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Below Average

#2269 of 2,466 schools in NJ

Dunellen High School

High School · Dunellen Public School District

411 First Street, Dunellen, NJ 08812

Enrollment

400

Student-Teacher

11.8:1

Score

4.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,269 of 2,466

In Dunellen

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Dunellen Public School District

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Dunellen High School

4.1/10

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

Lincoln Middle School

5.9/10

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

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About Dunellen High School

Dunellen High School is a public high school in Dunellen, NJ, part of Dunellen Public School District. Dunellen High School serves approximately 400 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Dunellen High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,269 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for Dunellen High School show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.7 pts below NJ schools
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • NJ avg 5.8

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.0Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-11.8 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19.7% (2025 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency29.7% (2025 NJSLA)
Math vs. State Avg-21.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-28.5 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2025 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2025 NJSLA)
vs. Expected-23.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile11th
College Readiness6.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation16%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.1Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,495
Chronic Absenteeism10.5%

Dunellen High School — Students at Dunellen High School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

35.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 37.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
51.4% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 59.2% (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
77%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
97.5%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
19%
ELA
48%
2016
Math
18%
ELA
50%
2017
Math
21%
ELA
41%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
12%
ELA
37%
2024
Math
16.8%
ELA
56.2%
2025
Math
19.7%
ELA
29.7%

* 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: 2.0/10.

How Dunellen High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.1/10
8th percentile in NJ
Academic
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.1/10
Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3.2
Sports
13
7 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
36%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
10.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
16% participation·State avg: 3.2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics13sports offered
7 boys'·6 girls'·15 teams (incl. JV)·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

411 First Street, Dunellen, NJ 08812

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dunellen High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Middlesex High School (rated 6.4/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Middlesex), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Plainfield Academy For The Arts & Advanced Studies (rated 6.3/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Plainfield), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Dunellen, see our Dunellen schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Lincoln Middle School Dunellen 0.0 mi 5.9
PRECIOUS MOMENTS ACADEMY Dunellen 0.2 mi
John P. Faber Elementary School Dunellen 0.7 mi 6.9
Green Brook Middle School Green Brook 0.8 mi 8.0
Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School Green Brook 0.8 mi 9.1
Jefferson Elementary School Plainfield 0.8 mi 7.0
Plainfield Academy For The Arts & Advanced Studies Plainfield 0.8 mi 6.3
Arbor Elementary School Piscataway 1.1 mi 6.6
THE GIVING NEST PRESCHOOL North Plainfield 1.5 mi
Parker Elementary School Middlesex 1.3 mi 7.7
Quibbletown Middle School Piscataway 1.6 mi 7.3
Grandview Elementary School Piscataway 1.8 mi 4.7
Clinton Elementary School Plainfield 1.5 mi 6.2
West End School North Plainfield 1.7 mi 7.3
Theodore Schor Middle School Piscataway 1.9 mi 6.6
Middlesex High School Middlesex 1.5 mi 6.4
SUNDANCE SCHOOL North Plainfield 1.9 mi 6.4
Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School Piscataway 2.2 mi 6.9
KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Warren 2.2 mi
Franklin Elementary School South Plainfield 2.0 mi 8.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 08812 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$119,534

Median Home Value

$435,300

Median Rent

$1,557/mo

Population

14,177

College Educated

41.7%

Homeownership

76.6%

Avg Commute

29.7 min

Poverty Rate

15.3%

Median Age

42.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Buena Regional High School Buena, NJ 4.1
Keyport High School Keyport, NJ 4.1
BAIS LEAH HIGH SCHOOL Howell, NJ 4.0
Palmyra High School Palmyra, NJ 4.0
Bergen County Technical High School - Paramus Paramus, NJ 4.2
Clayton High School Clayton, NJ 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dunellen High School

What grades does Dunellen High School serve?

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

How many students attend Dunellen High School?

Dunellen High School has an enrollment of approximately 400 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Dunellen High School is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dunellen High School rank in NJ?

Dunellen High School ranks #2,269 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is Dunellen High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dunellen High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Dunellen High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dunellen High School has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Dunellen High School a charter school?

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

Is Dunellen High School a Title I school?

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

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

35.5% of students at Dunellen 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
80 Very Walkable
Bike Score
52 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
400
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
34
Free/Reduced Lunch
35.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Middlesex County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
10.5%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Dunellen Public School District
District Enrollment
1,371
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,495
District Rank
#3 of 3

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