Serving 713 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Rafael Hernandez 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 8% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 13% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 713 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rafael Hernandez School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Rafael Hernandez School's student population of 713 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
713 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Cultivating Respect, Responsibility, Reflection, Resiliency and Inspiring a Renaissance
School Rankings
Rafael Hernandez 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 Rafael Hernandez School is 0.32, 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
#2100 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
11%
Hispanic
81%
35%
Black
15%
14%
White
3%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Newark Public School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rafael Hernandez School's ranking?
Rafael Hernandez School is ranked #2100 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?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 13% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Rafael Hernandez School?
713 students attend Rafael Hernandez School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Rafael Hernandez School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rafael Hernandez School?
Rafael Hernandez School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Rafael Hernandez School offer ?
Rafael Hernandez School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rafael Hernandez School part of?
Rafael Hernandez School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Rafael Hernandez School located?
Rafael Hernandez School is located in the Mount Pleasant And Lower Broadway neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 2 other public schools located in Mount Pleasant And Lower Broadway.
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