Very Good
#472 of 2,463 schools in NJ
Top 19% in state
Watchung Elementary School
Elementary School · Montclair Public School District
14 GARDEN ST, Montclair, NJ 07042
Enrollment
385
Student-Teacher
11.7:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
385
Student-Teacher
11.7:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Montclair
#6 of 8
public schools
New Jersey elementary schools
#320 of 1,496
In district
#7 of 11
Montclair Public School District
Equity
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Watchung Elementary School
Watchung Elementary School serves 385 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Montclair's affluent suburban setting. With 33 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an impressive 11.7:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention in the classroom. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a 7.8 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #197 out of 2,475 elementary schools statewide, placing it in the 92nd percentile.
Students show solid proficiency across core subjects, with 72% meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and reading, while 62% demonstrate proficiency in mathematics. Watchung Elementary benefits from its location in an educationally supportive community where 66% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding neighborhood reflects economic stability, with a median household income of $130,329 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%.
These community characteristics often translate into strong family engagement and educational resources that complement classroom learning. The school's consistent academic achievement and small class sizes make it an attractive option for families seeking quality elementary education. Located on Garden Street in this well-established Essex County community, Watchung Elementary sits in a large suburban area that provides a stable, family-oriented environment for young learners.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Watchung Elementary School — Students at Watchung Elementary School score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
9.6%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 6.6/10.
How Watchung Elementary School Compares
See how Watchung Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 62% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 71% (2019) to 72% (2022).
Location
14 GARDEN ST, Montclair, NJ 07042
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Watchung Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Edgemont Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Charles H. Bullock School (rated 8.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hillside Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Montclair, see our Montclair schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07042 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$127,083
Median Home Value
$733,100
Median Rent
$2,017/mo
Population
27,173
College Educated
67.1%
Homeownership
50.3%
Avg Commute
33.4 min
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Median Age
38.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Watchung Elementary School has a median household income of $127,083. It is a well-educated community where 67% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $733,100, with a median rent of $2,017/month. The local poverty rate of 8.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 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 |
|---|---|
| Bee Meadow School Whippany, NJ | 7.7 |
| Brighton Avenue School Atlantic City, NJ | 7.7 |
| Dionne Warwick Institute East Orange, NJ | 7.7 |
| Frank J Smith Elementary East Hanover, NJ | 7.7 |
| G.H. Carson Elementary School Pennsauken, NJ | 7.7 |
| Grandview Elementary School N. Caldwell, NJ | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Watchung Elementary School
What grades does Watchung Elementary School serve?
Watchung Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Watchung Elementary School?
Watchung Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 385 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Watchung Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Watchung Elementary School is 11.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Watchung Elementary School rank in NJ?
Watchung Elementary School is ranked #472 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is Watchung Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Watchung Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.7 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 Watchung Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Watchung Elementary School has 63.8% math proficiency and 67.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Watchung Elementary School a charter school?
No, Watchung Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Watchung Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Watchung Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Watchung Elementary School?
9.6% of students at Watchung 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 385
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 33
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 9.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Essex County
- Phone
- (973) 509-4259
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Montclair Public School District- District Enrollment
- 6,192
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $26,943
- District Rank
- #7 of 11
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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