Photo: LTwomey02 · CC BY-SA 3.0Clayton’s public schools score below 76% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Clayton’s districts is 15%, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Clayton, 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 98% 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.
Clayton’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 375 New Jersey towns with household incomes within a quarter of Clayton’s, its schools beat 30%, higher than their 24% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 31% of tested students were proficient in reading and 15% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey (the state reports Clayton’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $24,273 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Clayton Middle School, then Clayton High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Michael the Archangel Regional 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 Clayton’s grade
C−: better than 24% of New Jersey school districts, #371 of 465 New Jersey towns. Graduation is above the New Jersey average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Clayton, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Clayton
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 715 students · 12:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Clayton
Clayton Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 299 students · 10:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Clayton
Clayton Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 299 students · 10:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Clayton
Clayton Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 299 students · 10:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Clayton
Clayton High School
Grades 9–12 · 431 students · 12:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Clayton
Clayton High School
Grades 9–12 · 431 students · 12:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Clayton
Clayton High School
Grades 9–12 · 431 students · 12:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Clayton
Clayton High School
Grades 9–12 · 431 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Clayton’s public schools are run by Clayton Borough 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
Clayton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Clayton’s borders.
Every school in Clayton
4 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 Clayton’s schools
Are Clayton’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Clayton children attend score below 76% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #371 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 30%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Clayton in?
Clayton Borough School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,445 students in 3 schools (2024–25).
Where do Clayton kids go to high school?
Clayton High School, with 431 students; its own test results earn a C+.
What is Clayton’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Clayton Borough School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Clayton spend per student?
$24,273 in Clayton Borough School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Clayton?
Yes: St. Michael the Archangel Regional School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 205 students).
Parents talk
What Clayton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Clayton → 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.