Excel High School vs. J U Blacksher School

Excel High School, a Union County NJ high school, ranked #710 in the state in 2023, improving from #766 in 2022 and #838 in 2021, showing a positive trend in overall ranking.

Math proficiency was 24% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, though it outperformed the district's 18%; reading proficiency was 37%, lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency was 32%, approximately equal to the state average of 38%.

Enrollment remained stable around 1,015 students with a student–teacher ratio of 19:1, and minority enrollment was 28%, reflecting demographic consistency.

The school served grades Pre–K through 12 with 54 teachers, and 62% of students qualified for free lunch, indicating a substantial low–income student population.

Graduation rates held between 85% and 89% recently, slightly below the state average of 88%, positioning in the bottom 50% statewide for graduation performance.

J U Blacksher School, a Union County NJ high school serving grades PK–12 with 726 students, ranked #833 in the state in 2023, reflecting fluctuations over the past decade between #714 and #1104.

Math proficiency at J U Blacksher declined to 15% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 40%, also lower than the state average of 47%.

Science proficiency ranged from 35% to 39% in recent years, approximately equal to the state average of 38%, showing relative stability compared to other subjects.

Enrollment rose gradually from 420 students in 1999 to 726 in 2023, with minority enrollment steady at around 39% and 59% of students eligible for free lunch in 2023, indicating significant socioeconomic need.

The school maintained a student–teacher ratio near 19:1 in recent years with a graduation rate between 70–74%, below the state average of about 88%, signaling ongoing challenges in academic outcomes at this New Jersey public high school.