Very Good
#607 of 2,463 schools in NJ
Top 25% in state
Alternative High School
High School · Paterson Public School District
350 MARKET STREET, Paterson, NJ 07501
Enrollment
118
Student-Teacher
5.1:1
Score
7.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
118
Student-Teacher
5.1:1
Score
7.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Paterson
#4 of 42
public schools
New Jersey high schools
#107 of 422
In district
#4 of 42
Paterson Public School District
Academic growth
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Alternative High School
Alternative High School in Paterson, New Jersey offers a unique educational experience for students in grades 9 through 12. With an enrollment of just 118 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 5.1:1, the school provides a personalized learning environment that focuses on individual growth and development. The school is located in a large suburban area within Passaic County, making it easily accessible to many families in the Paterson region.
Alternative High School has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks as the 47th percentile among New Jersey high schools, highlighting areas for academic improvement but also showcasing its strengths in supporting diverse student needs. On standardized tests, 19% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 11% demonstrate proficiency in Math. The school is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where every student can find their path forward.
Alternative High School stands out as an option for those seeking an alternative approach to traditional high school settings, offering tailored support within its suburban Paterson setting.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 118 students, Alternative High School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
With a student-teacher ratio of 5.1:1, Alternative High School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Alternative High School — Students at Alternative High School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 10.0/10.
How Alternative High School Compares
See how Alternative High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 2.5% (2019) to 25% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 2.5% (2019) to 25% (2022).
Location
350 MARKET STREET, Paterson, NJ 07501
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Alternative High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Paterson P-TECH High School (rated 5.2/10, 0.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Eastside High School (rated 3.2/10, 0.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Paterson, see our Paterson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Edward W. Kilpatrick Paterson | 0.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Alexander Hamilton Academy Paterson | 0.2 mi | 3.2 |
| School 15 Paterson | 0.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Eastside High School Paterson | 0.2 mi | 3.2 |
| Dale Avenue Paterson | 0.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Roberto Clemente Paterson | 0.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Paterson P-TECH High School Paterson | 0.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Senator Frank Lautenberg School Paterson | 0.4 mi | 3.0 |
| Philip's Academy Charter School of Paterson Paterson | 0.4 mi | 8.1 |
| New Roberto Clemente Paterson | 0.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Norman S. Weir Paterson | 0.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Young Men's Academy Paterson | 0.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Newcomers High School Paterson | 0.4 mi | — |
| School 3 Paterson | 0.5 mi | 4.9 |
| School 24 Paterson | 0.6 mi | 4.7 |
| School 16 Paterson | 0.8 mi | 4.0 |
| School 8 Paterson | 0.8 mi | 6.0 |
| School 13 Paterson | 0.6 mi | 4.0 |
| COMPASSION HOUSE OUTREACH MNSTR & CHRSTAN EDUC CTR Paterson | 0.7 mi | — |
| School 28 Paterson | 0.8 mi | 8.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07501 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$40,699
Median Home Value
$304,400
Median Rent
$1,442/mo
Population
35,321
College Educated
8.9%
Homeownership
16%
Avg Commute
22.2 min
Poverty Rate
27.7%
Median Age
31.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Alternative High School has a median household income of $40,699. It is a community where 9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $304,400, with a median rent of $1,442/month. The area has a poverty rate of 27.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| COLLIER SCHOOL Wickatunk, NJ | 7.5 |
| Future Foundations Academy (FFA) Piscataway, NJ | 7.5 |
| Academy for Performing Arts Rockaway, NJ | 7.6 |
| Cape May County High School Cape May Court House, NJ | 7.6 |
| Hillcrest Academy-South Westfield, NJ | 7.6 |
| Hope Academy Passaic, NJ | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alternative High School
What grades does Alternative High School serve?
Alternative High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Alternative High School?
Alternative High School has an enrollment of approximately 118 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Alternative High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Alternative High School is 5.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Alternative High School rank in NJ?
Alternative High School is ranked #607 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is Alternative High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Alternative High School has a composite rating of 7.5 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 Alternative High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Alternative High School has 10.8% math proficiency and 19.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Alternative High School a charter school?
No, Alternative High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Alternative High School a Title I school?
No, Alternative High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Alternative High School?
61.9% of students at Alternative High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 118
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 5.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.9%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Passaic County
- Phone
- (973) 321-0110
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Paterson Public School District- District Enrollment
- 24,692
- Schools in District
- 43
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $27,885
- District Rank
- #4 of 42
Other Schools in This District
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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