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Average

#987 of 2,466 schools in NJ

Top 40% in state

Academy for Performing Arts

High School · Union County Vocational-Technical School District

1776 RARITAN ROAD, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

Enrollment

240

Student-Teacher

17.1:1

Score

6.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#987 of 2,466

In Scotch Plains

#8 of 14

public schools

In district

#4 of 5

Union County Vocational-Technical School District

Equity

9.4 / 10

Excellent

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Academy for Performing Arts

6.9/10

High School in Scotch Plains · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Union County Magnet High School

7.2/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Academy for Allied Health Sciences

7.7/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Academy for Performing Arts

Academy for Performing Arts is a public high school in Scotch Plains, NJ, part of Union County Vocational-Technical School District. Academy for Performing Arts serves approximately 240 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Academy for Performing Arts has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #987 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for Academy for Performing Arts show 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 91% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts below district
  • This school 6.9 · Average
  • District avg 7.2
  • NJ avg 5.8

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change+7.2 pts/yr
Data Period2010–2025
TrendImproving
Academics9.2Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency60% (2025 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency95% (2025 NJSLA)
Math vs. State Avg+18.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+36.8 pts
Overall Proficiency78% (2025 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 NJSLA)
vs. Expected+12.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
College Readiness6.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation4.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,838
Chronic Absenteeism9.6%

Academy for Performing Arts — Students at Academy for Performing Arts score 78% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

5.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.9% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
42.8% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 91.0% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
54.1% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 30 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2010
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2013
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2014
Math
62%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
97.5%
2017
Math
67%
ELA
92%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
97.5%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
97.5%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
74.5%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
74.5%
2022
Math
67%
ELA
92%
2024
Math
45%
ELA
95.6%
2025
Math
60%
ELA
95%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.3/10.

How Academy for Performing Arts Compares

See how Academy for Performing Arts performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.9/10
60th percentile in NJ
Academic
9.2/10
Excellent
Growth
9.3/10
Excellent
Environment
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 3.2
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
6%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
9.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
4.6% participation·State avg: 3.2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1776 RARITAN ROAD, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Academy for Performing Arts may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Union County Tech (rated 7.9/10), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Academy For Allied Health Sciences (rated 7.7/10), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Union County Magnet High School (rated 7.2/10), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Scotch Plains, see our Scotch Plains schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Union County Magnet High School Scotch Plains 0.0 mi 7.2
Academy For Allied Health Sciences Scotch Plains 0.0 mi 7.7
Union County Career & Technical Institute Scotch Plains 0.0 mi
Union County Tech Scotch Plains 0.0 mi 7.9
Academy For Information Technology Scotch Plains 0.0 mi 6.5
UNION CATHOLIC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Scotch Plains 0.6 mi 5.9
JCC OF CENTRAL NEW JERSEY Scotch Plains 1.1 mi 6.6
PLAZA CHILD CARE Edison 1.4 mi
NEWMARK SCHOOL Scotch Plains 1.1 mi 5.7
NEWMARK HIGH SCHOOL Scotch Plains 1.1 mi 5.2
Terrill Middle School Scotch Plains 1.2 mi 7.9
J. Ackerman Coles Elementary School Scotch Plains 1.4 mi 7.7
Tamaques Elementary School Westfield 1.6 mi 6.9
Thomas Edison Intermediate School Westfield 1.6 mi 8.4
JUMP IMMERSION SCHOOL Scotch Plains 1.5 mi
William J. McGinn Elementary School Scotch Plains 1.8 mi 7.0
McKinley Elementary School Westfield 1.9 mi 6.2
Lincoln Early Childhood Center Westfield 1.8 mi 5.6
Martin Luther King Elementary School Edison 1.8 mi 6.8
Westfield Senior High School Westfield 1.9 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07076 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$173,564

Median Home Value

$696,900

Median Rent

$1,816/mo

Population

24,667

College Educated

65%

Homeownership

81.1%

Avg Commute

35.2 min

Poverty Rate

2.8%

Median Age

42.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BAIS YAAKOV MACHON ORA Passaic, NJ 6.9
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HIGH SCHOOL Montclair, NJ 6.9
MOTHER SETON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Clark, NJ 6.9
Academy for Performing Arts Rockaway, NJ 7.0
BRURIAH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Elizabeth, NJ 7.0
VILLA WALSH ACADEMY Morristown, NJ 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Academy for Performing Arts

What grades does Academy for Performing Arts serve?

Academy for Performing Arts serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Academy for Performing Arts?

Academy for Performing Arts has an enrollment of approximately 240 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Academy for Performing Arts?

The student-teacher ratio at Academy for Performing Arts is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Academy for Performing Arts rank in NJ?

Academy for Performing Arts ranks #987 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is Academy for Performing Arts's MySchoolScout rating?

Academy for Performing Arts has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Academy for Performing Arts?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Academy for Performing Arts has 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 91% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

Is Academy for Performing Arts a charter school?

No, Academy for Performing Arts is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Academy for Performing Arts a Title I school?

No, Academy for Performing Arts is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Academy for Performing Arts?

5.8% of students at Academy for Performing Arts qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
13 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
240
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
5.8%
Type
vocational
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Union County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
9.6%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

How we rate schools

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