Best Public Schools in Camden, NJ

The city of Camden, New Jersey is home to 23 schools, including 11 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 5 high schools, and 6 alternative schools. The schools in this predominantly minority district face significant educational challenges, with stark disparities in academic performance and student outcomes.

A few schools stand out as bright spots, such as Camden's Promise Charter School, which boasts the highest 4-year graduation rate at 94.2% and the lowest dropout rate at 1.4%. Another high-performing school is Leap Academy University Charter School, which has an impressive 97.8% 4-year graduation rate and a very low 0.4% dropout rate. Additionally, Creative Arts High School stands out with a 94.7% 4-year graduation rate, a low 2.0% dropout rate, and the lowest student-teacher ratio among the high schools in the district.

However, the majority of schools in Camden City School District struggle with low test scores, high chronic absenteeism, and poor graduation rates. The data reveals that the schools face significant systemic challenges, including high poverty levels, as evidenced by the high rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying factors contributing to the educational disparities in the city of Camden.