Best Public Schools in Newark, NJ

The city of Newark, New Jersey is home to 81 schools, including 52 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 18 high schools, and 9 alternative schools, serving a predominantly minority student population. While some charter schools like North Star Academy Charter School and TEAM Academy Charter School demonstrate strong academic performance, many traditional public schools in the Newark Public School District struggle, with proficiency rates well below the state averages.

The data reveals a wide range in academic outcomes, graduation rates, and other key metrics across the schools. Science Park High School stands out as the top-performing school in the district, ranking 40th out of 422 high schools in the state. Meanwhile, schools like Malcolm X Shabazz High School have concerning graduation rates of just 64.2%. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue, with many schools reporting rates over 30%.

The disparities in academic achievement and other outcomes raise concerns about educational equity within the Newark school system. While some charter schools like The Gray Charter School are outperforming their traditional public school counterparts, the concentration of disadvantaged students in the lower-performing schools suggests the need for more equitable resource allocation and targeted interventions to ensure all students in Newark have access to a high-quality education.