Serving 413 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Shelia Y. Oliver Academy 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 20% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 413 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy's student population of 413 students has grown by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
413 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Campus Size
5 acres
School Motto
Developing Leaders One Student at a Time.
School Rankings
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy 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 Shelia Y. Oliver Academy is 0.37, 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
#1836 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
11%
Hispanic
16%
35%
Black
78%
14%
White
2%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.9%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
12%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shelia Y. Oliver Academy's ranking?
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy is ranked #1836 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?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Shelia Y. Oliver Academy?
413 students attend Shelia Y. Oliver Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Shelia Y. Oliver Academy students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shelia Y. Oliver Academy?
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Shelia Y. Oliver Academy offer ?
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shelia Y. Oliver Academy part of?
Shelia Y. Oliver Academy is part of East Orange School District.
School Reviews
Review Shelia Y. Oliver Academy. 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
Recent Articles
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
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
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.
