The top reported proficiency rate is 67% in English language arts. The lowest is 18% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on North Star Academy Charter School
North Star Academy Charter School is a single-school charter district in Essex County, New Jersey, serving kindergarten through twelfth grade. As a charter school it operates independently of any local district, and its enrollment draws from families who choose it across the county. The school serves a very large student body for a single campus, with the vast majority of students identifying as Black and a significant share as Hispanic. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals was not available, nor were counts for students with disabilities or English learners, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the support structures in place for those populations.
On state assessments in the most recent testing year, North Star’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades sat above the midpoint among Essex County’s districts. That places it in a solid middle-high tier compared to its county peers. The picture varies by subject and grade. In English language arts, the school’s results are a clear strength: proficiency rates are notably strong across most elementary and middle grades, with the higher grades performing especially well. In math, the story is more mixed. The early elementary grades show a respectable share of students meeting the state standard, but proficiency declines markedly in the upper elementary grades and drops further in middle school, particularly in eighth grade, where fewer than half of students reached the proficient level. Science results for both fifth and eighth grade are low, with a small share of students scoring proficient. A family considering North Star should look into how the school approaches math and science instruction, especially in the middle grades, and what interventions or supports are in place.
The school’s chronic absenteeism rate placed it in the bottom quartile among Essex County districts, meaning a relatively large portion of students are missing a significant number of school days. This is a soft spot worth probing: absenteeism at this level can affect classroom pacing and individual student progress. Per-pupil current spending falls in the lower half of the county’s middle range, which is not unusual for a charter school that operates with less administrative overhead than a traditional district.
A notable recent change, publicly reported by the school, is its transition to a 1-to-1 Chromebook model. Every student now receives a device for both classroom work and homework, a shift that has become a lasting part of the school’s instructional approach. That can be a practical advantage for families who want consistent access to digital learning tools at home.
Graduation rate data was not available in the state reporting, so a parent should verify directly with the school how many students complete high school and what postsecondary pathways are typical. The school’s academic program covers the full K-12 span, which can appeal to families who want a single, consistent school environment from elementary through high school rather than navigating multiple buildings.
Overall, North Star Academy Charter School offers a well-established choice in Essex County with a strong record in English language arts, a large and predominantly Black student community, and a clear technology commitment. The gaps in math and science proficiency, combined with the elevated absenteeism rate, are areas where a prospective family would want a fuller conversation with the school about its strategies and track record.
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