The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary is a regular public school in Union Township, New Jersey, and as of the 2024-25 school year it served only fifth graders. That single-grade configuration is unusual, but it will not last. The district approved a reorganization plan in early 2024, implemented in September 2025, that converts Jefferson into a full PreK-5 primary school while moving all other elementary buildings to PreK-4. The data available here captures the school in its final year as a fifth-grade-only building, so families moving to the area should expect a different grade band going forward.
The student body was large and diverse, with a meaningful share of students identifying as Black, a substantial portion as Hispanic, a smaller but notable share as White, and additional representation from Asian and multiracial groups. A significant number of students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a school community shaped by the broader Union Township population, which has grown steadily over the past decades and is a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses, with Kean University and a major Home Depot Superstore among the large employers.
State testing results for grade 5 in 2024-25 show a mixed picture. In English language arts, just under half of students scored at the proficient level or above. Math proficiency was lower, with about a quarter of students meeting that bar. Science proficiency was also roughly a fifth of students. Compared with other schools in Union County, Jefferson’s overall proficiency across tested subjects fell below the midpoint of the county’s districts. The district offers no data on chronic absenteeism or discipline for this school.
The Union Township housing market is expensive by national standards, with typical home values and rents in the area above average and demand outweighing supply. Mortgage rates and rents relative to income mean housing costs are a significant factor for most families. The township is car-oriented, with major highways and a train station serving commuters, and it offers a range of civic anchors including the municipal building and library.
The district has been investing in facilities. Voters approved a referendum for roof replacements, security vestibules, HVAC improvements, and other upgrades across all schools. The reorganization plan also introduced expanded Spanish instruction for all elementary grades K-4. For a family looking at Jefferson, the immediate takeaway is that the school is in transition. The current academic data reflects a now-obsolete grade structure, and the school’s future role as a PreK-5 neighborhood school will bring a different mix of students and programming. Families may want to ask the district how the reorganization is expected to affect instructional focus and student support at Jefferson, and whether the lower math and science proficiency rates seen in the final fifth-grade-only year are being addressed.
See more original research from School Decision →