Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is a public high school in Elizabeth, New Jersey in Union County in the United States, specializing in the visual, performing, and media arts. Located in historic Midtown, the school serves students in ninth through twelfth grades as part of the Elizabeth Public Schools.
Serving 1,156 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy 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 13% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher 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 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,156 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy's student population of 1,156 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,156 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
86 teachers
Year Founded
1928
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Calendar
First Day of School
Thu. Sep 4, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026
School Rankings
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy 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 Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is 0.39, 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
#1387 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
76%
34%
Black
17%
15%
White
6%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
85%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Liberty
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy's ranking?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is ranked #1387 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy often compared to?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Elizabeth High School - Frank J Cicarell Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy?
The graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is 88%, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy?
1,156 students attend Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 6% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy offer ?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy part of?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is part of Elizabeth School District.
School Reviews
4 8/11/2021
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is a great school for students who want to show their creative side in different ways. The teachers are nice and they take their time to teach is in the best way possible.
Review Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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