The top reported proficiency rate is 78% in English language arts. The lowest is 16% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on College Achieve Paterson Charter School
College Achieve Paterson Charter School is a single-school charter district serving kindergarten through twelfth grade in Paterson, New Jersey. With an enrollment that is large enough to support a full K-12 program, the school draws a student body that is predominantly Hispanic and Black, reflecting the community it serves. Because this is a charter school operating as its own district, families choose to enroll here rather than in the traditional Paterson public schools, which means the peer environment is shaped by that self-selection.
Academically, the school posts results that place its overall proficiency across tested grades and subjects in the top quartile among Passaic County’s districts. That broad headline, however, masks a pattern that varies sharply by grade and subject. In English language arts, the early elementary grades perform very well, with strong proficiency rates in third, fourth, and fifth grade that are sustained through eighth grade. Math tells a more uneven story. The same early grades show solid math proficiency, but by sixth grade the rate drops considerably, and seventh grade math results are lower still, before a modest rebound in eighth grade. Science results, available only for fifth and eighth grade, are low in both years, with eighth grade science particularly weak. Families considering this school should be aware that while the early grades are a clear strength in literacy and math, the middle school years show a notable dip, especially in math and science. A parent may want to ask the school how it supports students through that transition.
Chronic absenteeism is an area the district has room to improve. The rate sits below the midpoint among Passaic County’s districts, meaning a meaningful share of students miss enough school days to affect learning. No graduation rate was reported in the available data, so a family with a high school student should verify that directly with the school. The per-pupil spending is in the middle range of the county, on the lower half, which is typical for a charter school that receives less per-pupil funding than traditional public districts in New Jersey.
No information was available on course access, such as Advanced Placement or dual-credit offerings, or on special programs like gifted education. Because the school covers the full K-12 span, families should ask about the high school curriculum and how it prepares students for college or career. The district brief turned up no recent parent-relevant changes, such as leadership turnover or facility updates, so there is nothing publicly documented to suggest instability.
For a family seeking a charter option in Paterson that shows strong literacy outcomes in elementary school and overall proficiency that ranks well relative to other Passaic County districts, College Achieve Paterson Charter School has clear assets. The middle school math and science declines are worth a closer look, as is chronic absenteeism. The school’s demographics are fairly homogeneous by background, which some families may prefer and others may not. Without data on special education services, English learner support, or disciplinary climate, a thorough campus visit and conversation with current parents would be the next step.
See more original research from School Decision →