University High School of Humanities is a six-year public high school serving students in seventh through twelfth grades in Newark, in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, as part of the Newark Public Schools.
Serving 426 students in grades 8-12, University High School 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 10-14% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 426 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: University High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire Newark school district, covering approximately 25.9 square miles. Most students typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being 2.8 miles and the furthest edge located 5.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
University High School's student population of 426 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
426 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1977
School Calendar
School Rankings
University High School 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 University High School 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
#1588 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
49%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
11%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
21%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
77%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
1%
37%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90-94%
90.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)2.8%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Burgundy, Silver
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School's ranking?
University High School is ranked #1588 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are University High School often compared to?
University High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Science Park High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of University High School?
The graduation rate of University High School is 90-94%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 90.5%.
How many students attend University High School?
426 students attend University High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of University High School students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University High School?
University High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does University High School offer ?
University High School offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is University High School part of?
University High School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is University High School located?
University High School is located in the Upper Clinton Hill neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 2 other public schools located in Upper Clinton Hill.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
University High School has the best academic programs i have seen in a school. Not to mention that their sports teams all have at least a 2.3 gpa rule that all of their student must adheree to. From personal experience i can tell you that Mr. Leon does everything he can it get parents involved with the school. University is definitely a excellent school on all parts.
5 10/10/2025
I would reccomend this school to students who want to go to a good college rather than science or technology's outdated college entrance teams. This is one of the last magnet high schools in the state of New Jersey. So I recomend it. It has the Arts such as chorus and band. It also has a good social atmosphere which is always beneficial for girls and boys (Rating... Girls:Good... Boys:Nice). Parent involvement: Low. However it is able to be changed. It has a good reward system for making honor roll and perfect attendance. Lacks football, soccer, hockey,tennis, wrestling, swimming, rugby, squash, bowling, and lacrose. They have basketball and Mens and womans track and feild (rating: alright). They also have a variety of clubs but it is centered around the humanities such as debate or chess which is the schools focus. It also has a french and spanish club and offers the languages. The school is headed in the right direction but it will be a lot better with a new school building. Hopefully it will come soon. Otherwise the school is decent for those who play sports it is still a fine school that will lead you to a good future and will not hold your hand. You sould come to this school if you want to be a credit to the school insted of vice versa. Thank you for reading. And good luck!
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