Serving 333 students in grades 6-8, John L. Costley Middle 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 2% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 14% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 333 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John L. Costley Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
John L. Costley Middle School's student population of 333 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
333 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
John L. Costley Middle 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 John L. Costley Middle School is 0.34, 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
#2171 out of 2201 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
19%
33%
Black
79%
15%
White
1%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John L. Costley Middle School's ranking?
John L. Costley Middle School is ranked #2171 out of 2,201 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
2% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% NJ state average), while 14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend John L. Costley Middle School?
333 students attend John L. Costley Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of John L. Costley Middle School students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of John L. Costley Middle School?
John L. Costley Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does John L. Costley Middle School offer ?
John L. Costley Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is John L. Costley Middle School part of?
John L. Costley Middle School is part of East Orange School District.
School Reviews
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