Serving 487 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 487 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Benjamin Banneker Academy's student population of 487 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
487 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Tue. May 26, 2026
School Motto
One Community, In Unity, We All Belong, We Are Banneker Strong!
School Mascot
The Warrior Panther
School Rankings
Benjamin Banneker Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin Banneker Academy is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1668 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
8%
34%
Black
90%
15%
White
1%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Warrior Panther
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Banneker Academy's ranking?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is ranked #1668 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend Benjamin Banneker Academy?
487 students attend Benjamin Banneker Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Benjamin Banneker Academy students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Benjamin Banneker Academy?
Benjamin Banneker Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Benjamin Banneker Academy offer ?
Benjamin Banneker Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Benjamin Banneker Academy part of?
Benjamin Banneker Academy is part of East Orange School District.
School Reviews
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