Fords Middle School

Summary:

Fords Middle School is a public middle school serving grades 6-8 in the Woodbridge Township School District in Fords, New Jersey. With a student population of 593, the school has consistently ranked in the bottom half of New Jersey middle schools over the past several years.

Fords Middle School faces several key challenges, including underperformance on academic measures compared to the district and state averages, a higher chronic absenteeism rate than nearby schools like Avenel Middle School and Woodbridge Middle School, and a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students. However, the school's diverse student population, with a higher percentage of Hispanic and African American students, is an interesting finding.

While the nearby middle schools in the Woodbridge Township School District generally perform better on academic measures and have lower chronic absenteeism rates, Fords Middle School's performance varies significantly among different student subgroups. Addressing the school's challenges through targeted interventions and support could help improve student outcomes and better serve its diverse community.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 Fanning Street
       Fords, NJ  08863


(732) 596-4200

District: Woodbridge Township School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
522nd of 748 New Jersey Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,737 Help


Students who attend Fords Middle School usually attend:

High:    Woodbridge High School

Student/teacher ratio:  9.4 Help
Number of students:  593

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
49.9%
White:
21.6%
Asian:
13.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  51.1% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Fords Middle School ranks worse than 69.8% of middle schools in New Jersey. It also ranks 3rd among 5 ranked middle schools in the Woodbridge Township School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 29.57. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Fords Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (49.9%), White (21.6%), Asian (13.3%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 51.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Woodbridge Township School District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Fords Middle School is 9.4. 2 middle schools in the Woodbridge Township School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Fords Middle School employs 63 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Fords Middle School is $8,737. 3 middle schools in the Woodbridge Township School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Fords Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Fords Middle School 522nd of 748 New Jersey public middle schools. (See Fords Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Woodbridge Township School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Woodbridge Township School District 383rd of 615 New Jersey school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Fords Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 54.80 349th 574 39.2%
2004 42.85 402nd 588 31.6%
2005 59.91 322nd 599 46.2%
2006 53.36 386th 615 37.2%
2007 57.85 352nd 631 44.2%
2008 48.94 410th 640 35.9%
2009 56.89 366th 664 44.9%
2010 62.17 316th 677 53.3%
2011 62.72 309th 684 54.8%
2012 58.81 349th 677 48.4%
2013 47.75 436th 704 38.1%
2014 38.81 486th 717 32.2%
2015 32.09 487th 713 31.7%
2016 30.48 515th 713 27.8%
2017 24.52 534th 712 25.0%
2018 29.56 529th 716 26.1%
2019 26.98 551st 745 26.0%
2021 39.81 347th 652 46.8%
2022 31.43 500th 745 32.9%
2023 29.57 522nd 748 30.2%
See the entire list of New Jersey Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 44.71 78th 197 60.4%
2023 29.67 216th 288 25.0%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.34 333rd 471 29.3%
2019 30.15 342nd 492 30.5%
2021 25.54 307th 401 23.4%
2022 31.83 351st 535 34.4%
2023 37.55 282nd 505 44.2%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.54 338th 522 35.2%
2019 41.26 312th 541 42.3%
2021 34.19 311th 467 33.4%
2022 35.83 346th 549 37.0%
2023 36.55 351st 568 38.2%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.08 509th 680 25.1%
2019 24.99 536th 703 23.8%
2021 45.57 303rd 625 51.5%
2022 32.98 469th 726 35.4%
2023 28.17 509th 720 29.3%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 28.56 495th 675 26.7%
2019 27.06 524th 697 24.8%
2021 36.27 359th 635 43.5%
2022 31.54 477th 730 34.7%
2023 30.62 488th 718 32.0%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.89 170th 200 15.0%
2019 20.84 164th 199 17.6%
2021 24.27 120th 147 18.4%
2022 2.17 191st 200 4.5%
2023 11.45 175th 201 12.9%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.59 225th 326 31.0%
2019 35.82 216th 326 33.7%
2021 40.02 167th 291 42.6%
2022 41.61 200th 356 43.8%
2023 45.28 173rd 361 52.1%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.44 392nd 504 22.2%
2019 32.21 370th 524 29.4%
2021 47.23 214th 480 55.4%
2022 36.82 365th 591 38.2%
2023 29.03 432nd 587 26.4%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Fords Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NJ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 12.45 470th 497 5.4%
2019 6.00 483rd 504 4.2%
2021 38.13 268th 435 38.4%
2022 20.53 435th 512 15.0%
2023 17.68 447th 509 12.2%
See the entire list of Best New Jersey Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: New Jersey Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Fords Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: New Jersey Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

