Best Public Schools in Zip Code 07501

The 07501 zip code of Paterson, New Jersey is home to 19 schools, including 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. This diverse school system serves a wide range of students, with some standout performers like College Achieve Paterson Charter School, Paterson Arts and Science Charter School, and Community Charter School of Paterson outpacing the Paterson Public School District and the state of New Jersey on key academic metrics.

The charter schools in the area stand out for their strong performance, with significantly higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics compared to the district and state averages. For example, in 2023-2024, 90.9% of 5th graders at College Achieve Paterson Charter School were proficient or better in ELA, compared to just 52.3% statewide. Similarly, Paterson Arts and Science Charter School and Community Charter School of Paterson have outperformed their peers in ELA proficiency.

While the charter schools are excelling, the traditional public schools in the Paterson Public School District are struggling, with all of them ranked in the bottom half of the state and several in the bottom 10% of New Jersey elementary and high schools. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue across all schools in the area, with a consistent rate of 16.6% in 2022-2023, which likely contributes to the overall academic challenges. The data highlights the need for systemic improvements and additional resources to support student success in the Paterson school system.