South Orange Middle School

70 North Ridgewood Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
(School attendance zone shown in map)
7/
10
Top 50%
Serving 752 students in grades 6-8, South Orange Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 752 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : Top 50% in NJ
  • : 44% (Top 50%)
  • : 69% (Top 20%)
  • : 29% (Top 50%)
  • : South Orange Middle School serves a central area in South Orange, NJ, encompassing approximately 4.1 square miles. Typically, it takes 5-10 minutes to drive to the school, with an average distance of 1.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 2 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

South Orange Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

South Orange Middle School's student population of 752 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
752 students
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers

School Rankings

South Orange Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Orange Middle School is 0.63, 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.
This School
State Level (NJ)
#666 out of 2184 schools
(Top 50%)
44%
38%
69%
49%
29%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
11%
Hispanic
9%
35%
Black
20%
14%
White
56%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
0.63
(22-23)
10.5%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Orange Middle School's ranking?
South Orange Middle School is ranked #666 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are South Orange Middle School often compared to?
South Orange Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Maplewood Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend South Orange Middle School?
752 students attend South Orange Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of South Orange Middle School students are White, 20% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Orange Middle School?
South Orange Middle School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does South Orange Middle School offer ?
South Orange Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Orange Middle School part of?
South Orange Middle School is part of South Orange-Maplewood School District.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 752 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 44% (Top 50%)
  • : 69% (Top 20%)
  • : 29% (Top 50%)
  • : South Orange Middle School serves a central area in South Orange, NJ, encompassing approximately 4.1 square miles. Typically, it takes 5-10 minutes to drive to the school, with an average distance of 1.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 2 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education

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