Serving 1,010 students in grades 6-8, Howard M. Phifer Middle 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 17% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher 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 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,010 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Howard M. Phifer Middle School's student population of 1,010 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,010 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
School Rankings
Howard M. Phifer Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,201 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Howard M. Phifer Middle School is 0.58, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1773 out of 2201 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
9%
10%
Hispanic
60%
34%
Black
22%
15%
White
6%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howard M. Phifer Middle School's ranking?
Howard M. Phifer Middle School is ranked #1773 out of 2,201 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Howard M. Phifer Middle School often compared to?
Howard M. Phifer Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pennsauken Intermediate School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% NJ state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Howard M. Phifer Middle School?
1,010 students attend Howard M. Phifer Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Howard M. Phifer Middle School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 9% of students are Asian, 6% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Howard M. Phifer Middle School?
Howard M. Phifer Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Howard M. Phifer Middle School offer ?
Howard M. Phifer Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Howard M. Phifer Middle School part of?
Howard M. Phifer Middle School is part of Pennsauken Township Board Of Education School District.
School Reviews
2 3/21/2020
I do not like this school it's very crowded and some teachers are not fun and the students are HORRIBLE.
5 2/21/2019
I do recomind this school the teacher are very nice. Also they give like 3 benchmarks and test so they do give out alot a test, maybe not a lot of homework but I get an A ir an A- sometimes a B+ .
2 1/6/2015
I am a 8th grade student attending Phifer. And I would never in a million years recommend this school to anyone. Most teachers do not care about the work and most students don't care also. Phifer is full of rowdy, uneducated children!! Also, some teachers give very little homework or tests.
Review Howard M. Phifer Middle 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
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.
