John F. Kennedy Educational Complex is a four-year public high school in Paterson, United States, that serves the western section of Paterson. Kennedy High School, which serves students in ninth through twelfth grade, is a part of the Paterson Public Schools.
Serving 1,846 students in grades 9-12, John F. Kennedy 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 2% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 12% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,846 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
John F. Kennedy High School's student population of 1,846 students has grown by 216% over five school years.
The teacher population of 138 teachers has grown by 181% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,846 students
Total Classroom Teachers
138 teachers
Year Founded
1965
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
John F. Kennedy High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John F. Kennedy High School is 0.48, 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
#2165 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
11%
Hispanic
70%
35%
Black
15%
14%
White
6%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
85%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Paterson Public School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John F. Kennedy High School's ranking?
John F. Kennedy High School is ranked #2165 out of 2,184 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 38% NJ state average), while 12% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of John F. Kennedy High School?
The graduation rate of John F. Kennedy High School is 90%, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend John F. Kennedy High School?
1,846 students attend John F. Kennedy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of John F. Kennedy High School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 8% of students are Asian, 6% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John F. Kennedy High School?
John F. Kennedy High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does John F. Kennedy High School offer ?
John F. Kennedy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is John F. Kennedy High School part of?
John F. Kennedy High School is part of Paterson Public School District.
School Reviews
Review John F. Kennedy 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
