Needs Improvement
#2429 of 2,466 schools in NJ
Plainfield High School
High School · Plainfield Public School District
950 PARK AVENUE, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Enrollment
2,145
Student-Teacher
16.6:1
Score
3.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,145
Student-Teacher
16.6:1
Score
3.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
New Jersey schools
#2,429 of 2,466
In Plainfield
#18 of 19
public schools
In district
#13 of 14
Plainfield Public School District
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Plainfield High School
High School in Plainfield · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Evergreen Elementary School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Cedarbrook Elementary School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Plainfield High School
Plainfield High School is a public high school in Plainfield, NJ, part of Plainfield Public School District. Plainfield High School serves approximately 2,145 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Plainfield High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,429 of 2,466 schools in NJ.
Structured state assessment records for Plainfield High School show 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.3 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.9
- NJ avg 5.8
What Parents Should Know
Plainfield High School is a large school: 2,145 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
40% of students at Plainfield High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Plainfield High School — Students at Plainfield High School score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
77.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)
Based on 28 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.1/10.
How Plainfield High School Compares
See how Plainfield High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
950 PARK AVENUE, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Plainfield High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. South Plainfield High School (rated 5.1/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby South Plainfield), which scores notably higher. Another option is The Barack Obama Green Charter High School (rated 4.6/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pinnacle Academy High School (rated 2.1/10, 1.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Plainfield, see our Plainfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07060 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,882
Median Home Value
$369,400
Median Rent
$1,629/mo
Population
47,560
College Educated
21.9%
Homeownership
37.9%
Avg Commute
29.9 min
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Median Age
33.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central Regional High School Bayville, NJ | 3.3 |
| Irvington High School Irvington, NJ | 3.3 |
| John F. Kennedy High School Paterson, NJ | 3.3 |
| Millville High School Millville, NJ | 3.3 |
| East Orange Campus High School East Orange, NJ | 3.2 |
| Hamilton West-Watson Hamilton, NJ | 3.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Plainfield High School
What grades does Plainfield High School serve?
Plainfield High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Plainfield High School?
Plainfield High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,145 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Plainfield High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Plainfield High School is 16.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Plainfield High School rank in NJ?
Plainfield High School ranks #2,429 of 2,466 schools in NJ.
What is Plainfield High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Plainfield High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 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 Plainfield High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Plainfield High School has 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Plainfield High School a charter school?
No, Plainfield High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Plainfield High School a Title I school?
No, Plainfield High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Plainfield High School?
77.5% of students at Plainfield 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,145
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 129
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 77.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Union County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 40.2%
- Phone
- (908) 731-4390
- 4-Year Graduation
- 68.0%
Resources & Links
District
Plainfield Public School District- District Enrollment
- 10,436
- Schools in District
- 15
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $25,788
- District Rank
- #13 of 14
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