Atlantic City Convention Hall · Photo: Jack Boucher · Public domainAtlantic City’s public schools score below 92% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 16% of Atlantic City’s students scored proficient, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Atlantic City, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New Jersey, not nationally.
From New Jersey state tests taken in spring 2022, when 95% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Atlantic City’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 25% of tested students were proficient in reading and 16% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
80% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $35,527 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Nine elementary schools, then one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 9 the district’s path is Atlantic City High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Our Lady Star of the Sea School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Atlantic City’s grade
D: better than 8% of New Jersey school districts, #440 of 465 New Jersey towns. Both inputs trail the New Jersey average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Atlantic City, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Atlantic City
Atlantic City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,731 students · 12:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Atlantic City
Atlantic City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,731 students · 12:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Atlantic City
Atlantic City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,731 students · 12:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Atlantic City
Atlantic City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,731 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Atlantic City’s public schools are run by Atlantic City School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Atlantic City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Atlantic City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | D | Atlantic City |
| Pleasantville | D− | Pleasantville City |
| Galloway | C− | Galloway Township PK–8 · Greater Egg Harbor Regional 9–12 |
| Absecon | C | Absecon City |
| Ventnor City | C+ | Ventnor City |
| Egg Harbor | C+ | Egg Harbor Township |
| Brigantine | C+ | Brigantine City |
Every school in Atlantic City
12 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New Jersey’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Atlantic City’s schools
Are Atlantic City’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Atlantic City children attend score below 92% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #440 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 6%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Atlantic City in?
Atlantic City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 6,339 students in 11 schools (2024–25).
Where do Atlantic City kids go to high school?
Atlantic City High School, with 1,731 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Atlantic City’s graduation rate?
80% of the class of 2023 in Atlantic City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Atlantic City spend per student?
$35,527 in Atlantic City School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Atlantic City?
Yes: Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 86 students).
Parents talk
What Atlantic City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Atlantic City → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New Jersey. Stars are from neighbors.