Malcolm X Shabazz High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school in Newark in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, as part of the Newark Public Schools. Founded as South Side High School in 1912, the school was renamed in 1972 in memory of Malcolm X.
Serving 354 students in grades 9-12, Malcolm X Shabazz High School 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11-19% (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: 9-12
- Enrollment: 354 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Malcolm X Shabazz High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Malcolm X Shabazz High School's student population of 354 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
354 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1912
Colors
Black, Gold
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
School Mascot
Bulldogs
School Rankings
Malcolm X Shabazz High School 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 Malcolm X Shabazz High School is 0.39, 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
#2136 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
23%
34%
Black
75%
15%
White
1%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
85%
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malcolm X Shabazz High School's ranking?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is ranked #2136 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What schools are Malcolm X Shabazz High School often compared to?
Malcolm X Shabazz High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Weequahic High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 11-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Malcolm X Shabazz High School?
The graduation rate of Malcolm X Shabazz High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Malcolm X Shabazz High School?
354 students attend Malcolm X Shabazz High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Malcolm X Shabazz High School students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Malcolm X Shabazz High School?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does Malcolm X Shabazz High School offer ?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Malcolm X Shabazz High School part of?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is part of Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Malcolm X Shabazz High School located?
Malcolm X Shabazz High School is located in the South Broad Street neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 1 other public schools located in South Broad Street.
School Reviews
Review Malcolm X Shabazz High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
