Serving 318 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Dr. Paul Rafalides 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 25-29% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 318 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dr. Paul Rafalides School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Dr. Paul Rafalides School's student population of 318 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
318 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1909
School Motto
Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow
School Rankings
Dr. Paul Rafalides 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 Dr. Paul Rafalides School is 0.77, which is more 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
#1435 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
Asian
15%
11%
Hispanic
29%
35%
Black
23%
14%
White
27%
37%
Hawaiian
3%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr. Paul Rafalides School's ranking?
Dr. Paul Rafalides School is ranked #1435 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?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Dr. Paul Rafalides School?
318 students attend Dr. Paul Rafalides School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of Dr. Paul Rafalides School students are Hispanic, 27% of students are White, 23% of students are Black, 15% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dr. Paul Rafalides School?
Dr. Paul Rafalides School has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Dr. Paul Rafalides School offer ?
Dr. Paul Rafalides School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dr. Paul Rafalides School part of?
Dr. Paul Rafalides School is part of Jersey City School District.
In what neighborhood is Dr. Paul Rafalides School located?
Dr. Paul Rafalides School is located in the West Side neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ. There are 6 other public schools located in West Side.
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