Serving 665 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, School 21 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 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 665 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: NUMBER 21 serves the northeast part of Paterson, NJ, encompassing an area of approximately 0.2 square miles. Parents can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with most residents living within 0.4 miles of the school’s edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
School 21's student population of 665 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
665 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
School 21 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 School 21 is 0.35, 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
#2170 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
Asian
1%
11%
Hispanic
78%
35%
Black
21%
14%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.5%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is School 21's ranking?
School 21 is ranked #2170 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?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend School 21?
665 students attend School 21.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of School 21 students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of School 21?
School 21 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does School 21 offer ?
School 21 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is School 21 part of?
School 21 is part of Paterson Public School District.
School Reviews
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