Serving 1,410 students in grades Prekindergarten-12, Marion P. Thomas Charter School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 24% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,410 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Marion P. Thomas Charter School's student population of 1,410 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,410 students
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1999
School Motto
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
School Rankings
Marion P. Thomas Charter School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Marion P. Thomas Charter School is 0.34, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2007 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
19%
35%
Black
79%
14%
White
n/a
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
85%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marion P. Thomas Charter School's ranking?
Marion P. Thomas Charter School is ranked #2007 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Marion P. Thomas Charter School?
The graduation rate of Marion P. Thomas Charter School is 90-94%, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Marion P. Thomas Charter School?
1,410 students attend Marion P. Thomas Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Marion P. Thomas Charter School students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Marion P. Thomas Charter School?
Marion P. Thomas Charter School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Marion P. Thomas Charter School offer ?
Marion P. Thomas Charter School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Marion P. Thomas Charter School part of?
Marion P. Thomas Charter School is part of Marion P. Thomas Charter School District.
In what neighborhood is Marion P. Thomas Charter School located?
Marion P. Thomas Charter School is located in the University Heights neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 3 other public schools located in University Heights.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
marion p thmas is awonderful school for children. i would recoommend any and every parent to go to the school. the teachers would give your child the best education they would need in life. they also would help your chid get in to one of the good schools in newark so let your come i know i been here sense k and they are good to you.
2 10/10/2025
The academic programs at this school are not good and better teaching is found at newark public schools. The extracurricular activities do not challenge the students and neither does the classes. The teachers are nice to students and seem well educated. Parent involvment is very low. The parents don't seem to really be involved in the students work. The school has a somewhat clean environment.
5 10/10/2025
The Reader's and Writer's Workshop along with hundreds of manipulatives for math and fuzzy math in the program makes this school and school of excellence!!!!! Go Tigers!
5 10/10/2025
The school has abundant resources for the students and the staff are engaged in making sure the students are challenged. I have two children who attended MPTCS and they continue to be excellent students in HS.
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