The top reported proficiency rate is 21% in English language arts. The lowest is 1% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Muhammad Ali School Number 23
Muhammad Ali School Number 23 is a regular public middle school in Passaic, New Jersey, serving only grades seven and eight as part of the Passaic City School District. Because it ends at grade eight, there is no high school graduation rate to report, and no data on postsecondary readiness pathways such as Advanced Placement or dual credit.
State test results paint a clear picture. In both math and English language arts, the share of students scoring at the proficient level is low. This pattern holds across both grade levels and is especially pronounced in math for seventh graders and in science for eighth graders, where the proportion reaching proficiency is very small. When the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects is placed alongside other districts in Passaic County, it falls in the bottom quartile. Families considering this school will want to ask about the specific supports available to help students build foundational skills, particularly in math and science.
The student body is large for a two-grade middle school and is almost entirely Hispanic, with a small Black student population as well. A very high proportion of students come from low-income households, with nearly every student qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. This economic concentration shapes the peer environment and is relevant to the resources and challenges the school confronts.
Passaic itself is a densely packed urban city with a deep industrial past and a strong residential character. The city is among the most densely populated in the United States, and its small land area means that schools like Muhammad Ali School Number 23 are integrated into the neighborhood fabric rather than set on remote campuses. The city has a prominent and growing Orthodox Jewish community that has established numerous yeshivas and kosher establishments, adding a distinct cultural layer to the commercial and civic life. A significant redevelopment effort has been underway for years to convert a former industrial site into a retail mall. Housing in the area carries a price tag that is roughly aligned with the rest of the state, with a competitive market where homes do not linger long. Rents consume a notable share of household income, reflecting demand.
The district brief that would have described recent budget votes, strategic plans, or facility referendums had no content to draw on. We looked for such information and found little, so we leave it out rather than speculate. Similarly, the available data does not include details on course access, staffing ratios, discipline rates, or attendance patterns, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those areas.
Muhammad Ali School Number 23 serves a concentrated, high-poverty student population in a dense urban setting. The academic results are a central concern for any family evaluating this option, and the school’s position relative to other Passaic County districts underscores that point. For families who already live in Passaic and are looking for a neighborhood middle school, this is the local option; for those considering the district, the academic profile is worth a close conversation with school staff.
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