Serving 368 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, South 17th Street 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 16% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 368 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South 17th Street School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
South 17th Street School's student population of 368 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
368 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
South 17th Street 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 South 17th Street School is 0.51, 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
#1948 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
35%
35%
Black
61%
14%
White
1%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
88%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South 17th Street School's ranking?
South 17th Street School is ranked #1948 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?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend South 17th Street School?
368 students attend South 17th Street School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of South 17th Street School students are Black, 35% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South 17th Street School?
South 17th Street School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does South 17th Street School offer ?
South 17th Street School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South 17th Street School part of?
South 17th Street School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is South 17th Street School located?
South 17th Street School is located in the West Side neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 6 other public schools located in West Side.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Principal once said it's only Newark so the teacher had all right to talk to student in a RUDE manner. My suggestion, teachers without passion and concern should always try to find jobs where they live.
A small amount of parents complains, and so it is to my understanding that if the situation only affects a small number of concern parents that it will not be looked into.
A lot needs to be addressed at this school. Some great administrators and teachers are still there. However, there are some that are disrespectful to students and parents. Yea I mean they need to find another profession.
Review South 17th Street School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
