The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in Math. The lowest is 42% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Nellie K. Parker
Nellie K. Parker is a regular public elementary school in Hackensack serving pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. It is one of several elementary schools in the Hackensack School District, and it sits within a small, densely developed city that functions as the county seat of Bergen County and an inner suburb of New York City. Hackensack is a place of contrasts: a mile-long corridor of residential high-rises, older single-family neighborhoods, garden apartments, industrial zones, and a vibrant downtown anchored by the county courthouse and a mix of small businesses. Two NJ Transit train stations and a downtown bus transfer station connect the city to the broader region, and the Hackensack University Medical Center is a major employer and civic institution. The city has grown to its highest recorded population, and the local motto "A City in Motion" reflects ongoing redevelopment pressure in this dense, transit-oriented setting.
The school itself enrolls roughly 570 students. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a substantial Black population and smaller shares of Asian and White students. About half of the students come from families with incomes low enough to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a moderate-to-high level of economic need. The school does not report the share of students with disabilities or English learners, so a parent would need to ask the school directly about those support services.
Academically, Nellie K. Parker's results on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments place it on the lower end of the performance spectrum when compared with other districts in Bergen County. Overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades falls in the bottom quarter of the county, a notable gap from the typical district in a region known for strong schools. In both third and fourth grade, roughly two out of every five students met the state's proficiency benchmarks in math and English language arts. That means a majority of students scored below the proficient level. The school does not serve grades beyond fourth, so there is no graduation rate or high school outcomes to consider; students move on to a district middle school and then Hackensack High School.
The district's recent public record shows no major changes or strategic initiatives that have been publicly flagged, so a parent should expect a relatively steady state of operations. The housing market in Hackensack reflects the broader Bergen County pattern of high home values and rents. Typical home prices and rents are well above national medians, and the cost of buying versus renting is a significant consideration for families. The local market has seen modest price appreciation and a slightly elevated number of active listings.
For a parent considering this school, the academic picture is the central factor. Compared to other Bergen County districts, Nellie K. Parker's proficiency rates are clearly weaker, and families who place a high priority on strong test scores may want to investigate what academic interventions, tutoring, or enrichment are available. The school does not appear to offer specialized magnet or charter programs, and there is no public information about course access or staffing ratios. The school's small grade band and neighborhood-focused role mean the peer environment is shaped by the local community: a diverse, urban mix of families with a wide range of incomes and backgrounds. Hackensack's walkable downtown, transit access, and large medical campus make it a practical place for commuters and professionals, but the housing costs are high. A parent may want to visit the school, speak with the principal, and ask about how the school supports students who are not yet meeting proficiency benchmarks, as well as what resources exist for accelerated learners, given that the data suggests the typical student may need additional help.
See more original research from School Decision →