Serving 1,345 students in grades 9-12, James J Ferris High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,345 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James J Ferris High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
James J Ferris High School's student population of 1,345 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 94 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,345 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
94 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
James J Ferris High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,201 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James J Ferris High School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2013 out of 2201 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
36%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
49%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
23%

Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1

American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
10%

Hispanic
55%
34%

Black
23%
15%

White
11%
38%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%

All Ethnic Groups



Graduation Rate
81%
85%

Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
58%
32%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James J Ferris High School's ranking?
James J Ferris High School is ranked #2013 out of 2,201 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are James J Ferris High School often compared to?
James J Ferris High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like William L Dickinson High School, Henry Snyder High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% NJ state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of James J Ferris High School?
The graduation rate of James J Ferris High School is 81%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend James J Ferris High School?
1,345 students attend James J Ferris High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of James J Ferris High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, 11% of students are White, 10% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of James J Ferris High School?
James J Ferris High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does James J Ferris High School offer ?
James J Ferris High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is James J Ferris High School part of?
James J Ferris High School is part of Jersey City School District.
In what neighborhood is James J Ferris High School located?
James J Ferris High School is located in the Downtown Jersey City neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ. There are 7 other public schools located in Downtown Jersey City.
School Reviews
Review James J Ferris High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.