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Below Average

#2270 of 2,466 schools in NJ

Gordon Parks Academy

Elementary School · East Orange School District

98 GREENWOOD AVE, East Orange, NJ 07017

Enrollment

295

Student-Teacher

14.8:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Pre-K – 2nd

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,270 of 2,466

In East Orange

#18 of 22

public schools

In district

#17 of 20

East Orange School District

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Gordon Parks Academy

4.1/10

Elementary School in East Orange · grades Pre-K – 2nd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mildred Barry Garvin Elementary

7.9/10

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

One Step Ahead Learning Center

Nearby

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

About Gordon Parks Academy

Gordon Parks Academy is a public elementary school in East Orange, NJ, part of East Orange School District. Gordon Parks Academy serves approximately 295 students, and covers grades Pre-K-2nd, and has a 14.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Gordon Parks Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,270 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for Gordon Parks Academy show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2019) and 29% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2019).

How it compares2.2 pts below district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • NJ avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.4Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-2.14 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2019
TrendDeclining
Academics3.7Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency12% (2019 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37% (2019 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency25% (2019 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)34% (model expectation from 2019 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-9.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$32,491
Chronic Absenteeism20.3%

Gordon Parks Academy — Students at Gordon Parks Academy score 24% 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

60.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ EDFACTS (2018-19)

Math Proficiency 30.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2019)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 29.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2019)
School
State
N/A

Based on 22 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
62%
ELA
27%
2010
Math
52%
ELA
22%
2011
Math
42%
ELA
27%
2012
Math
47%
ELA
32%
2013
Math
47%
ELA
37%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
22%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
37%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.

How Gordon Parks Academy Compares

See how Gordon Parks Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
8th percentile in NJ
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.4/10
Below Average
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
60%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.3%

Programs & Offerings

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

98 GREENWOOD AVE, East Orange, NJ 07017

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gordon Parks Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mildred Barry Garvin Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Shelia Y. Oliver Academy (rated 7.6/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, J. Garfield Jackson Sr. Academy (rated 7.5/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in East Orange, see our East Orange schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Mildred Barry Garvin Elementary East Orange 0.1 mi 7.9
ONE STEP AHEAD LEARNING CENTER East Orange 0.4 mi
Roseville Community Charter School Newark 0.5 mi 4.1
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy East Orange 0.6 mi 7.6
Dionne Warwick Institute East Orange 0.6 mi 7.1
Essex County Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology Newark 0.7 mi 7.4
Cicely L. Tyson Community Elementary School East Orange 0.6 mi 6.7
Cicely L. Tyson Community Middle/High School East Orange 0.6 mi 7.0
Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School Newark 0.7 mi 5.9
Patrick F. Healy Middle School East Orange 0.9 mi 3.7
Sojourner Truth Middle School East Orange 0.9 mi 4.5
Dr. E. Alma Flagg School Newark 0.8 mi 5.5
Sussex Avenue School Newark 0.9 mi 6.0
John L. Costley Middle School East Orange 1.0 mi 4.6
Edward T. Bowser Sr. School of Excellence East Orange 0.9 mi 3.4
Ecole Toussaint Louverture East Orange 0.8 mi 6.5
Althea Gibson Academy East Orange 0.9 mi 6.9
Salome Urena Elementary School Newark 0.9 mi 5.2
East Orange STEM Academy High School East Orange 1.2 mi 7.1
J. Garfield Jackson Sr. Academy East Orange 1.0 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07017 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,552

Median Home Value

$316,700

Median Rent

$1,346/mo

Population

40,809

College Educated

21.8%

Homeownership

31.3%

Avg Commute

37.9 min

Poverty Rate

17.4%

Median Age

36.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CHEIN BAIS YAAKOV Lakewood, NJ 4.1
G Austin Schoenly Elementary School Spotswood, NJ 4.1
Kennedy Elementary School Succasunna, NJ 4.1
MEOROS BAIS YAAKOV Lakewood, NJ 4.1
Roseville Community Charter School Newark, NJ 4.1
South Toms River Elementary School South Toms River, NJ 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gordon Parks Academy

What grades does Gordon Parks Academy serve?

Gordon Parks Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 2nd.

How many students attend Gordon Parks Academy?

Gordon Parks Academy has an enrollment of approximately 295 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gordon Parks Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Gordon Parks Academy is 14.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gordon Parks Academy rank in NJ?

Gordon Parks Academy ranks #2,270 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is Gordon Parks Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Gordon Parks Academy 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 Gordon Parks Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gordon Parks Academy has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2019) and 29% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2019).

Is Gordon Parks Academy a charter school?

No, Gordon Parks Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Gordon Parks Academy a Title I school?

No, Gordon Parks Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gordon Parks Academy?

60.3% of students at Gordon Parks Academy 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
71 Very Walkable
Transit Score
64 Good Transit
Bike Score
49 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Enrollment
295
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
60.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Essex County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.3%

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