Average
#1846 of 2,463 schools in NJ
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
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
240
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Scotch Plains
#12 of 14
public schools
New Jersey high schools
#320 of 422
In district
#5 of 5
Union County Vocational-Technical School District
Academic performance
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Academy for Performing Arts
Academy For Performing Arts serves 240 students in grades 9-12 as a specialized vocational and technical high school in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. With 14 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1, allowing for focused attention in this creative learning environment. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a 7.3 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking 435th out of 2,475 New Jersey high schools, placing it in the 82nd percentile statewide.
Students excel particularly in English Language Arts, with 92% achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. In mathematics, 67% of students meet or exceed proficiency standards, reflecting solid academic preparation alongside their artistic training. Located on Raritan Road in Union County, the Academy serves a community characterized by educational achievement and economic stability.
The surrounding 07076 ZIP code area has a median household income of $179,531 and a median home value of $663,700. With 68% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a low poverty rate of 2.5%, the school draws from a highly educated community of nearly 25,000 residents. The Academy operates within Scotch Plains' large suburban setting, providing students with both specialized performing arts education and strong academic foundations in an affluent, education-focused community.
Score Breakdown
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Academy for Performing Arts — Students at Academy for Performing Arts score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
5.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)
Based on 8 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 6.9/10.
How Academy for Performing Arts Compares
See how Academy for Performing Arts performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 67% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 97.5% (2019) to 92% (2022).
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. Westfield Senior High School (rated 8.1/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Westfield), which scores notably higher. Another option is Academy For Information Technology (rated 7.5/10), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Union County Magnet High School (rated 7.4/10), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Scotch Plains, see our Scotch Plains schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 miNeighborhood 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Academy for Performing Arts has a median household income of $173,564. It is a well-educated community where 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $696,900, with a median rent of $1,816/month. The local poverty rate of 2.8% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 35 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| HOLY CROSS PREPARATORY ACADEMY Delran, NJ | 5.2 |
| Paterson P-TECH High School Paterson, NJ | 5.2 |
| YESHIVA SHAAR HATALMUD Lakewood, NJ | 5.2 |
| TRENTON CATHOLIC PREPARATORY ACADEMY-UPPER Hamilton, NJ | 5.3 |
| Academy of Career and Technical Education Secaucus, NJ | 5.1 |
| Creative Arts High School Camden, NJ | 5.4 |
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 is ranked #1846 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is Academy for Performing Arts's MySchoolScout rating?
Academy for Performing Arts has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Academy for Performing Arts?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Academy for Performing Arts has 66.7% math proficiency and 89.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
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
- Phone
- (908) 889-8288
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Union County Vocational-Technical School District- District Enrollment
- 1,680
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,838
- District Rank
- #5 of 5
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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