Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0Trenton’s public schools score below almost every New Jersey district on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 7% of Trenton’s students scored proficient, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Trenton, 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.
Trenton’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 11% of tested students were proficient in reading and 7% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 91% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
61% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $22,736 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
13 elementary schools, then three middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 9% since 2022–23. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
International Charter School, The Village Charter School, Foundation Academy Charter School, Paul Robeson Charter School for the Humanities, Achievers Early College Prep Charter School and Al Taleem Academy (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 Trenton’s grade
D−: better than 0% of New Jersey school districts, last of 465 New Jersey towns. Both inputs trail the New Jersey average; among the 61 New Jersey towns with similar household incomes, Trenton’s schools place at the bottom.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Trenton, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Trenton · depends on your address
Grace A Dunn Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 703 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 650 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Arthur J. Holland Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 474 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Trenton · depends on your address
Grace A Dunn Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 703 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 650 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Arthur J. Holland Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 474 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Trenton · depends on your address
Trenton Central High School-9th Grade Academy
Grades 9 · 890 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Capital City High School
Grades 9–12 · 756 students · 19:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Trenton · depends on your address
Trenton Central High School - Main Campus
Grades 10–12 · 2,097 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Capital City High School
Grades 9–12 · 756 students · 19:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Trenton · depends on your address
Trenton Central High School - Main Campus
Grades 10–12 · 2,097 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Capital City High School
Grades 9–12 · 756 students · 19:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Trenton · depends on your address
Trenton Central High School - Main Campus
Grades 10–12 · 2,097 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Capital City High School
Grades 9–12 · 756 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Trenton’s public schools are run by Trenton 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
Trenton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Trenton’s borders.
Every school in Trenton
31 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: 3 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Ann Klein Forensic Center, Trenton Psychiatric Hospital and New Jersey State Prison).
Questions about Trenton’s schools
Are Trenton’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Trenton children attend score below 100% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade. 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 Trenton in?
Trenton City School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 13,549 students in 25 schools (2024–25).
Where do Trenton kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Trenton Central High School - Main Campus and Capital City High School.
What is Trenton’s graduation rate?
61% of the class of 2023 in Trenton City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Trenton spend per student?
$22,736 in Trenton City School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Trenton?
Yes: Al Taleem Academy (religious, grades PK–8, 41 students). Trenton also has 5 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Trenton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Trenton → 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.