Photo: Princewill121 · CC BY-SA 4.0Garfield’s public schools score below 64% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
27% of students in Garfield’s public schools are proficient in math, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Garfield, 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 96% 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.
Garfield’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 276 New Jersey towns with household incomes within a quarter of Garfield’s, its schools beat 64%, higher than their 36% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 42% of tested students were proficient in reading and 27% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $28,530 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Six elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Garfield Middle School, then Garfield High School. Enrollment is up 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Bergen Arts and Sciences Charter School and Margaret P Muscarelle Child Development Center (private) are 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 Garfield’s grade
C+: better than 36% of New Jersey school districts, #315 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 Garfield, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Garfield
Garfield Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 971 students · 11:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Garfield
Garfield Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 971 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Garfield
Garfield Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 971 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Garfield
Garfield High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,258 students · 13:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Garfield
Garfield High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,258 students · 13:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Garfield
Garfield High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,258 students · 13:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Garfield
Garfield High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,258 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Garfield’s public schools are run by Garfield 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
Garfield vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Garfield’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Garfield | C+ | Garfield City |
| Wallington | B | Wallington Borough |
| Lodi | B+ | Lodi Borough |
| South Hackensack | B+ | South Hackensack Township |
| Clifton | C− | Clifton City |
| Passaic | D | Passaic City |
| Saddle Brook | B | Saddle Brook Township |
| Elmwood Park | C | Elmwood Park Borough |
Every school in Garfield
13 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 Garfield’s schools
Are Garfield’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Garfield children attend score below 64% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #315 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 64%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Garfield in?
Garfield City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,762 students in 11 schools (2024–25).
Where do Garfield kids go to high school?
Garfield High School, with 1,258 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Garfield’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Garfield City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Garfield spend per student?
$28,530 in Garfield City School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Garfield?
Yes: Margaret P Muscarelle Child Development Center (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 32 students). Garfield also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Garfield families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Garfield → 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.