Serving 87 students in grades 9-12, Hillcrest Academy-south 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 ≤20% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is equal to the New Jersey state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 87 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 11-19%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20%
- Reading Proficiency: <50%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hillcrest Academy-south's student population of 87 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
87 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Hillcrest Academy-south is 0.46, 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)
(15-16)≤20%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(15-16)<50%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
69%
35%
Black
25%
14%
White
6%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(10-11)11-19%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% NJ state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hillcrest Academy-south?
The graduation rate of Hillcrest Academy-south is 11-19%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 86%.
How many students attend Hillcrest Academy-south?
87 students attend Hillcrest Academy-south.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Hillcrest Academy-south students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, and 6% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hillcrest Academy-south?
Hillcrest Academy-south has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Hillcrest Academy-south offer ?
Hillcrest Academy-south offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hillcrest Academy-south part of?
Hillcrest Academy-south is part of Union County Educational Services Commission School District.
School Reviews
Review Hillcrest Academy-south. 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
