The top reported proficiency rate is 72% in English language arts. The lowest is 48% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Cambridge Elementary School
Cambridge Elementary School is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Kendall Park, New Jersey, part of the South Brunswick School District. It is one of four elementary schools located within this suburban community, and its modest size and neighborhood setting make it a natural anchor for local families. Because the school serves only elementary grades, state testing covers math, English language arts, and science, while measures like graduation rate and chronic absenteeism do not apply.
Kendall Park is a primarily residential bedroom community within South Brunswick Township, Middlesex County. It originated as a planned subdivision of ranch and colonial homes on modest lots, built in stages from the mid-20th century onward, and it doubled the population of South Brunswick at the time. The community remains heavily car-dependent, with no traditional downtown; daily errands require a drive to highways Route 27 or US Route 1, which border the area. The population has grown steadily, the housing supply is tight, and home values in the broader market are well above national medians. The school draws from this family-oriented environment, where a substantial share of households have children.
Cambridge Elementary posts academic results that place it in the top quarter of overall proficiency among districts in Middlesex County, a strong showing. On state assessments, performance varies by subject and grade. In English language arts, fourth graders posted notably high proficiency, with a large majority meeting the bar, while third and fifth graders also performed well, though at lower rates. In math, third and fourth graders showed similarly strong results, with most students proficient; fifth-grade math dipped more noticeably, with a still solid but lower share reaching proficiency. Science, tested only in fifth grade, saw roughly half of students meeting the proficiency standard, a softer result that a parent may want to discuss with the school to understand how the curriculum prepares students for this subject in later years. Across the board, the school’s overall proficiency index sits well above the county median, signaling consistently strong instruction in a district that tends to perform well.
The student body is diverse. About half of students are Asian, roughly a quarter are White, and the remainder are Hispanic, Black, or multiracial. The share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch is relatively low, reflecting the area’s general affluence, though the school serves a range of economic backgrounds. Class sizes are typical for a mid-sized elementary, with each grade containing several dozen students.
Housing in the area is expensive. Home values in the zip code have risen in recent years, and the market shows strong demand with limited supply, which helps sustain the community’s stability. Rent levels are also high, making homeownership a stretch for many families. The district itself has seen few major changes in recent years, based on publicly reported information; no recent referendums, curriculum shifts, or budget votes were identified, so the school appears to be operating within a stable district environment.
For a family considering this school, the picture is one of a high-functioning elementary in a suburban commuter community with strong academic results, especially in early-grade math and upper-elementary reading. The dip in fifth-grade math and the middling science scores are worth a conversation with the school to understand the trajectory. The demographic makeup is diverse, and the community is quiet and residential, with students typically walking or being driven to school. There is no graduation rate to consider because the school ends at fifth grade; students go on to middle school within the same district. Overall, Cambridge Elementary offers a solid academic foundation in a stable, family-friendly setting.
See more original research from School Decision →