Serving 685 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Herma S. Simmons Elementary 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 29% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 685 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School's student population of 685 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 69 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
685 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
69 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Mascot
Eagles
School Rankings
Herma S. Simmons Elementary 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 Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is 0.69, 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
#1486 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
18%
34%
Black
24%
15%
White
47%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagles
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School's ranking?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is ranked #1486 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?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?
685 students attend Herma S. Simmons Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Herma S. Simmons Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Herma S. Simmons Elementary School offer ?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School part of?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is part of Clayton 51±¬ÁÏ District.
School Reviews
Review Herma S. Simmons Elementary 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
Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
