Summary:
The School District of the Chathams in New Jersey is home to four exceptional elementary schools that consistently outperform state averages in academic achievement. The standout schools in this high-performing district are Milton Avenue School, ranked #1 in New Jersey, and Washington Avenue School, ranked #16, both earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
The schools in this district demonstrate exceptional test scores, with 3rd-grade proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math significantly exceeding state averages. For example, in 2024-2025, 74.6% of 3rd graders at Lafayette Avenue School were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state average of 44.9%. However, the district also faces challenges, such as a higher-than-average chronic absenteeism rate of 14.9% across all schools.
While the schools in the School District of the Chathams are undoubtedly high-performing, the data suggests potential equity concerns, as the schools serve a predominantly high-income student population, with free and reduced-price lunch rates ranging from just 1% to 2.23%. Additionally, the significant differences in per-student spending, from $8,728 to $12,491, raise questions about resource allocation across the district.
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