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Needs Improvement

#2369 of 2,466 schools in NJ

Clifton High School

High School · Clifton Public School District

333 COLFAX AVENUE, Clifton, NJ 07013

Enrollment

3,141

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

3.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,369 of 2,466

In Clifton

#18 of 19

public schools

In district

#17 of 18

Clifton Public School District

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Clifton High School

3.6/10

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

New Hope School

6.3/10

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

School #2

6.7/10

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

About Clifton High School

Clifton High School is a public high school in Clifton, NJ, part of Clifton Public School District. Clifton High School serves approximately 3,141 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Clifton High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,369 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for Clifton High School show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.2 pts below NJ schools
  • This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
  • NJ avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Clifton High School is a large school: 3,141 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-15.55 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17.3% (2025 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.4% (2025 NJSLA)
Math vs. State Avg-24.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.8 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2025 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)34% (model expectation from 2025 NJSLA)
vs. Expected-6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
College Readiness5.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84%
AP Participation13.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,586
Chronic Absenteeism22.7%

Clifton High School — Students at Clifton High School score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

61.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 35.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
51.4% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 53.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
54.1% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 33 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
63%
ELA
85%
2010
Math
64%
ELA
85%
2011
Math
71%
ELA
89%
2012
Math
68%
ELA
85%
2013
Math
70%
ELA
90%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
23%
2015
Math
14%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
15%
ELA
39%
2017
Math
18%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
28%
ELA
41%
2019
Math
28%
ELA
41%
2020*
Math
19%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
19%
ELA
41%
2022
Math
15%
ELA
29%
2024
Math
41.2%
ELA
44.6%
2025
Math
17.3%
ELA
37.4%

* 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: 1.7/10.

How Clifton High School Compares

See how Clifton High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.6/10
4th percentile in NJ
Academic
4.2/10
Below Average
Growth
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3.2
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
61%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
221 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
13.1% 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
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

333 COLFAX AVENUE, Clifton, NJ 07013

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clifton High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. School #4 (rated 7.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is School #15 (rated 6.9/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, School #3 (rated 6.8/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Clifton, see our Clifton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.5 mi
School Distance Rating
NEW HOPE SCHOOL Clifton 0.4 mi 6.3
School #2 Clifton 0.4 mi 6.7
School #3 Clifton 0.5 mi 6.8
Woodrow Wilson Middle School Clifton 0.7 mi 6.4
School #13 Clifton 0.8 mi 6.6
School #14 Clifton 1.0 mi 6.3
Christopher Columbus Middle School Clifton 1.0 mi 6.3
Clifton Early Learner Academies - Brighton Clifton 1.1 mi 5.6
School #1 Clifton 1.1 mi 6.5
School #15 Clifton 0.9 mi 6.9
School #4 Clifton 1.3 mi 7.4
THE LEARNING CENTER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Clifton 1.3 mi
LEARNING CTR-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Clifton 1.3 mi
TODAYS LEARNING CENTER Clifton 1.3 mi
NJEDDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Clifton 1.2 mi 6.2
Classical Academy Charter School of Clifton Clifton 1.2 mi 3.8
THE MAGICAL PALACE OF KNOWLEDGE Clifton 1.2 mi
JIN-A CHILD CARE CENTER Clifton 1.3 mi
BRIGHT START ACADEMY Clifton 1.2 mi
CLIFTON CHEDER, INC. Clifton 1.5 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07013 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$119,291

Median Home Value

$462,700

Median Rent

$1,696/mo

Population

29,419

College Educated

41.4%

Homeownership

73.3%

Avg Commute

29.6 min

Poverty Rate

5.3%

Median Age

46.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Perth Amboy High School Perth Amboy, NJ 3.6
New Brunswick High School New Brunswick, NJ 3.7
North Bergen High School N. Bergen, NJ 3.4
Union High School Union, NJ 3.9
Plainfield High School Plainfield, NJ 3.3
Memorial High School West New York, NJ 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clifton High School

What grades does Clifton High School serve?

Clifton High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Clifton High School?

Clifton High School has an enrollment of approximately 3,141 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Clifton High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Clifton High School is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Clifton High School rank in NJ?

Clifton High School ranks #2,369 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is Clifton High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Clifton High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 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 Clifton High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Clifton High School has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Clifton High School a charter school?

No, Clifton High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Clifton High School a Title I school?

No, Clifton High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clifton High School?

61.3% of students at Clifton 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
61 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
45 Some Transit
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
3,141
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
221
Free/Reduced Lunch
61.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Passaic County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.7%
4-Year Graduation
84.0%

District

Clifton Public School District
District Enrollment
11,010
Schools in District
19
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,586
District Rank
#17 of 18

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