Best Public Schools in Elizabeth, NJ

The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey is home to 38 schools, including 27 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 9 high schools, all part of the Elizabeth Public Schools District. While the district is ranked 508 out of 615 in the state and has a 1-star rating, there are several standout schools that demonstrate the potential for high-quality education in the area.

The top-performing school in the district is Elizabeth High School - Frank J Cicarell Academy, which ranks 151 out of 422 New Jersey high schools and has a 3-star rating. This school boasts an impressive 94.2% four-year graduation rate and only a 0.2% dropout rate. The two highest-ranked middle schools in the district are Terence C. Reilly School No 7 and William F. Halloran School No.22, both ranking in the top 30% of New Jersey middle schools and rated 4 out of 5 stars. At the elementary level, Victor Mravlag School No. 21 stands out with a 3-star rating and strong test scores.

However, the majority of schools in the Elizabeth Public Schools District face significant challenges, with low test scores, high chronic absenteeism, and poor graduation rates. The district's diverse student population, with a majority of Hispanic students and high rates of economic disadvantage, highlights the need for more equitable resource allocation and targeted interventions to support the schools with the greatest needs. Addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for improving educational outcomes for all students in Elizabeth.