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Needs Improvement

#2325 of 2,466 schools in NJ

Rafael Hernandez School

Elementary School · Newark Public School District

345 BROADWAY, Newark, NJ 07104

Enrollment

653

Student-Teacher

14.8:1

Score

3.9

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,325 of 2,466

In Newark

#74 of 80

public schools

In district

#60 of 63

Newark Public School District

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Rafael Hernandez School

3.9/10

Elementary School in Newark · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Roberto Clemente Elementary School

7.4/10

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

Technology High School

7.6/10

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

About Rafael Hernandez School

Rafael Hernandez School is a public elementary school in Newark, NJ, part of Newark Public School District. Rafael Hernandez School serves approximately 653 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 14.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Rafael Hernandez School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,325 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for Rafael Hernandez School show 15% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.7 pts below district
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 6.6
  • NJ avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.4Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-4.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.7Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.4% (2025 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency13.5% (2025 NJSLA)
Math vs. State Avg-39.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-30.4 pts
Overall Proficiency11% (2025 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)24% (model expectation from 2025 NJSLA)
vs. Expected-12.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile9th
Resources & Environment6.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$31,680
Chronic Absenteeism7.2%

Rafael Hernandez School — Students at Rafael Hernandez School score 11% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

78.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 14.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
39.0% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 21.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.6% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 53 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
47%
ELA
53%
2010
Math
61%
ELA
55%
2011
Math
38%
ELA
30%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
25%
2013
Math
37%
ELA
29%
2014
Math
6%
ELA
14%
2015
Math
8%
ELA
16%
2016
Math
13%
ELA
20%
2017
Math
13%
ELA
19%
2018
Math
11%
ELA
23%
2019
Math
11%
ELA
23%
2020*
Math
3%
ELA
14%
2021*
Math
3%
ELA
14%
2022
Math
4%
ELA
13%
2024
Math
8%
ELA
22.6%
2025
Math
8.4%
ELA
13.6%

* 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: 3.4/10.

How Rafael Hernandez School Compares

See how Rafael Hernandez School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
6th percentile in NJ
Academic
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.8/10
Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
79%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
44 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
7.2%

Location

345 BROADWAY, Newark, NJ 07104

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Rafael Hernandez School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. First Avenue School (rated 8.6/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Abington Avenue School (rated 7.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Elliott Street Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Newark, see our Newark schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 0.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Roberto Clemente Elementary School Newark 0.2 mi 7.4
Technology High School Newark 0.3 mi 7.6
Robert Treat Academy Charter School Newark 0.4 mi 7.2
ST MICHAEL SCHOOL Newark 0.5 mi 5.5
Early Childhood School - North Newark 0.5 mi 5.6
Washington Elementary School Kearny 0.6 mi 5.7
Franklin Elementary School Newark 0.6 mi 5.2
Newark School of Global Studies Newark 0.8 mi 4.8
Maria Varisco Rogers Charter School Newark 0.8 mi 6.9
Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School Newark 0.8 mi 5.6
Newark School of Fashion & Design Newark 0.8 mi 4.3
Garfield Elementary School Kearny 0.7 mi 5.5
East Newark Elementary School E. Newark 0.9 mi 6.7
Barringer High School Newark 0.8 mi 3.8
Elliott Street Elementary School Newark 1.0 mi 7.6
McKinley Elementary School Newark 1.0 mi 4.5
Hamilton Intermediate School Harrison 1.1 mi 6.5
Ridge Street School Newark 1.2 mi 7.6
Abington Avenue School Newark 1.0 mi 7.7
First Avenue School Newark 0.9 mi 8.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07104 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$51,199

Median Home Value

$337,400

Median Rent

$1,343/mo

Population

54,277

College Educated

20.9%

Homeownership

24.9%

Avg Commute

31.6 min

Poverty Rate

22.7%

Median Age

35.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Dr Martin Luther King Jr School Complex Atlantic City, NJ 3.9
Fleetwood Elementary School Mount Laurel, NJ 3.9
Gregory Elementary School Long Branch, NJ 3.9
Lindenwold School Four Lindenwold, NJ 3.9
YESHIVA TORAS ARON Lakewood, NJ 3.9
Academy Street Elementary School Dover, NJ 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rafael Hernandez School

What grades does Rafael Hernandez School serve?

Rafael Hernandez School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Rafael Hernandez School?

Rafael Hernandez School has an enrollment of approximately 653 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Rafael Hernandez School?

The student-teacher ratio at Rafael Hernandez School 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 Rafael Hernandez School rank in NJ?

Rafael Hernandez School ranks #2,325 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is Rafael Hernandez School's MySchoolScout rating?

Rafael Hernandez School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 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 Rafael Hernandez School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Rafael Hernandez School has 15% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Rafael Hernandez School a charter school?

No, Rafael Hernandez School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Rafael Hernandez School a Title I school?

No, Rafael Hernandez School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rafael Hernandez School?

78.6% of students at Rafael Hernandez 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

Walk Score
78 Very Walkable
Transit Score
57 Good Transit
Bike Score
50 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
653
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
44
Free/Reduced Lunch
78.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Essex County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
7.2%

District

Newark Public School District
District Enrollment
42,791
Schools in District
64
Per-Pupil Spending
$31,680
District Rank
#60 of 63

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