James J. Ferris High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school serving students in ninth through twelfth grades from Jersey City in Hudson County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, operated as part of the Jersey City Public Schools.
Serving 1,364 students in grades 9-12, James J Ferris High 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 13% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,364 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James J Ferris High School serves the eastern part of Jersey City, NJ, covering an attendance area of approximately 2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 1.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
James J Ferris High School's student population of 1,364 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 100 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,364 students
Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
Colors
White, Green, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
James J Ferris High 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 J Ferris High School is 0.63, 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
#1932 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
12%
11%
Hispanic
55%
35%
Black
21%
14%
White
11%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
85%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James J Ferris High School's ranking?
James J Ferris High School is ranked #1932 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are James J Ferris High School often compared to?
James J Ferris High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like William L Dickinson High School, Henry Snyder High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of James J Ferris High School?
The graduation rate of James J Ferris High School is 84%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend James J Ferris High School?
1,364 students attend James J Ferris High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of James J Ferris High School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 12% of students are Asian, 11% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James J Ferris High School?
James J Ferris High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does James J Ferris High School offer ?
James J Ferris High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James J Ferris High School part of?
James J Ferris High School is part of Jersey City School District.
In what neighborhood is James J Ferris High School located?
James J Ferris High School is located in the Downtown Jersey City neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ. There are 7 other public schools located in Downtown Jersey City.
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