The top reported proficiency rate is 49% in Math. The lowest is 36% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Newell Elementary School
Newell Elementary School is a regular public school serving Pre-K through fourth grade in the Upper Freehold Regional School District. It is located in the borough of Allentown, a small historic community in western Monmouth County with a preserved Main Street, a 17-acre historic district, and a surrounding greenbelt of farmland. The school sits on a regional campus, separate from the downtown core, alongside Stone Bridge Middle School and Allentown High School.
Academically, the most recent state assessment results show a mixed picture. In mathematics, roughly half of tested students in both third and fourth grade met the state proficiency bar (Levels 4-5 on the NJSLA). English language arts proficiency is lower, with about a quarter of third graders reaching that level and just over two-fifths of fourth graders doing so. The fourth-grade ELA result is stronger than third grade, but overall, the school’s combined proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it below the midpoint when compared with other districts in Monmouth County. There is no graduation rate to report, as the school does not serve high school grades.
The student body is moderate in size for an elementary school spanning Pre-K through fourth grade. Demographically, the enrollment is predominantly white, with small shares of Hispanic, Asian, and Black students. A very low share of students qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, which signals a relatively advantaged population. Data on the number of students with Individualized Education Programs or English learner classifications was not available in the records reviewed; a parent may want to ask the school directly about special education services and language support.
The community context matters for families considering this school. Allentown has seen a modest population decline over the past two decades, and the borough’s official approach emphasizes historic preservation and stabilization rather than new development. Home values in the area are well above the national median, and the housing market is tight with limited inventory, reflecting the desirability of the small-town, historic environment. No major new housing projects are identified in available sources, and the district’s recent changes, according to public records, do not include significant parent-relevant shifts.
There is no available information on program offerings such as advanced coursework, enrichment, or specialist instruction. The school’s website was not detailed in the provided data for those specifics. Because the school serves only through fourth grade, families will need to plan for the transition to Stone Bridge Middle School for grades five through eight, which is part of the same regional district.
Newell Elementary fits families who value a historic, small-town setting and a relatively homogeneous student body in a high-cost housing market. The academic results are uneven, with math roughly at the midpoint and ELA below it, especially at third grade. Parents whose children may need extra support in reading or language arts will want to look into the school’s intervention resources further. The absence of publicly reported data on special populations and programs is a notable gap that the school itself can clarify.
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