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Average

#1430 of 2,463 schools in NJ

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies

High School · Plainfield Public School District

1700 West Front St, Plainfield, NJ 07063

Enrollment

345

Student-Teacher

8.4:1

Score

6.0

Grades

7th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Plainfield

#5 of 15

public schools

New Jersey high schools

#237 of 422

In district

#5 of 13

Plainfield Public School District

Equity

8.0 / 10

Very strong

About Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies is a regular public high school in Plainfield, New Jersey, serving students from seventh through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 345 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8.4:1, the academy offers personalized attention to help each student thrive. The school boasts 41 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to its diverse curriculum, which includes a strong focus on arts and advanced studies.

Academically, Plainfield Academy is ranked at the 51st percentile among New Jersey schools, with room for growth in both ELA/Reading (51% proficiency) and Math (20% proficiency). Despite these challenges, the school continues to develop innovative programs aimed at enhancing student performance and engagement. The arts program stands out as a key strength, providing students with enriching opportunities that complement their academic studies.

Located in a large suburban area of Union County, Plainfield Academy benefits from its setting within the community, offering students access to various cultural and recreational resources nearby.

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.4:1, Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.4Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.86 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics7.6Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27%
Reading/ELA Proficiency52%
Math vs. State Avg-14.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-2.3 pts
Overall Proficiency40%
Expected (poverty-adj.)20%
vs. Expected+19.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile64th
College Readiness3.5Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation9.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio8.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$24,370

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies — Students at Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

75.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 20.1%
School
State
33.0%
ELA Proficiency 50.7%
School
State
55.3%

Based on 10 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
29%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
52%
2024
Math
14.8%
ELA
51.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.4/10.

How Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies Compares

See how Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
42th percentile in NJ
Academic
7.6/10
7.6/10
Growth
6.4/10
Above average
Environment
7.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
75%
Teaching Staff
8:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers

Location

1700 West Front St, Plainfield, NJ 07063

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies may also want to explore other high schools in the area. North Plainfield High School (rated 5.8/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby North Plainfield), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Dunellen High School (rated 5.4/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Dunellen), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Plainfield, see our Plainfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Jefferson Elementary School Plainfield 0.0 mi 6.7
Arbor Elementary School Piscataway 0.6 mi 5.3
PRECIOUS MOMENTS ACADEMY Dunellen 0.7 mi
Green Brook Middle School Green Brook 0.7 mi 5.8
Clinton Elementary School Plainfield 0.7 mi 6.4
THE GIVING NEST PRESCHOOL North Plainfield 0.9 mi
Lincoln Middle School Dunellen 0.8 mi 3.3
Dunellen High School Dunellen 0.8 mi 5.4
West End School North Plainfield 1.1 mi 5.3
SUNDANCE SCHOOL North Plainfield 1.2 mi 6.4
John P. Faber Elementary School Dunellen 1.3 mi 3.5
Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School Green Brook 1.2 mi 4.9
Franklin Elementary School South Plainfield 1.3 mi 3.8
Quibbletown Middle School Piscataway 1.7 mi 6.4
The Queen City Academy Charter School Plainfield 1.4 mi 5.9
Washington Community School Plainfield 1.4 mi 4.8
North Plainfield Middle School North Plainfield 1.8 mi 5.4
North Plainfield High School North Plainfield 1.9 mi 5.8
Stony Brook School North Plainfield 2.0 mi 5.9
Hubbard Middle School Plainfield 1.7 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07063 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$89,840

Median Home Value

$363,000

Median Rent

$1,742/mo

Population

14,533

College Educated

21%

Homeownership

61.4%

Avg Commute

32.3 min

Poverty Rate

13.8%

Median Age

32.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies has a median household income of $89,840. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $363,000, with a median rent of $1,742/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.8%. The average commute for residents is 32 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
HILLEL YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL Ocean, NJ 6.0
Bogota Jr./Sr. High School Bogota, NJ 6.1
Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts Somers Point, NJ 5.9
ORATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL Summit, NJ 5.9
ST ROSE HIGH SCHOOL Belmar, NJ 5.9
ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH Convent Station, NJ 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies

What grades does Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies serve?

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies?

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies has an enrollment of approximately 345 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies?

The student-teacher ratio at Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies is 8.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies rank in NJ?

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies is ranked #1430 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.

What is Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies's MySchoolScout rating?

Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies has 20.1% math proficiency and 50.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies a charter school?

No, Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies a Title I school?

No, Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies?

75.1% of students at Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies 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
High (2,022/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
345
Student-Teacher Ratio
8.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
41
Free/Reduced Lunch
75.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Union County
Data Year
2023–2024

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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