Serving 653 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Rafael Hernandez 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 8% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 13% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 653 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rafael Hernandez School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Rafael Hernandez School's student population of 653 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
653 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Tue. Sep 2, 2025
School Motto
Cultivating Respect, Responsibility, Reflection, Resiliency and Inspiring a Renaissance
School Rankings
Rafael Hernandez 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 Rafael Hernandez School is 0.38, 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
#2100 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
76%
34%
Black
21%
15%
White
3%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rafael Hernandez School's ranking?
Rafael Hernandez School is ranked #2100 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?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 13% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Rafael Hernandez School?
653 students attend Rafael Hernandez School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Rafael Hernandez School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, and 3% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rafael Hernandez School?
Rafael Hernandez School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Rafael Hernandez School offer ?
Rafael Hernandez School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rafael Hernandez School part of?
Rafael Hernandez School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Rafael Hernandez School located?
Rafael Hernandez School is located in the Mount Pleasant And Lower Broadway neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 2 other public schools located in Mount Pleasant And Lower Broadway.
School Reviews
5 3/24/2023
My daughter goes to this school and they treat me and the other students very well they have parties every month and the teachers are kind and respectful.
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