Serving 658 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Herma S. Simmons Elementary 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 11% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 26%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 658 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School's student population of 658 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 59 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
658 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
59 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,183 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is 0.68, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1768 out of 2183 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
26%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
47%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
15%
32%
Black
24%
15%
White
48%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
30%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School's ranking?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is ranked #1768 out of 2,183 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?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 26% NJ state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NJ state average).
How many students attend Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?
658 students attend Herma S. Simmons Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Herma S. Simmons Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Herma S. Simmons Elementary School?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Herma S. Simmons Elementary School offer ?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Herma S. Simmons Elementary School part of?
Herma S. Simmons Elementary School is part of Clayton Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Herma S. Simmons Elementary School. 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
Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
From ensuring academic standards to assessing student readiness for college and career, readers will gain insights into the potential benefits of these exams. However, the article also delves into concerns such as increased stress on students, potential biases in testing, and the limitations of standardized assessments in capturing the full spectrum of student abilities. With a balanced perspective and expert analysis, this resource offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding public school exit exams, empowering them to engage in informed discussions and decision-making regarding education policy and practice.
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
Discover how all-girl public high schools are making waves in education, fostering confidence and enhancing college success among young women. This article explores the unique benefits of single-gender education, from creating a supportive environment free from gender stereotypes to offering tailored academic programs that empower girls to excel. Learn how these schools cultivate leadership skills, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community, setting students on a path to thrive in college and beyond. With insights from educators and success stories from graduates, uncover the transformative impact of all-girl public high schools on female empowerment and educational attainment.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.