Photo: JackTheVicar · CC BY-SA 3.0Newton’s public schools score below 61% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 24% of Newton’s students scored proficient, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Newton, 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 94% 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.
Newton’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 249 New Jersey towns with household incomes within a quarter of Newton’s, its schools beat 69%, higher than their 39% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 45% of tested students were proficient in reading and 24% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 94% 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 Newton’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $25,441 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 5 the district’s path is Halsted Middle School, then Newton High School. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Lakeland Andover 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 Newton’s grade
C+: better than 39% of New Jersey school districts, #300 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 Newton, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Newton
Merriam Avenue School
Grades PK–4 · 483 students · 10:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Newton
Halsted Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 280 students · 8:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Newton
Halsted Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 280 students · 8:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Newton
Halsted Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 280 students · 8:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Newton
Halsted Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 280 students · 8:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Newton
Newton High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Newton
Newton High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 11:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Newton
Newton High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 11:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Newton
Newton High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Newton’s public schools are run by Newton Town 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.
Below the state in reading
Newton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Newton’s borders.
Every school in Newton
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 Newton’s schools
Are Newton’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Newton children attend score below 61% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #300 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 69%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Newton in?
Newton Town School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,443 students in 3 schools (2024–25).
Where do Newton kids go to high school?
Newton High School, with 680 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Newton’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Newton Town School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Newton spend per student?
$25,441 in Newton Town School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Newton?
Yes: Lakeland Andover School (special education, grades 7–12, 26 students).
Parents talk
What Newton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Newton → 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.