Malcolm X Shabazz High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school in Newark in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, as part of the Newark Public Schools. Founded as South Side High School in 1912, the school was renamed in 1972 in memory of Malcolm X.
Serving 531 students in grades 9-12, Malcolm X Shabazz 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11-19% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 531 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Malcolm X Shabazz High School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Newark, NJ, encompassing approximately 25.9 square miles. Typically, families can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 4.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Malcolm X Shabazz High School's student population of 531 students has grown by 47% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
531 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1912
School Calendar
School Rankings
Malcolm X Shabazz 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 Malcolm X Shabazz High School is 0.50, 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
#2136 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
39%
35%
Black
59%
14%
White
1%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
85%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)4.7%
16.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Gold
School Mascot
Bulldogs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malcolm X Shabazz High School's ranking?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is ranked #2136 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Malcolm X Shabazz High School often compared to?
Malcolm X Shabazz High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Weequahic High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 11-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Malcolm X Shabazz High School?
The graduation rate of Malcolm X Shabazz High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Malcolm X Shabazz High School?
531 students attend Malcolm X Shabazz High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Malcolm X Shabazz High School students are Black, 39% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Malcolm X Shabazz High School?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Malcolm X Shabazz High School offer ?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Malcolm X Shabazz High School part of?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Malcolm X Shabazz High School located?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is located in the South Broad Street neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 1 other public schools located in South Broad Street.
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