by a parent
Saturday, July 11, 2020

Open Quote Caring teachers, honors courses, gift and talented program, great communication with parents, very diverse. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Fords Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 277 19 15 25 1 n/a n/a 0 337
1989 276 30 14 26 1 n/a n/a 0 347
1990 251 23 28 28 2 n/a n/a 0 332
1991 371 51 43 41 3 n/a n/a 0 509
1992 332 60 46 57 4 n/a n/a 0 499
1993 350 69 49 66 6 n/a n/a 0 540
1994 360 88 48 68 4 n/a n/a 0 568
1995 351 79 51 82 6 n/a n/a 0 569
1996 351 79 51 82 6 n/a n/a 0 569
1998 331 74 58 106 5 n/a n/a 0 574
1999 339 77 68 109 7 n/a n/a 0 600
2000 278 70 68 104 6 n/a n/a -1 525
2001 342 90 71 138 0 n/a n/a 0 641
2002 329 95 78 153 0 n/a n/a 0 655
2003 329 95 78 153 0 n/a n/a 0 655
2004 306 96 89 170 0 n/a n/a 0 661
2005 277 105 84 156 0 n/a n/a 0 622
2006 270 117 77 179 0 n/a n/a 0 643
2007 234 104 84 201 0 n/a n/a 0 623
2008 233 108 105 237 0 n/a n/a 0 683
2009 229 114 111 230 0 0 2 0 686
2010 245 128 113 264 0 0 5 0 755
2011 240 115 98 241 0 0 7 0 701
2012 224 116 106 245 0 0 8 0 699
2013 212 108 120 255 0 0 5 0 700
2014 180 96 134 277 1 1 5 0 694
2015 180 84 132 299 1 0 6 0 702
2016 169 97 129 289 0 0 8 0 692
2017 168 90 115 289 0 0 6 0 668
2018 181 70 117 289 0 0 10 0 667
2019 187 68 96 292 0 0 10 0 653
2020 177 83 96 287 0 0 15 0 658
2021 163 94 78 284 0 0 18 0 637
2022 137 101 80 285 0 0 14 0 617
2023 128 77 79 296 0 0 13 0 593

