West Side High School is a four-year comprehensive community public high school complex in Newark, in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, operating as part of the Newark Public Schools. The school is operated by the Newark Public Schools and is located at 279 Chancellor Avenue.
Serving 541 students in grades 9-12, West Side High 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 541 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Side High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
West Side High School's student population of 541 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
541 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Year Founded
1925
Colors
White, Green
School Rankings
West Side High 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 West Side High School is 0.31, 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
#2145 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
18%
35%
Black
81%
14%
White
n/a
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
85%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- West Side High School offers a Dual Enrollment Program (Associates Degree from Essex County College in Business Administration) and CTE Pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Side High School's ranking?
West Side High School is ranked #2145 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Side High School?
The graduation rate of West Side High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend West Side High School?
541 students attend West Side High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of West Side High School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Side High School?
West Side High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does West Side High School offer ?
West Side High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Side High School part of?
West Side High School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is West Side High School located?
West Side High School is located in the Fairmount neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 3 other public schools located in Fairmount.
School Reviews
Review West Side High 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.
