2007 967 3 41 41 0 n/a n/a 0 1052
2008 700 4 29 32 0 n/a n/a 0 765
2009 929 11 36 36 0 2 0 0 1014
2010 909 10 35 44 0 0 0 0 998
2011 926 8 40 51 0 0 0 0 1025
2012 901 7 52 62 0 1 0 0 1023
2013 902 9 59 73 0 1 6 0 1050
2014 950 9 45 73 0 1 10 0 1088
2015 924 11 50 71 0 1 13 0 1070
2016 960 18 43 78 0 0 14 0 1113
2017 978 14 40 79 0 0 13 0 1124
2018 926 19 53 93 0 0 17 0 1108
2019 944 18 55 88 0 1 17 0 1123
2020 906 16 59 83 2 1 18 0 1085
2021 880 23 66 81 2 0 17 0 1069
2022 855 16 64 94 2 2 15 0 1048
2023 838 17 66 99 2 4 16 1 1043
2024 842 19 74 101 1 4 13 1 1055

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 West Essex High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 845 57.0 14.8 n/a
1989 765 60.0 12.7 n/a
1990 691 59.0 11.7 0.1
1991 671 57.0 11.7 0.3
1992 637 58.0 10.9 0.3
1993 639 58.6 10.9 0.6
1994 643 56.4 11.4 0.8
1995 621 51.8 12.0 0.8
1996 621 51.8 12.0 0.8
1998 621 48.0 12.9 1.1
1999 627 45.8 13.7 1.1
2000 615 47.8 12.9 1.3
2001 615 48.8 12.6 0.5
2002 677 58.8 11.5 0.6
2003 677 58.8 11.5 0.6
2004 696 57.0 12.2 0.3
2005 718 64.0 11.2 n/a
2006 727 62.0 11.7 0.6
2007 1052 72.4 14.5 0.5
2008 765 60.0 12.8 0.1
2009 1014 85.5 10.5 0.1
2010 998 81.0 12.3 0.7
2011 1025 81.9 12.5 2.1
2012 1023 90.1 11.3 2.1
2013 1050 90.4 11.6 2.7
2014 1088 93.0 11.6 2.7
2015 1070 92.0 11.6 3.6
2016 1113 92.0 12.0 3.2
2017 1124 96.4 11.6 3.8
2018 1108 101.0 10.9 3
2019 1123 98.2 11.4 3.8
2020 1085 99.2 10.9 3.8
2021 1069 97.4 10.9 2.9
2022 1048 102.6 10.2 3.6
2023 1043 99.0 10.5 2.8
2024 1055 99.0 10.6 3.8

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 West Essex High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 845 57.0 14.8 n/a
1989 765 60.0 12.7 n/a
1990 691 59.0 11.7 0.1
1991 671 57.0 11.7 0.3
1992 637 58.0 10.9 0.3
1993 639 58.6 10.9 0.6
1994 643 56.4 11.4 0.8
1995 621 51.8 12.0 0.8
1996 621 51.8 12.0 0.8
1998 621 48.0 12.9 1.1
1999 627 45.8 13.7 1.1
2000 615 47.8 12.9 1.3
2001 615 48.8 12.6 0.5
2002 677 58.8 11.5 0.6
2003 677 58.8 11.5 0.6
2004 696 57.0 12.2 0.3
2005 718 64.0 11.2 n/a
2006 727 62.0 11.7 0.6
2007 1052 72.4 14.5 0.5
2008 765 60.0 12.8 0.1
2009 1014 85.5 10.5 0.1
2010 998 81.0 12.3 0.7
2011 1025 81.9 12.5 2.1
2012 1023 90.1 11.3 2.1
2013 1050 90.4 11.6 2.7
2014 1088 93.0 11.6 2.7
2015 1070 92.0 11.6 3.6
2016 1113 92.0 12.0 3.2
2017 1124 96.4 11.6 3.8
2018 1108 101.0 10.9 3
2019 1123 98.2 11.4 3.8
2020 1085 99.2 10.9 3.8
2021 1069 97.4 10.9 2.9
2022 1048 102.6 10.2 3.6
2023 1043 99.0 10.5 2.8
2024 1055 99.0 10.6 3.8

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 West Essex High School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $9,583

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

Impact of COVID-19 on West Essex High 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 42nd of 416 High schoolsRanks 64th of 422 High schools
 5.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
9th Grade English Language Arts (West Essex High School)79.575.7
 3.8%
   9th Grade English Language Arts (West Essex Regional School District)79.275.7
 3.5%
   9th Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)55.952.1
 3.8%
9th Grade Algebra I (West Essex High School)5732.2
 24.8%
   9th Grade Algebra I (West Essex Regional School District)56.732.2
 24.5%
   9th Grade Algebra I (New Jersey)27.219.2
 8%
9th Grade Geometry (West Essex High School)93.582.7
 10.8%
   9th Grade Geometry (West Essex Regional School District)93.582.7
 10.8%
   9th Grade Geometry (New Jersey)59.150
 9.1%
End of Course Algebra I (West Essex High School)56.332.2
 24.1%
   End of Course Algebra I (West Essex Regional School District)70.356.3
 14%
   End of Course Algebra I (New Jersey)43.335.1
 8.2%
End of Course Geometry (West Essex High School)56.782.7
 26%
   End of Course Geometry (West Essex Regional School District)56.782.8
 26.1%
   End of Course Geometry (New Jersey)32.251.2
 19%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students11231043
 7.1%
African American1817
 5.6%
American Indian02
Asian5566
 20%
Hispanic8899
 12.5%
Pacific Islander14
 300%
White944838
 11.2%
Two or More Races1716
 5.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients3.8%2.8%
 1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about West Essex High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,055 students attended West Essex High School.

West Essex High School ranks 70th of 426 New Jersey high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students at West Essex High School are 80% White, 10% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 2% African American, 1% Two or more races.


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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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