The Mills at Jersey Gardens, originally and also still colloquially called Jersey Gardens, is a two-level indoor outlet mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Serving 12 students in grades 9-12, Simon Youth Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 57%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 12 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Math Proficiency: <50%
- Reading Proficiency: <50%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Simon Youth Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Simon Youth Academy's student population of 12 students has declined by 40% over five school years.
The teacher population of 1 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
12 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
1 teacher
School Rankings
The diversity score of Simon Youth Academy is 0.49, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)<50%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)<50%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
67%
34%
Black
8%
15%
White
25%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
31%
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 percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% NJ state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 57% NJ state average).
How many students attend Simon Youth Academy?
12 students attend Simon Youth Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Simon Youth Academy students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, and 8% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Simon Youth Academy?
Simon Youth Academy has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Simon Youth Academy offer ?
Simon Youth Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Simon Youth Academy part of?
Simon Youth Academy is part of Union County Vocational-Technical School District.
School Reviews
Review Simon Youth 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
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.
