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Average

#1091 of 2,463 schools in NJ

Top 44% in state

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School

Elementary School · Clayton Public School District

300 WEST CHESTNUT STREET, Clayton, NJ 08312

Enrollment

685

Student-Teacher

9.9:1

Score

6.6

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Clayton

#1 of 3

public schools

New Jersey elementary schools

#660 of 1,496

In district

#1 of 3

Clayton Public School District

Academic growth

8.0 / 10

Very strong

About Herma S. Simmons Elementary School

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is a regular public school located in Clayton, New Jersey, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 685 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9.9:1, the school offers individualized attention to help each child thrive.

The dedicated teaching staff includes 69 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support students in their educational journey. Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is situated in a large suburban area, providing a safe and nurturing environment for young learners.

Despite its current academic ranking of 5.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout, the school continues to focus on student development across various subjects. Currently ranked 41st percentile among New Jersey schools, with an average of 37% proficiency in ELA/Reading and 23% proficiency in Math, there is room for academic growth and improvement. Herma S.

Simmons Elementary School is part of a vibrant suburban community that values education and supports the school's efforts to enhance learning outcomes for all students.

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 9.9:1, Herma S. Simmons Elementary School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.0Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+0.02 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics4.8Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22%
Reading/ELA Proficiency38%
Math vs. State Avg-25.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.9 pts
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)37%
vs. Expected-7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.6Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,291

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School — Students at Herma S. Simmons Elementary School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 23.2%
School
State
44.6%
ELA Proficiency 37.0%
School
State
49.3%

Based on 13 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
27%
ELA
39%
2021*
Math
11%
ELA
31%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
38%
2024
Math
26.4%
ELA
38%

* 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: 8.0/10.

How Herma S. Simmons Elementary School Compares

See how Herma S. Simmons Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
56th percentile in NJ
Academic
4.8/10
4.8/10
Growth
8.0/10
Above average
Environment
5.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
69 teachers

Location

300 WEST CHESTNUT STREET, Clayton, NJ 08312

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Herma S. Simmons Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Thomas Jefferson Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 5.6 miles away, in nearby Turnersville), which scores notably higher. Another option is J. Harvey Rodgers School (rated 7.7/10, 4.2 miles away, in nearby Glassboro), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Aura Elementary School (rated 7.0/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Glassboro), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Clayton, see our Clayton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.1 mi
School Distance Rating
ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL REGIONAL SCHOOL Clayton 0.9 mi 4.3
Clayton High School Clayton 1.1 mi 6.2
Clayton Middle School Clayton 1.1 mi 4.7
Caroline L. Reutter School Franklinville 3.1 mi 5.9
Aura Elementary School Glassboro 2.9 mi 7.0
Delsea Regional High School Franklinville 3.4 mi 3.5
Delsea Regional Middle School Franklinville 3.4 mi 4.3
Dorothy L. Bullock School Glassboro 3.8 mi 6.6
J. Harvey Rodgers School Glassboro 4.2 mi 7.7
Bunker Hill Middle School Sewell 4.5 mi 7.4
Glassboro High School Glassboro 4.7 mi 4.6
Orchard Valley Middle School Sewell 5.1 mi 7.5
Thomas E. Bowe School Glassboro 5.0 mi 7.5
Mary F. Janvier School Franklinville 4.6 mi 4.9
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Turnersville 5.6 mi 7.8
LASTING LEGACY ACADEMY, LLC Williamstown 5.3 mi
BEACON ACADEMY Sewell 6.0 mi
THE GODDARD SCHOOL Sewell 6.2 mi
CORNERSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Washington Township 6.2 mi
Williamstown High School Williamstown 5.1 mi 3.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 08312 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$88,448

Median Home Value

$248,000

Median Rent

$1,204/mo

Population

8,395

College Educated

21.7%

Homeownership

73.3%

Avg Commute

33 min

Poverty Rate

7.4%

Median Age

40.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Herma S. Simmons Elementary School has a median household income of $88,448. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $248,000, with a median rent of $1,204/month. The local poverty rate of 7.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 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
A A Anastasia Elementary School Long Branch, NJ 6.6
Constable Elementary School Kendall Park, NJ 6.6
Dorothy L. Bullock School Glassboro, NJ 6.6
East Ward Elementary School Newark, NJ 6.6
Evergreen Elementary School Scotch Plains, NJ 6.6
Honiss Elementary\Middle School Dumont, NJ 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Herma S. Simmons Elementary School

What grades does Herma S. Simmons Elementary School serve?

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 685 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is 9.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Herma S. Simmons Elementary School rank in NJ?

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is ranked #1091 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.

What is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Herma S. Simmons Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Herma S. Simmons Elementary School has 23.2% math proficiency and 37.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School a charter school?

No, Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?

46.4% of students at Herma S. Simmons 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
Elevated (892/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Clayton). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
685
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
69
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Gloucester County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Clayton Public School District
District Enrollment
1,515
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,852
District Rank
#1 of 3

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 methodology

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