The top reported proficiency rate is 25% in English language arts. The lowest is 23% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lindenwold School Five
Lindenwold School Five is a K-4 public elementary school in the Lindenwold Public School District, located in Camden County, New Jersey. It is one of two primary schools in the district serving kindergarten through fourth grade, and it feeds into Lindenwold Middle School. The school enrolls a student body that is predominantly Hispanic and Black, with smaller shares of white, Asian, multiracial, and American Indian students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, reflecting the economic profile of the surrounding borough.
The borough of Lindenwold is densely populated, with a high proportion of renter-occupied housing and a median household income below county and state averages. The poverty rate is higher than in many surrounding communities. The borough has a strong commuter orientation, anchored by the PATCO Speedline station, which provides rail service to Philadelphia, and by NJ Transit bus and train connections. Commercial activity is concentrated along U.S. Route 30. The housing market is relatively affordable compared to the rest of New Jersey, though the borough has one of the highest property tax rates in the state. The population has grown over the past decade, and growth appears to be driven by rental housing rather than new ownership development. For families, this means a diverse, transit-connected community with a range of rental options and modest home values.
On state assessments, Lindenwold School Five’s results are low. In math, the share of students reaching proficiency is below a third in both third and fourth grade. In English language arts, the pattern is similar, with fourth-grade proficiency rates somewhat higher than third-grade rates but still well below the state average. The school’s overall proficiency index, combining all tested subjects and grades, places it in the bottom quartile among Camden County districts. This is a soft spot. A parent may want to ask the school about the specific academic interventions in place, especially in early literacy and math, and how the school supports students who are not yet meeting benchmarks. The school’s grade span is limited to K-4, so any remediation or enrichment happens within a relatively short window before students move to the middle school.
The district brief found no recent major changes, such as referenda, curriculum shifts, or administrative turnover, that would materially alter the school’s direction. That means the school’s academic profile has likely been stable, and any improvement efforts may be incremental.
For families evaluating Lindenwold School Five, the picture is clear. The school serves a high-needs student population in a community with limited economic resources. The academic performance data raises questions about the pace and depth of learning, particularly in the early grades. The school’s size, with an enrollment of several hundred students, allows for a neighborhood feel within a district that spans five schools. The surrounding borough offers a transit-oriented lifestyle with access to Philadelphia, affordable housing, and a dense, diverse population. Parents who prioritize strong test scores and a proven track record of academic growth may want to look more closely at the school’s classroom supports and compare them with other options in the area. Those who value a community-centered elementary school in a commuter borough with a high degree of economic diversity will find the school fits that context.
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