Top Rankings
Clayton 51±¬ÁÏ District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 685 students in Clayton 51±¬ÁÏ District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public pre schools in New Jersey.
Public Preschool in Clayton 51±¬ÁÏ District have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the New Jersey public pre school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the New Jersey public preschool average of 64% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (NJ)
# Schools
3 Schools
923 Schools
# Students
1,477 Students
368,793 Students
# Teachers
133 Teachers
33,264 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Clayton 51±¬ÁÏ District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 645 school districts in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#551 out of 648 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
23%
Graduation Rate
92%
85%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.70
0.71
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
8%
% Hispanic
18%
36%
% Black
26%
16%
% White
45%
36%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $21,322 in this school district is less than the state median of $26,940. The school district revenue/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $19,259 is less than the state median of $25,837. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$32 MM
$36,642 MM
Spending
$28 MM
$35,142 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,322
$26,940
Spending / Student
$19,259
$25,837
Best Clayton 51±¬ÁÏ District Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 West Chestnut Street
Clayton, NJ 08312
(856) 881-8704
Clayton, NJ 08312
(856) 881-8704
Gr: PK-5 | 685 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Recent Articles
51±¬ÁÏ Cybersecurity: Ransomware Risks & Student Data Protection
Learn how public schools address cybersecurity, ransomware threats, and student data protection in 2026, and what parents should know about digital safety.
Teacher Housing Initiatives: How Districts Address Affordability
Teacher housing initiatives are helping school districts address affordability challenges while improving recruitment and retention.
Teacher Shortage Solutions That Are Working in 2026
Teacher shortage solutions that are working in 2026. Discover grow-your-own programs, teacher residencies, alternative certification, and recruitment strategies.
