Plainfield High School

950 Park Avenue
Plainfield, NJ 07060
(School attendance zone shown in map)
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Plainfield High School is a comprehensive community four-year public high school that serves students in ninth through twelfth grades from Plainfield, in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The school is part of the Plainfield Public School District, one of New Jersey's 31 former Abbott districts.
Serving 2,077 students in grades 9-12, Plainfield 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 6% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 16% (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 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,077 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 99%
  • : 64% (Btm 50% in NJ)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 6% (Btm 50%)
  • : 16% (Btm 50%)
  • : 8% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education

School Overview

Plainfield High School's student population of 2,077 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 156 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,077 students
Total Classroom Teachers
156 teachers
Year Founded
1857
Colors
Royal blue, Scarlet
School Calendar

School Rankings

Plainfield 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 Plainfield High School is 0.30, 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.
This School
State Level (NJ)
#2115 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
6%
38%
16%
49%
8%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
82%
35%
Black
16%
14%
White
1%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
0.30
64%
85%
(22-23)
41.5%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plainfield High School's ranking?
Plainfield High School is ranked #2115 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Plainfield High School often compared to?
Plainfield High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Plainfield High School, South Plainfield High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 16% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Plainfield High School?
The graduation rate of Plainfield High School is 64%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Plainfield High School?
2,077 students attend Plainfield High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Plainfield High School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Plainfield High School?
Plainfield High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Plainfield High School offer ?
Plainfield High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Plainfield High School part of?
Plainfield High School is part of Plainfield Public School District.

School Reviews

Review Plainfield High 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,077 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 99%
  • : 64% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 6% (Btm 50%)
  • : 16% (Btm 50%)
  • : 8% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education

Request Information

Quick Links