For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 10,728 students in 08861, NJ (there are 3 private schools, serving 562 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 08861, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in 08861, NJ are Perth Amboy Magnet School, Middlesex County Stem Charter School and Rose M. Lopez Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 08861 have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the New Jersey public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in 08861, NJ have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public school average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Best 08861, NJ Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Perth Amboy Magnet School
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
457 High Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6300
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6300
Gr: 9-12 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #22.
Middlesex County Stem Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
613 Carlock Ave
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(848) 242-1818
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(848) 242-1818
Gr: K-8 | 739 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Rose M. Lopez Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
435 Seaman Avenue
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6214
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6214
Gr: K-3 | 793 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
James J. Flynn Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
850 Chamberlain Avenue
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6080
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6080
Gr: K-5 | 599 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
51 First Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6070
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6070
Gr: K-5 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #66.
Perth Amboy High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
931 Convery Blvd
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6030
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6030
Gr: 9-12 | 2,769 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Edward J. Patten Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
500 Charles Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6050
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6050
Gr: K-5 | 649 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Anthony V. Ceres Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
445 State Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6020
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6020
Gr: K-5 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #99.
Samuel E. Shull Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
380 Hall Avenue
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6060
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6060
Gr: 6-8 | 941 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1010.
Herbert N. Richardson 21st Century School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
318 Stockton Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6010
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6010
Gr: K-5 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1111.
William C. Mcginnis Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
271 State Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6040
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6040
Gr: 6-8 | 984 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1212.
Academy For Urban Leadership Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
612 Amboy Ave
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(848) 203-3742
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(848) 203-3742
Gr: 7-12 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
925 Amboy Avenue
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-5460
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-5460
Gr: PK | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
601 Cortlandt St
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6250
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 376-6250
Gr: PK | 577 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 08861, NJ?
The top-ranked public schools in 08861, NJ include Perth Amboy Magnet School, Middlesex County Stem Charter School and Rose M. Lopez Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 08861?
14 public schools are located in 08861.
What percentage of students in 08861 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 08861 are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in 08861?
08861 public schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public schools average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
