The top reported proficiency rate is 86% in English language arts. The lowest is 64% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Washington Elementary School
Washington Elementary School serves grades one through five in Westfield, a wealthy suburban community within commuting distance of New York City. It is a regular public school in the Westfield Public School District. The school operates out of a building on St. Marks Avenue in a residential neighborhood, part of a town with a strong commercial downtown core, tree-lined streets, and a walkable Main Street district that hosts restaurants, independent shops, and year-round events like summer jazz concerts.
Academically, Washington Elementary shows consistently strong results on state assessments. In English language arts and mathematics, the proportion of students scoring at proficient or above sits well above the midpoint among schools districtwide. The school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it in the top quartile relative to districts in Union County. That pattern holds across the three grade levels tested: third, fourth, and fifth graders all post high proficiency rates in reading and math. Science, tested only in fifth grade, shows a somewhat lower but still solid proficiency rate relative to the school’s own ELA and math marks; a parent may want to ask how science instruction is structured across the elementary years. Because Washington serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and the school does not offer high school pathways such as AP or dual credit.
Student enrollment is modest for a K-5 building, with roughly balanced class sizes across grades one through five. The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial students. Black and Native American enrollment is very small. Data on economic disadvantage (free or reduced-price lunch eligibility) and special education or English learner populations were not reported in the available data, so it is not possible to characterize the level of support funding or the share of students receiving individualized services. Families may wish to ask the school directly about these figures and the supports available.
The community context matters heavily here. Westfield is primarily a residential commuter town with a median household income well above the state average. Housing costs reflect that: homes in the zip code carry a value that places the town among the more expensive in the region, and rents are similarly high. The downtown is stable and established, with many retailers and restaurants that have been in operation for years. The town’s population has grown slowly in recent decades, and redevelopment pressures are concentrated on infill sites like the former Lord & Taylor property rather than greenfield expansion. For families considering a move to the area, housing affordability is a significant factor.
No major parent-relevant changes such as boundary shifts, curriculum overhauls, or tax referendums were found in the available district information for recent years, so the school appears to be operating on a stable footing.
Washington Elementary offers a traditional elementary experience in a high-performing district, anchored by strong test scores and a well-resourced community. The school fits families who prioritize high academic achievement in the primary grades and who are comfortable with the cost of living in an affluent New Jersey suburb. The missing data on student support programs means a parent with a child who might need additional services should inquire directly with the school about staffing, intervention programs, and the availability of specialized instruction.
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