Best Public Schools in Plainfield, NJ

The city of Plainfield, New Jersey is home to 19 schools, including 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 3 alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population, with many coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While the district faces significant challenges, a few standout schools are providing a more effective educational experience for their students.

The College Achieve Central Charter School and Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies are two of the highest-performing schools in the area. These charter schools boast exceptional graduation rates, low dropout rates, and strong academic performance that outpaces the Plainfield Public School District and the state. In contrast, the district's largest high school, Plainfield High School, struggles with low proficiency rates, high chronic absenteeism, and relatively low graduation rates.

The data suggests that the charter schools in Plainfield, such as The Queen City Academy Charter School and Union County TEAMS Charter School, are providing a more effective educational experience for their students compared to the district public schools. These charter schools consistently outperform their counterparts on academic measures, attendance, and graduation rates, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to address the systemic challenges facing the Plainfield school system.