Very Good
#364 of 2,463 schools in NJ
Top 15% in state
Central Elementary School
Elementary School · Great Meadows Regional School District
281 ROUTE 46, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Enrollment
301
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
7.9
Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Enrollment
301
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
7.9
Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Great Meadows
#1 of 2
public schools
New Jersey elementary schools
#244 of 1,496
In district
#1 of 2
Great Meadows Regional School District
Academic growth
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Central Elementary School
Central Elementary School serves preschool through third grade students in Great Meadows, a rural area of Warren County, New Jersey. With 301 students and 23 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13.1 to 1, allowing for reasonably individualized attention in the classroom. Academically, Central Elementary ranks in the 72nd percentile among New Jersey schools, placing it #696 out of 2,475 statewide.
The school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10, with an academic score of 7.1. In reading and language arts, 47% of students score at proficient levels or above, while in mathematics, 49% of students meet or exceed proficiency benchmarks. These scores reflect an area where the school is actively working to strengthen student achievement across grade levels.
The school's intimate size and rural setting near town create a close-knit learning environment suited to young elementary learners. Central Elementary offers families a traditional public school option for children's early educational years in the Great Meadows community.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Central Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Central Elementary School — Students at Central Elementary School score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
12%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)
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 Central Elementary School Compares
See how Central Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 27% (2021) to 62% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2021) to 47% (2022).
Location
281 ROUTE 46, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Benedict A. Cucinella School (rated 8.4/10, 7.0 miles away, in nearby Long Valley), which scores slightly higher. Another option is White Township Consolidated School (rated 8.4/10, 7.0 miles away, in nearby Belvidere), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Long Valley), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Great Meadows, see our Great Meadows schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07838 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$121,563
Median Home Value
$409,600
Median Rent
$2,054/mo
Population
3,495
College Educated
42.5%
Homeownership
87.9%
Avg Commute
41.9 min
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Median Age
42.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Elementary School has a median household income of $121,563. It is a well-educated community where 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $409,600, with a median rent of $2,054/month. The local poverty rate of 5.6% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 42 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 |
|---|---|
| AQUINAS ACADEMY Livingston, NJ | 7.9 |
| Brookdale Elementary School Bloomfield, NJ | 7.9 |
| Brooklake School Florham Park, NJ | 7.9 |
| Central School Warren, NJ | 7.9 |
| Deerfield School Short Hills, NJ | 7.9 |
| Dr. John Grieco Elementary School Englewood, NJ | 7.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elementary School
What grades does Central Elementary School serve?
Central Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 3rd.
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 301 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Elementary School rank in NJ?
Central Elementary School is ranked #364 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is Central Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.9 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 Central Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Elementary School has 49.5% math proficiency and 46.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Elementary School a charter school?
No, Central Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Central Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elementary School?
12.0% of students at Central Elementary 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
- Pre-K – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 301
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 12.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Warren County
- Phone
- (908) 637-4041
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Great Meadows Regional School District- District Enrollment
- 651
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,201
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
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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