Top Rankings
South Orange-Maplewood School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,318 students in South Orange-Maplewood School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public pre schools in New Jersey.
Public Preschools in South Orange-Maplewood School District have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the New Jersey public pre school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the New Jersey public preschool average of 64% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (NJ)
# Schools
10 Schools
923 Schools
# Students
6,673 Students
368,793 Students
# Teachers
596 Teachers
33,264 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
South Orange-Maplewood School District, which is ranked within the top 30% 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 91% has decreased from 94% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#173 out of 648 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
23%
Graduation Rate
91%
85%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.64
0.71
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
4%
8%
% Hispanic
10%
36%
% Black
23%
16%
% White
54%
36%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
9%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $25,466 in this school district is less than the state median of $26,940. The school district revenue/student has grown by 15% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $23,882 is less than the state median of $25,837. The school district spending/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$170 MM
$36,642 MM
Spending
$159 MM
$35,142 MM
Revenue / Student
$25,466
$26,940
Spending / Student
$23,882
$25,837
Best South Orange-Maplewood School District Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
444 West South Orange Ave
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-5216
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-5216
Gr: PK-5 | 650 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #22.
Clinton Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
27 Berkshire Rd
Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 378-7686
Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 378-7686
Gr: PK-5 | 572 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
358 Clark Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 762-5600
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 762-5600
Gr: PK | 96 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
