Newark Charter School

Newark Charter School is a K-12 public charter school in Newark, DE, serving 3,109 students as its own standalone district. It stands out as a top academic performer in the region, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and math that consistently exceed state averages by 30 to 40 percentage points across nearly every grade level. For example, 7th grade ELA proficiency is 77% compared to the state's 46%, and 6th grade math proficiency is 77% versus the state's 43%. SAT scores for 11th graders are also strong, with 80% proficient in ELA and 50% in math, far outpacing state averages of 44% and 18%, respectively.

What makes this school particularly noteworthy is its combination of high achievement and efficiency. Chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at 6.9%, compared to the state average of 17.1%, suggesting strong family engagement and a positive school culture. The school also operates at a cost of $12,033 per student—well below many specialized schools in the area that spend five to ten times more. When compared to other charters like MOT Charter School or Odyssey Charter School, Newark Charter outperforms them in nearly every subject, often by 20 to 40 percentage points in math. The gap is even wider when compared to ASPIRA Delaware, where Newark's math proficiency is three to four times higher.

The one notable exception is 10th grade science, where proficiency has fluctuated between 15% and 34% over recent years, occasionally falling below the state average. This is puzzling given that 9th grade science proficiency is exceptional at 80%, suggesting a possible curriculum or testing issue at that specific grade level. Overall, Newark Charter School has maintained its high performance consistently since 2022, making it a reliable choice for families seeking strong academics, excellent attendance, and efficient use of resources in a large, diverse school setting.