For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,767 students in South Plainfield, NJ (there are 4 private schools, serving 319 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in South Plainfield, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in South Plainfield, NJ are Roosevelt Elementary School, John F Kennedy Elementary School and South Plainfield Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Plainfield, NJ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the New Jersey public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in South Plainfield have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public school average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in South Plainfield, NJ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Roosevelt Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
135 Jackson Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: K-4 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #22.
John F Kennedy Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2900 Norwood Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: K-4 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #33.
South Plainfield Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2201 Plainfield Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: 7-8 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
South Plainfield High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
200 Lake Street
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: 9-12 | 1,044 student Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
John E. Riley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Morris Ave
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: K-4 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #66.
Grant Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
305 Cromwell Place
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: 5-6 | 568 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #77.
Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Franklin Ave
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: K-4 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: n/an/a
125 Jackson Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: PK | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
125 Jackson Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
(908) 754-4620
Gr: PK | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in South Plainfield, NJ?
The top-ranked public schools in South Plainfield, NJ include Roosevelt Elementary School, John F Kennedy Elementary School and South Plainfield Middle School.
How many public schools are located in South Plainfield?
9 public schools are located in South Plainfield.
What percentage of students in South Plainfield go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in South Plainfield are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Plainfield?
South Plainfield public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public schools average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in South Plainfield are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in South Plainfield include: John E. Riley Elementary School vs. John F Kennedy Elementary School, Grant Elementary School vs. South Plainfield Middle School, Franklin Elementary School vs. John E. Riley Elementary School
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.
