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Needs Improvement

#2399 of 2,466 schools in NJ

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy

High School · Elizabeth Public Schools

237 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Enrollment

601

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

3.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,399 of 2,466

In Elizabeth

#37 of 37

public schools

In district

#37 of 37

Elizabeth Public Schools

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K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy

3.4/10

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

Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy

4.8/10

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

John E. Dwyer Technology Academy

4.0/10

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

About K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M.

Jackson Stem Academy is a public high school in Elizabeth, NJ, part of Elizabeth Public Schools. K. Johnson D.

Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy serves approximately 601 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. K.

Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,399 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M.

Jackson Stem Academy show 4% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

How it compares2.0 pts below district
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.4
  • NJ avg 5.8

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.65 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency4.6% (2025 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency50% (2025 NJSLA)
Math vs. State Avg-39.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+0.1 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2025 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)26% (model expectation from 2025 NJSLA)
vs. Expected+1.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
College Readiness1.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$25,711
Chronic Absenteeism13.3%

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy — Students at K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy score 27% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

75%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 3.6% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
44.0% (2025 NJSLA)
ELA Proficiency 56.0% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
49.9% (2025 NJSLA)

Based on 4 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2022
Math
2.5%
ELA
62%
2025
Math
4.6%
ELA
50%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.7/10.

How K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy Compares

See how K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
3th percentile in NJ
Academic
5.1/10
Average
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 3.2
Sports
10
5 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
75%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
16.6% participation·State avg: 3.2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics10sports offered
5 boys'·5 girls'·12 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

237 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Elizabeth High School - Frank J Cicarell Academy (rated 8.2/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy (rated 7.8/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy (rated 5.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Elizabeth, see our Elizabeth schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy Elizabeth 0.2 mi 4.8
John E. Dwyer Technology Academy Elizabeth 0.3 mi 4.0
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Elizabeth 0.4 mi 4.6
Elizabeth High School - Frank J Cicarell Academy Elizabeth 0.5 mi 8.2
Woodrow Wilson School No. 19 Elizabeth 0.5 mi 6.6
Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy Elizabeth 0.6 mi 5.0
Winfield Scott School No. 2 Elizabeth 0.6 mi 6.7
Frances C. Smith Early Childhood Center No 50 Elizabeth 0.6 mi 5.5
Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy School No. 26 Elizabeth 0.6 mi 8.7
Mabel G. Holmes School No. 5 Elizabeth 0.8 mi 6.7
Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy Elizabeth 0.8 mi 7.8
Nicholas S. Lacorte-Peterstown School No. 3 Elizabeth 0.6 mi 5.9
Abraham Lincoln School No. 14 Elizabeth 0.6 mi 6.0
Christopher Columbus School No. 15 Elizabeth 0.8 mi 6.6
William F. Halloran School No.22 Elizabeth 0.9 mi 8.0
J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy Elizabeth 1.0 mi 5.6
Dr. Antonia Pantoja School No. 27 Elizabeth 1.1 mi 6.3
Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center No 51 Elizabeth 1.1 mi 5.4
Sonia Sotomayor School No 25 Elizabeth 0.9 mi 7.3
Joseph Battin School No 4 Elizabeth 1.2 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07202 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,071

Median Home Value

$358,000

Median Rent

$1,508/mo

Population

44,638

College Educated

12.6%

Homeownership

26.2%

Avg Commute

23.9 min

Poverty Rate

12.3%

Median Age

36.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
West Side High School Newark, NJ 3.4
Passaic County-Manchester Regional High School Haledon, NJ 3.2
Riverside High School Riverside, NJ 3.6
Asbury Park High School Asbury Park, NJ 3.7
Penns Grove High School Carneys Point, NJ 3.7
Camden High School Camden, NJ 3.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy

What grades does K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy serve?

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy?

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 601 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy rank in NJ?

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy ranks #2,399 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy has 4% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

Is K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy a charter school?

No, K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy a Title I school?

No, K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem Academy?

75.0% of students at K. Johnson D. Vaughan and M. Jackson Stem 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
91 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
56 Good Transit
Bike Score
55 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
601
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
75.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Union County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.3%

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