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GreatSchools Rating

Alpha School

Public | PK-8 | 273 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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6 reviews of this school


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Posted October 13, 2010

My son has attended Alpha School, now in 6th grade there. He does not live with me; he lives with his mother in Alpha. I want my son to have the best education possible.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2008

Not very happy with the school, especially not having Mrs Hammerstone there. Parents are very disappointed on whats going on in our childs school Mrs Hammerstone went above and beyond for our children in her 34 years there and it was all taking away from her by an administroator that has only been there a year. Its a true shame.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2006

I currently have to move out of the area and am sadden to have to remove my child from this school system. Teachers and all staff have been such an asset to my child's start of education. He has developed such a love of learning that he has asked to be home schooled on his days off from school. I commend the employees of Alpha Public School system for all the hard work and love they give to our children. I am having a hard time finding a school system that is going to benifit my child the way I feel Alpha does now.
—Submitted by Katherine Beatty, a parent


Posted December 29, 2004

I also want to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to one of the most friendliest,caring librarians i've known.She has encouraged my children to read more,and for that also,i am grateful. Heres my opinion on the foreign language implemented in alpha.My children dearly miss an experienced asset to the alpha school{mrs. Lueshner} and the wonderful french language she taught so well.The mandate to change from french to spanish {without any warning}has left them saddened,confused with accents,and now basically uninterested period. At first the spanish was taught with the understanding it was only for 5th grade and above.'The children will be exposed to more languages and make a better informed choice instead of just french' i was told.Now exactly one year after that 'implementation' it is the complete opposite! spanish only, and now? No french ! without warning or parental involvement,my children now are forced to learn spanish ! thats wrong !
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2004

My son's experience thus far indicates that the teachers are willing to go above-and-beyond for the students. The school librarian is extremely dedicated. The parents are very active; recently a cultural arts program was added, with parents seeking sponsors to pay for the performances. There is a positive learning environment. I am concerned about the high emphasis on sporting activities by many parents; they seem to be more aware of sports than academic issues. The longstanding principal (20 years) has just retired, so it will be interesting to see what happens in that regard. There is presently an 'interim' principal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2003

My children were so enthusiastic about learning the french language and now this has changed as they are now required to learn spanish. Otherwise a good all around school.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 67% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
72%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 59% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
67%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
97%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 62% in 2012.

30 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
64%
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

30 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
82%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 65% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
68%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 61% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
75%
Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
75%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 82% in 2012.

36 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 72% in 2012.

36 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

36 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
97%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students68%
Female64%
Male73%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White67%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Special educationn/a
General education63%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant68%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students73%
Female64%
Male82%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White67%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged67%
Special educationn/a
General education84%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant73%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students42%
Female46%
Male40%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White38%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Special educationn/a
General education45%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant42%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students74%
Female73%
Male75%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White71%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged69%
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Special educationn/a
General education79%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant74%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Science

All Students97%
Female100%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White95%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged92%
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
General education100%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant97%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students69%
Female81%
Male54%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White73%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged76%
Special educationn/a
General education83%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant69%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students70%
Female71%
Male69%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White73%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Special educationn/a
General education79%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant70%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students65%
Female88%
Male36%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White70%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged70%
Special educationn/a
General education83%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant65%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students74%
Female94%
Male50%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White78%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged78%
Special educationn/a
General education92%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant74%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students63%
Female56%
Male68%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White55%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Special educationn/a
General education78%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant63%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students55%
Female56%
Male55%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White48%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged57%
Non-economically disadvantaged54%
Special educationn/a
General education68%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant55%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Language Arts Literacy

All Students83%
Female83%
Male83%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White79%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged91%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Special educationn/a
General education93%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant83%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students69%
Female58%
Male75%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
White72%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged72%
Special educationn/a
General education80%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant69%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Science

All Students81%
Female83%
Male79%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White79%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged73%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Special educationn/a
General education87%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant81%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in language arts literacy and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 59% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) to assess high school students in Biology. The New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) is standards-based, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General educationn/a
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrantn/a
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New Jersey used the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) to assess high school students in Biology. The New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) is standards-based, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the New Jersey Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See New Jersey's state standards

Source: New Jersey Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 84% 54%
Hispanic 9% 20%
Black 3% 17%
Asian 2% 8%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 2% 0%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Two or more races N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 22%N/A30%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 8N/A12
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

817 North Boulevard
Alpha, NJ 08865
Phone: (908) 454-5000

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