Serving 650 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, James F. Murray 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 20% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 650 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James F. Murray School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
James F. Murray School's student population of 650 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
650 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
I Believe I can Achieve. I Strive to Inspire others. I Care about my Success!
School Rankings
James F. Murray School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James F. Murray School is 0.77, which is more 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
#1598 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
16%
10%
Hispanic
26%
34%
Black
32%
15%
White
20%
38%
Hawaiian
4%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
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 James F. Murray School's ranking?
James F. Murray School is ranked #1598 out of 2,184 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?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend James F. Murray School?
650 students attend James F. Murray School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of James F. Murray School students are Black, 26% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 16% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Hawaiian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of James F. Murray School?
James F. Murray School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does James F. Murray School offer ?
James F. Murray School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James F. Murray School part of?
James F. Murray School is part of Jersey City School District.
In what neighborhood is James F. Murray School located?
James F. Murray School is located in the Hackensack River Waterfront neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ. There are 1 other public schools located in Hackensack River Waterfront.
School Reviews
5 3/9/2022
Very good school.
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