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Fords Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 337 29.0 11.6 n/a
1989 347 28.0 12.3 n/a
1990 332 31.0 10.7 4.5
1991 509 41.0 12.4 7.9
1992 499 42.0 11.8 11.2
1993 540 42.5 12.7 10.9
1994 568 41.0 13.9 14.6
1995 569 43.0 13.2 14.4
1996 569 43.0 13.2 14.4
1998 574 45.0 12.8 18.6
1999 600 46.0 13.0 16.5
2000 525 45.0 11.7 22.8
2001 641 45.2 14.2 25.3
2002 655 48.0 13.6 24.7
2003 655 48.0 13.6 24.7
2004 661 49.0 13.5 28.4
2005 622 53.0 11.7 n/a
2006 643 52.0 12.4 36.4
2007 623 52.0 12.0 36
2008 683 44.0 15.5 36.7
2009 686 56.3 10.4 40.5
2010 755 53.0 14.2 37.4
2011 701 52.0 13.4 41.9
2012 699 62.8 11.1 42.6
2013 700 57.0 12.2 43.7
2014 694 60.0 11.5 49.9
2015 702 58.0 12.1 51.3
2016 692 61.0 11.3 51.6
2017 668 61.0 10.9 50.7
2018 667 62.0 10.7 47.4
2019 653 61.0 10.7 50.7
2020 658 64.0 10.2 50.6
2021 637 64.0 9.9 47.4
2022 617 65.0 9.4 42.5
2023 593 63.0 9.4 51.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Fords Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 337 29.0 11.6 n/a
1989 347 28.0 12.3 n/a
1990 332 31.0 10.7 4.5
1991 509 41.0 12.4 7.9
1992 499 42.0 11.8 11.2
1993 540 42.5 12.7 10.9
1994 568 41.0 13.9 14.6
1995 569 43.0 13.2 14.4
1996 569 43.0 13.2 14.4
1998 574 45.0 12.8 18.6
1999 600 46.0 13.0 16.5
2000 525 45.0 11.7 22.8
2001 641 45.2 14.2 25.3
2002 655 48.0 13.6 24.7
2003 655 48.0 13.6 24.7
2004 661 49.0 13.5 28.4
2005 622 53.0 11.7 n/a
2006 643 52.0 12.4 36.4
2007 623 52.0 12.0 36
2008 683 44.0 15.5 36.7
2009 686 56.3 10.4 40.5
2010 755 53.0 14.2 37.4
2011 701 52.0 13.4 41.9
2012 699 62.8 11.1 42.6
2013 700 57.0 12.2 43.7
2014 694 60.0 11.5 49.9
2015 702 58.0 12.1 51.3
2016 692 61.0 11.3 51.6
2017 668 61.0 10.9 50.7
2018 667 62.0 10.7 47.4
2019 653 61.0 10.7 50.7
2020 658 64.0 10.2 50.6
2021 637 64.0 9.9 47.4
2022 617 65.0 9.4 42.5
2023 593 63.0 9.4 51.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Fords Middle School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $8,737

Data source: New Jersey Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Fords Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 551st of 745 Middle schoolsRanks 522nd of 748 Middle schools
 4.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Fords Middle School)29.630.9
 1.3%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Woodbridge Township School District)44.436.9
 7.5%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)56.149
 7.1%
6th Grade Mathematics (Fords Middle School)2924.8
 4.2%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Woodbridge Township School District)35.833.4
 2.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (New Jersey)40.634.3
 6.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Fords Middle School)41.431.2
 10.2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Woodbridge Township School District)50.739.2
 11.5%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)62.855.7
 7.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Fords Middle School)32.718.6
 14.1%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Woodbridge Township School District)41.730.7
 11%
   7th Grade Mathematics (New Jersey)42.133.8
 8.3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Fords Middle School)40.232.7
 7.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Woodbridge Township School District)49.541.5
 8%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (New Jersey)62.955.3
 7.6%
8th Grade Mathematics (Fords Middle School)23.621.4
 2.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Woodbridge Township School District)2423.5
 0.5%
   8th Grade Mathematics (New Jersey)29.317.8
 11.5%
8th Grade Algebra I (Fords Middle School)97.5100
 2.5%
   8th Grade Algebra I (Woodbridge Township School District)92.996.5
 3.6%
   8th Grade Algebra I (New Jersey)75.166
 9.1%
End of Course Algebra I (Fords Middle School)97.5100
 2.5%
   End of Course Algebra I (Woodbridge Township School District)48.136.7
 11.4%
   End of Course Algebra I (New Jersey)43.335.1
 8.2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students653593
 9.2%
African American6877
 13.2%
American Indian00
Asian9679
 17.7%
Hispanic292296
 1.4%
Pacific Islander00
White187128
 31.6%
Two or More Races1013
 30%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients50.7%51.1%
 0.4%


Schools Near Fords Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Fords Middle School

Students who attend Fords Middle School usually go on to attend Woodbridge High School

Students at Fords Middle School are 50% Hispanic, 22% White, 13% Asian, 13% African American, 2% Two or more races.

Fords Middle School ranks 522nd of 748 New Jersey middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 593 students attended Fords Middle School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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