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 2,145 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 3% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 36%). 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 17:1 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 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,145 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 68% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Plainfield High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Plainfield High School's student population of 2,145 students has grown by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 129 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,145 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
129 teachers
Year Founded
1857
Colors
Royal blue, Scarlet
School Rankings
Plainfield High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,201 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Plainfield High School is 0.32, 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
#2144 out of 2201 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
81%
34%
Black
17%
15%
White
1%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
68%
85%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
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 Plainfield High School's ranking?
Plainfield High School is ranked #2144 out of 2,201 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?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% 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 68%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Plainfield High School?
2,145 students attend Plainfield High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Plainfield High School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Plainfield High School?
Plainfield High School has a student ration of 17:1, 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.
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