Average
#1586 of 2,463 schools in NJ
University Middle School
Middle School · Irvington Public School District
255 MYRTLE AVE, Irvington, NJ 07111
Enrollment
665
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
5.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
665
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
5.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Irvington
#6 of 13
public schools
New Jersey middle schools
#299 of 441
In district
#6 of 12
Irvington Public School District
Academic growth
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About University Middle School
University Middle School is a regular public school located in the heart of Irvington, New Jersey. Spanning grades six through eight, it serves as an integral part of the local education system for middle school-aged students. With an enrollment of 665 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, University Middle School offers personalized attention to its diverse student body.
The dedicated teaching staff consists of 51 full-time equivalent teachers who work tirelessly to support their students. Academically, the school has room for improvement according to recent state assessments, with only 22% of students proficient in ELA/Reading and just 12% meeting proficiency standards in Math. Despite these challenges, University Middle School remains committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that focuses on student development and growth.
The setting of the school is ideal for middle schoolers, situated within a large suburban area with plenty of green spaces nearby. This location provides students with a comfortable and accessible community atmosphere as they navigate their educational journey.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at University Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
University Middle School — Students at University Middle School score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
69.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)
Based on 13 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: 8.1/10.
How University Middle School Compares
See how University Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 10% (2019) to 7% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 24% (2019) to 17% (2022).
Location
255 MYRTLE AVE, Irvington, NJ 07111
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering University Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Newark Sch of Data Science and Information Technology (rated 7.6/10, 0.7 miles away, in nearby Newark), which scores notably higher. Another option is Ivy Hill Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 0.9 miles away, in nearby Newark), which scores notably higher. Additionally, South 17th Street School (rated 7.3/10, 0.6 miles away, in nearby Newark), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Irvington, see our Irvington schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| University Elementary School Irvington | 0.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Berkeley Terrace Elementary School Irvington | 0.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Burch Charter School of Excellence Irvington | 0.4 mi | 3.4 |
| Madison Avenue Irvington | 0.4 mi | 2.7 |
| Grove Street Elementary School Irvington | 0.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Thurgood Marshall Elementary School Irvington | 0.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Speedway Avenue School Newark | 0.8 mi | 5.4 |
| South 17th Street School Newark | 0.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Fourteenth Avenue School Newark | 0.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Irvington High School Irvington | 0.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Newark Sch of Data Science and Information Technology Newark | 0.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Augusta Preschool Academy Irvington | 0.9 mi | 6.1 |
| Benjamin Banneker Academy East Orange | 1.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Newark | 0.9 mi | 3.7 |
| Ivy Hill Elementary School Newark | 0.9 mi | 7.5 |
| ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL East Orange | 1.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Langston Hughes Elementary School East Orange | 1.2 mi | 6.4 |
| University High School Newark | 1.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Pride Academy Charter School East Orange | 1.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Hawthorne Avenue School Newark | 1.3 mi | 4.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07111 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,232
Median Home Value
$291,500
Median Rent
$1,324/mo
Population
60,334
College Educated
22.3%
Homeownership
29.3%
Avg Commute
34.1 min
Poverty Rate
18.1%
Median Age
34.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding University Middle School has a median household income of $59,232. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $291,500, with a median rent of $1,324/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.1%. The average commute for residents is 34 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 |
|---|---|
| School #6/Middle School Cliffside Park, NJ | 5.7 |
| South Orange Middle School S. Orange, NJ | 5.7 |
| Belleville Middle School Belleville, NJ | 5.8 |
| Chatham Middle School Chatham, NJ | 5.8 |
| Clearview Regional Middle School Mullica Hill, NJ | 5.8 |
| Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School Cliffwood, NJ | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University Middle School
What grades does University Middle School serve?
University Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend University Middle School?
University Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 665 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at University Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at University Middle School is 13:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does University Middle School rank in NJ?
University Middle School is ranked #1586 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is University Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
University Middle School has a composite rating of 5.7 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 University Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, University Middle School has 11.9% math proficiency and 21.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is University Middle School a charter school?
No, University Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is University Middle School a Title I school?
No, University Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for University Middle School?
69.6% of students at University Middle 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
- City Safety
- High (3,025/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Irvington). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 665
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 51
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 69.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Essex County
- Phone
- (973) 399-6879
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Irvington Public School District- District Enrollment
- 7,770
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $28,651
- District Rank
- #6 of 12
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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