Serving 334 students in grades 6-8, John L. Costley 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 2% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 14% (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 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 334 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: John L. Costley Middle School serves the entire district of East Orange, NJ, covering an area of approximately 3.9 square miles. Families can typically expect a short drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with most students living about 1.3 miles away from its edges, while the furthest point is located 2.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
John L. Costley Middle School's student population of 334 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
334 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Developing Leaders One Student at a Time.
School Rankings
John L. Costley Middle 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 John L. Costley Middle School 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#2159 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
11%
Hispanic
23%
35%
Black
70%
14%
White
4%
37%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.5%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John L. Costley Middle School's ranking?
John L. Costley Middle School is ranked #2159 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?
2% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend John L. Costley Middle School?
334 students attend John L. Costley Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of John L. Costley Middle School students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John L. Costley Middle School?
John L. Costley Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does John L. Costley Middle School offer ?
John L. Costley Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is John L. Costley Middle School part of?
John L. Costley Middle School is part of East Orange School District.
School Reviews
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