Photo: ajay_suresh · CC BY 2.0Camden’s public schools score below 99% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 5% of Camden’s students scored proficient, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Camden, 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 91% 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.
Camden’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 10% of tested students were proficient in reading and 5% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 91% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
65% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey. Districts ↓
Charters enroll a large share of students
Charter schools located in Camden enroll 4,112 students, against the district’s 5,871. Each is graded on its own results; none is part of the district grade. Every school ↓
Spending, and where it came from
The district spent $41,480 per student in FY2024, against $28,441 across New Jersey. 21% of its revenue that year was federal (New Jersey 6%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
Nine elementary schools, then five high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 14% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
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 Camden’s grade
D−: better than 1% of New Jersey school districts, #462 of 465 New Jersey towns. Both inputs trail the New Jersey average; among the 16 New Jersey towns with similar household incomes, Camden’s schools place at the bottom.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Camden, with each school’s own grade.
Camden’s public schools are run by Camden 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
Camden vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Camden’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Camden | D− | Camden City |
| Pennsauken | D | Pennsauken Township |
| Gloucester City | C− | Gloucester City |
| Haddon | B | Haddon Township |
| Woodlynne | D | Woodlynne Borough |
| Collingswood | B− | Collingswood Borough |
Philadelphia, PA borders Camden but is graded on its own state’s tests, so it’s left out.
Every school in Camden
27 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Camden Virtua).
Questions about Camden’s schools
Are Camden’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Camden children attend score below 99% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade, #462 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they place at the bottom. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Camden in?
Camden City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 5,871 students in 16 schools (2024–25).
Where do Camden kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Eastside High School, Camden High School, Creative Arts High School, Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School and Camden Big Picture Learning Academy.
What is Camden’s graduation rate?
65% of the class of 2023 in Camden City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Camden spend per student?
$41,480 in Camden City School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Camden?
Yes: St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 376 students), St. Joseph Pro Cathedral School (Catholic, grades K–8, 336 students), Sacred Heart Grade School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 187 students), Holy Name School (Catholic, grades K–8, 145 students) and River Academy Camden (nonsectarian, grades 6–11, 20 students). Camden also has 3 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Camden families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Camden → 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.