Jersey City Public Schools

The Jersey City Public Schools district encompasses 39 schools, including 26 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 8 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district serves a diverse student population with significant Hispanic, Asian, African American, and white representation. While the district has a few standout schools, many struggle with low academic performance, high chronic absenteeism, and economic disadvantages.

The top-performing schools in the district are Cornelia F. Bradford School, which ranks 3rd out of 1,342 elementary schools in New Jersey, and Dr. Ronald McNair High School and Infinity Institute, which rank 3rd and 2nd out of 422 high schools in the state, respectively. These schools have exceptional test scores, high graduation rates, and low dropout rates. In contrast, many other schools in the district struggle to meet state standards, with proficiency rates well below the state averages.

Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue across the district, with some schools reporting rates over 40%. Additionally, the majority of schools have high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage. The wide range in student-teacher ratios, with some schools having very high ratios, may also contribute to the disparities in academic performance. Overall, the Jersey City Public Schools district faces challenges in ensuring equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.