The Mills at Jersey Gardens, originally and also still colloquially called Jersey Gardens, is a two-level indoor outlet mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Serving 4 students in grades 9-12, Simon Youth Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 57%).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 4 students
- Math Proficiency: <50%
- Reading Proficiency: <50%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Simon Youth Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Simon Youth Academy's student population of 4 students has declined by 80% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
4 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
1 teacher
School Rankings
The diversity score of Simon Youth Academy is 0.51, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)<50%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)<50%
57%
Hispanic
50%
35%
Black
50%
14%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch (22-23)
13%
31%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% NJ state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 57% NJ state average).
How many students attend Simon Youth Academy?
4 students attend Simon Youth Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Simon Youth Academy students are Hispanic, and 50% of students are Black.
What grades does Simon Youth Academy offer ?
Simon Youth Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Simon Youth Academy part of?
Simon Youth Academy is part of Union County Vocational-Technical School District.
School Reviews
Review Simon Youth Academy. 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
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.
