Average
#969 of 2,463 schools in NJ
Top 39% in state
Samsel Upper Elementary School
Elementary School · Sayreville School District
298 ERNSTON ROAD, Parlin, NJ 08859
Enrollment
882
Student-Teacher
10.5:1
Score
6.9
Grades
4th – 5th
Enrollment
882
Student-Teacher
10.5:1
Score
6.9
Grades
4th – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Parlin
#2 of 8
public schools
New Jersey elementary schools
#584 of 1,496
In district
#1 of 9
Sayreville School District
Equity
7.9 / 10
Very strong
About Samsel Upper Elementary School
Samsel Upper Elementary School serves 882 students in grades 4 and 5 in Parlin, New Jersey. This regular public elementary school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 10.5:1 with 84 full-time equivalent teachers, allowing for more individualized attention in the classroom. The school ranks #783 out of 2,475 schools statewide, placing it in the 68th percentile among New Jersey elementary schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10.
Academically, 52% of students perform at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and reading, while 47% reach proficiency in mathematics, indicating solid foundational learning with room for continued growth. Samsel Upper Elementary is positioned within Middlesex County's 08859 ZIP code, where the median household income reaches $93,601 and the median home value is $376,900. The surrounding community reflects educational values, with 40% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, while maintaining a low poverty rate of 5.2%.
The school operates in a large suburban setting that provides families with the benefits of suburban living while maintaining access to educational resources and community amenities that support student development during these crucial upper elementary years.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Samsel Upper Elementary School — Students at Samsel Upper Elementary School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)
Based on 11 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 7.1/10.
How Samsel Upper Elementary School Compares
See how Samsel Upper Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 47% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 52% (2022).
Location
298 ERNSTON ROAD, Parlin, NJ 08859
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Samsel Upper Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Madison Park Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is James A. McDivitt Elementary School (rated 5.8/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Old Bridge), a more accessible option. Additionally, Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School (rated 5.5/10, 0.8 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Parlin, see our Parlin schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 08859 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$96,593
Median Home Value
$407,100
Median Rent
$1,625/mo
Population
24,284
College Educated
37.9%
Homeownership
59.1%
Avg Commute
32.3 min
Poverty Rate
6.1%
Median Age
38.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Samsel Upper Elementary School has a median household income of $96,593. It is an area where 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $407,100, with a median rent of $1,625/month. The local poverty rate of 6.1% is relatively low. 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 |
|---|---|
| Chester M. Stephens Elementary School Budd Lake, NJ | 6.9 |
| Franklin Elementary School Westfield, NJ | 6.9 |
| Jersey City Golden Door Charter School Jersey City, NJ | 6.9 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Edison, NJ | 6.9 |
| Millstone River School Plainsboro, NJ | 6.9 |
| Ridge Street School Newark, NJ | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Samsel Upper Elementary School
What grades does Samsel Upper Elementary School serve?
Samsel Upper Elementary School serves students in grades 4th through 5th.
How many students attend Samsel Upper Elementary School?
Samsel Upper Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 882 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Samsel Upper Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Samsel Upper Elementary School is 10.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Samsel Upper Elementary School rank in NJ?
Samsel Upper Elementary School is ranked #969 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is Samsel Upper Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Samsel Upper Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.9 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 Samsel Upper Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Samsel Upper Elementary School has 43.4% math proficiency and 52.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Samsel Upper Elementary School a charter school?
No, Samsel Upper Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Samsel Upper Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Samsel Upper Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Samsel Upper Elementary School?
39.5% of students at Samsel Upper 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 4th – 5th
- Enrollment
- 882
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 84
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Middlesex County
- Phone
- (732) 316-4050
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Sayreville School District- District Enrollment
- 6,460
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $21,911
- District Rank
- #1 of 9
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 methodologyRelated reading
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