Average
#1770 of 2,463 schools in NJ
Garfield High School
High School · Garfield Public School District
500 PALISADE AVE, Garfield, NJ 07026
Enrollment
1,264
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
5.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,264
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
5.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Garfield
#9 of 9
public schools
New Jersey high schools
#307 of 422
In district
#11 of 11
Garfield Public School District
School environment
7.9 / 10
Very strong
About Garfield High School
Garfield High School serves 1,264 students in grades 9-12 in this Bergen County community, offering a student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1 with 102 full-time equivalent teachers. The school currently ranks in the 26th percentile among New Jersey high schools, with room for academic growth as it works to support student achievement. Academic performance shows 42% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts, while mathematics presents a particular area for development with 19% of students meeting proficiency standards.
The school's MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 reflects these academic challenges, positioning it at #1836 among the state's 2,475 high schools. The school draws from a diverse suburban community where the median household income is $72,026 and median home values reach $430,500. About 22% of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while 14.8% of families experience poverty, creating a mixed socioeconomic environment that presents both opportunities and challenges for student success.
Garfield High School operates in a large suburban setting that provides students with access to the resources and opportunities of the greater Bergen County area, while serving a community of over 32,000 residents who call this established New Jersey neighborhood home.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Garfield High School — Students at Garfield High School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
50.9%
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: 6.4/10.
How Garfield High School Compares
See how Garfield High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 20% (2019) to 19% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 43% (2019) to 42% (2022).
Location
500 PALISADE AVE, Garfield, NJ 07026
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Garfield High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Christopher Columbus School #8 (rated 8.3/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Thomas Jefferson School #9 (rated 8.1/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Roosevelt School #7 (rated 7.7/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Garfield, see our Garfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.2 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07026 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,701
Median Home Value
$454,300
Median Rent
$1,612/mo
Population
32,502
College Educated
24.3%
Homeownership
45.4%
Avg Commute
27.8 min
Poverty Rate
14.2%
Median Age
39
Community Profile
The community surrounding Garfield High School has a median household income of $75,701. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $454,300, with a median rent of $1,612/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.2%. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Burlington County Institute of Technology - Medford Medford, NJ | 5.3 |
| Deptford Township High School Deptford, NJ | 5.3 |
| Nutley High School Nutley, NJ | 5.3 |
| Rahway High School Rahway, NJ | 5.3 |
| Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Scotch Plains, NJ | 5.3 |
| Absegami High School Galloway, NJ | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Garfield High School
What grades does Garfield High School serve?
Garfield High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Garfield High School?
Garfield High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,264 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Garfield High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Garfield High School is 12.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Garfield High School rank in NJ?
Garfield High School is ranked #1770 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is Garfield High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Garfield High School has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Garfield High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Garfield High School has 15.1% math proficiency and 43.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Garfield High School a charter school?
No, Garfield High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Garfield High School a Title I school?
No, Garfield High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Garfield High School?
50.9% of students at Garfield 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
- 1,264
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 102
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 50.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Bergen County
- Phone
- (973) 340-5010
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Garfield Public School District- District Enrollment
- 4,871
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $27,656
- District Rank
- #11 of 11
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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