Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is a public high school in Elizabeth, New Jersey in Union County in the United States, specializing in the visual, performing, and media arts. Located in historic Midtown, the school serves students in ninth through twelfth grades as part of the Elizabeth Public Schools.
Serving 1,144 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Jefferson Arts 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 13% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher 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 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,144 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy's attendance zone covers the entire school district of Elizabeth, NJ, encompassing approximately 13.7 square miles. The typical drive to the school ranges from 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of about 2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy's student population of 1,144 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,144 students
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Year Founded
1928
School Calendar
School Rankings
Thomas Jefferson Arts 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 Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is 0.39, 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
#1387 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
76%
35%
Black
17%
14%
White
7%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
85%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.8%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Mascot
The Liberty
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy's ranking?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is ranked #1387 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy often compared to?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Elizabeth High School - Frank J Cicarell Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy?
The graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is 88%, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy?
1,144 students attend Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, and 7% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy offer ?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy part of?
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is part of Elizabeth School District.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy is a great school for students who want to show their creative side in different ways. The teachers are nice and they take their time to teach is in the best way possible.
Review Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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