Lower Cape May Regional School District, NJ

Original Research by School Decision on Lower Cape May Regional School District

The Lower Cape May Regional School District serves grades seven through twelve across two schools: a middle school and a high school. It is a regional district, pulling students from several communities in Cape May County, New Jersey, including Cape May, Rio Grande, Villas, and Wildwood. The enrollment is modest for a secondary district, and the student body is predominantly white, with a notable Hispanic population making up a substantial share and a smaller Black population. Detailed data on the share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities, and English learners was not available from the state, so a family looking for that picture would need to check directly with the district.

Academically, the story is mixed. On state assessments in English language arts, about half of seventh graders met the proficiency bar, while eighth graders were somewhat lower. In math, proficiency rates were lower in both grades, and in eighth-grade science, the share of students scoring proficient was quite low. When measured against other districts in Cape May County, the district’s overall proficiency index lands in the bottom quartile. A parent considering this district will want to ask how the schools support students who are not yet meeting benchmarks and what the trajectory of improvement looks like.

The district has been investing in its academic offerings. Publicly reported information indicates a 1:1 technology initiative that puts a Chromebook or similar device in every student’s hand. STEM programs have expanded at both the middle and high school levels, and the district has added new Advanced Placement courses in recent years. These are meaningful updates for a family weighing the depth of the high school’s college preparatory track.

Chronic absenteeism, a metric that captures the share of students missing a significant number of school days, sits above the midpoint among the county’s districts, meaning it is not the highest but is present enough to be noticeable. The district’s per-pupil current spending falls in the lower half of the middle range among Cape May County districts, suggesting a relatively lean operation. A graduation rate was not available in the data, so that key measure of high school completion cannot be assessed here.

On the housing side, the communities that feed into the district vary notably. Home values in Cape May are the highest of the contributing areas, while Villas and Rio Grande are more modest, and Wildwood falls in between. Overall, the weighted district home value is above the state benchmark, and the estimated monthly mortgage is substantial. The area is a mix of year-round residents and second homes, reflecting its position near the Jersey Shore. Affordability is a real consideration for a family moving into the district, especially given recent property tax increases. Publicly reported budget documents show that the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 budgets each included a notable tax levy increase, which translates into a meaningful annual increase for the average assessed home. The district has stated it has maintained all current programs and services through those budgets.

Looking ahead, the district launched a comprehensive feasibility study in 2024 to evaluate its facilities and educational programs. Publicly reported board discussions indicate the study is examining options including facility upgrades, modernization, potential reorganization of grade configurations, and cost analysis of various scenarios. The study could lead to a future bond referendum to fund recommended improvements. For families evaluating the district, this means the physical and organizational landscape could see significant changes in the coming years, which is worth factoring into a longer-term decision.

The district presents a picture of a modest-sized secondary system on the Jersey Cape with some newer academic programs and a clear investment in technology, but with state test results that are broadly below the county average and a community facing rising housing costs and property taxes. A parent would want to dig into how the high school prepares students for what comes after, especially for those who are not already meeting state benchmarks, and to keep an eye on the feasibility study’s outcomes.

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District Context

Officially reported figures, 2024-25.

Enrollment

1,164

Grades

07–12

Schools

Student body

Hispanic 16%

Black 6%

White 76%

Asian 1%

Two+ 1%

Hawaiian / Pac. Isl. 0%

By economic status

Percent proficient by grade, as reported

Economically disadvantaged

Not disadvantaged

ELA

Gr 7

32%

66%

Gr 8

36%

50%

Math

Gr 7

16%

42%

Gr 8

24%

22%

Science

Gr 8

18%

Schools in this District

2 schools are officially reported under this district.

Lower Cape May Regional High School

Richard M. Teitelman Middle School

Academic Performance

Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, by grade.

Mathematics

2 grades reported

30%

Grade 7

23%

Grade 8

English Language Arts

2 grades reported

51%

Grade 7

42%

Grade 8

Science

1 grade reported

14%

Grade 8

Housing & Real Estate

Data as of April 2026 | District-weighted from constituent ZIP codes

Home Values

Typical home value$641,457

Year-over-year change+4.8%

Range across 4 ZIP codes$402K to $715K

vs. state typical1.12x

vs. national typical1.74x

Home value trend (12 months)

ZIP code home values (4 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Value	YoY	Weight
08204	Cape May	$715K	+4.3%	61.7%
08260	Wildwood	$643K	+7.7%	18.8%
08251	Villas	$402K	+3.6%	14.2%
08242	Rio Grande	$425K	+3.9%	5.3%

Affordability

Est. monthly mortgage (20% down at 6.48%)$3,237/mo

Home price / national median income7.7x

Comparison

State typical home value$571,373 (+3.4% YoY)

National typical home value$368,198 (+0.6% YoY)

State ZHVI trend (12 months)

National ZHVI trend (12 months)

Economic Context

30-year fixed mortgage rate6.48%

National unemployment rate4.3%

National median household income$83,730

CPI: Rent of shelter (index)447.05

30-year fixed mortgage rate (12 months)

National unemployment rate (12 months)

National median household income (12 months)

CPI: Rent of shelter (index) (12 months)

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index (Zillow Group), Realtor.com via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)

Data Currently Unavailable

Civil Rights Data (CRDC)

This profile is derived exclusively from publicly available federal and state datasets. It may not reflect the most current information available. We encourage parents and families to supplement this data with information published directly on the school’s website, which may include more recent figures, additional programs, or updated enrollment data.