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Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
This school is horrible my daughter broke her in that school. I wish they would just put it for six to eight graders.
—Submitted by a parent
Hello, i used to go to whiney E. Houston Academy i was there from 4th grade form 8th grade. the reson i went to houston was i was a bron with speech problems and houston was the only school in the east orange who had a program for me. i love the school because the teacher would stay on top of u and sure u no the work that bein teach. the suff is friendly and careing. the school is a performing art school from pk-5 u would have arts,drama,dance,music,tech, olny once a week and from 6-8 u would have a major. with the same principal and a new VP ans the samee sprits i would not be where im am now . i learn and enjoy a lot from this school i hope u do to
not a good school staff are not friendly at all, have this crazy thing about students being late even if the parents are with them no respect for parents at all can't wait to take my child out
—Submitted by a parent
This school is horrible. My son went here for 1 year. First, it is NOT a performing arts school. They might have music or drama once a week if that. The school is falling apart and in horrible shape. The students use the worse language I have ever heard! Bullying, name calling and cursing are a norm. The principle has been there forever and does nothing. The vice principles hands are tied in policies. My son has never been in a fight before this school. During his year, I have heard stories of cops being called, children getting beat up in bathrooms, closets, hallways, you name it! I had to go to the board of education for answers and action. I pulled my son out of that so called "school" and he his now thriving and on the honor roll in a REAL performing arts school.
—Submitted by a parent
This school is a stepping stone on my children's path to success. The teachers have helped to solidify the foundation that was already laid out from home. My children have done outstanding work under the guided leadership of the administration and the teachers. I love this school and would recommend it to anyone, especially for the arts.
—Submitted by a parent
My daughter attended this school for the 1st grade and for 3 weeks for the 2nd I found there was alot of older childern powering over the small childern and there was not alot of order in this schoole small childern are subjected to alot of things they are too young to see I transfered my daughter to another school.
—Submitted by a parent
This school is very below standards. It doesn't prepare out children to achieve greatness. Our children cannot compete with children around the globe. Two of my children attend this poor performing school.
—Submitted by a parent
I like this school alot, It has a free afterschool program that many East Orange Schools didn't have especially for single moms that need those types of programs
—Submitted by a parent
I am sorry to admit this school wasn't a walk in the park for my son Denzel. The teachers very much slacked their job. The science fair projects were a disgrace. My son did not enjoy his 6th grade year here but we are hoping 7th to be the best.
—Submitted by Addrientte Langly, a student
I was a new student to Houston and at first i liked it but it started to get worse. There was no one-on-one help and i got left behind real easily. My mother moved out the district so i could go to another middle school.
—Submitted by a student
I am a parent of a kindergarten student, as well as the wife of a teacher. I feel that the teachers at Whitney, for the most part, care about the students. Ms. Moore-Becker and Ms. Thomas, have kept my daughter, who started the year advanced for her age group, engaged and forever learning. Her desire to please her teachers, is yet another motivation for her to excel. I pray that the teachers at Whitney will be able to continue to offer such dedication to their students with the possibility of increased class size due to the multiple layoffs. My daughter has learned in a year, to write in complete sentences, and to write a paragraph. Proud Parent
—Submitted by onika popo-james, a parent
Im a new student since September at Whitney E. Houston academy. Whitney Houston Academy is one of the most excellent school in East Orange. The teachers and cool and you learn a lot! Its Fun! My teachers are the best, speacialy Ms.Newby that is the dance teacher.
—Submitted by Fanny J., a student
I used to attend Whitney Houston(Franklin School) scince kindergarden. Personally I feel that this school is excellent! I was a dance major in the dance toupe under the direction of Mrs. Newby-Reynolds. The activities there are terrific.The teachers I have had, have great teaching skills, they have truly helped me alot in high school.Whitney Houston challenges your ability. They make you work your brain. There has been many great outcomes from any student that graduates from that school. You can make many friends there. I really do miss that school
—Submitted by whitney houston student, a former student
I had two older sons who attended Houston Academy when it was Franklin Elementary. The Principal Mr. Hamilton, the staff and teachers are concerned about the students who attend. I now have another son Jordan who is in the 8th grade and will graduate this year (2005). He has attended Houston since 1st grade. The teachers are great and very passionate about the subjects they teach. My son's favorite subjects are social studies and drama. He also likes physical education and Language. Although there's always room for improvement you'll find a great support staff and parents (PTA) that are always willing to go that extra mile. I highly recommend Whitney Houston Academy. I'm going to miss everyone there when my son graduates. Keep up the good work Houston!
—Submitted by Deborah Scamorza, 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.
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.
Grade level
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 67% in 2012.
37 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.
37 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 59% in 2012.
50 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.
50 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 91% in 2012.
50 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 62% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 65% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 61% in 2012.
67 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.
67 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 82% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 72% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.
58 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
| All Students | 81% |
| Female | 81% |
| Male | 81% |
| Black | 81% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 81% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 88% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 81% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 81% |
| Female | 81% |
| Male | 81% |
| Black | 81% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 81% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 88% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 81% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
| All Students | 44% |
| Female | 41% |
| Male | 46% |
| Black | 44% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 43% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 46% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 49% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 44% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 80% |
| Female | 82% |
| Male | 79% |
| Black | 81% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 81% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 77% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 82% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 80% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 94% |
| Female | 95% |
| Male | 93% |
| Black | 94% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 97% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 85% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 98% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 94% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
| All Students | 46% |
| Female | 44% |
| Male | 47% |
| Black | 46% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 47% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 42% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 49% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 46% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 68% |
| Female | 59% |
| Male | 77% |
| Black | 68% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 69% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 67% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 68% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 68% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
| All Students | 52% |
| Female | 71% |
| Male | 30% |
| Black | 51% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 51% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 54% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 67% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 52% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 60% |
| Female | 78% |
| Male | 41% |
| Black | 60% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 62% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 54% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 79% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 60% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
| All Students | 45% |
| Female | 46% |
| Male | 44% |
| Black | 46% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| American Indian | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 46% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 60% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 45% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 45% |
| Female | 46% |
| Male | 44% |
| Black | 46% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| American Indian | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 44% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 60% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 45% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
| All Students | 65% |
| Female | 72% |
| Male | 57% |
| Black | 65% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 67% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 55% |
| Special education | 24% |
| General education | 89% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 65% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 56% |
| Female | 59% |
| Male | 54% |
| Black | 56% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 57% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 55% |
| Special education | 19% |
| General education | 78% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 56% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
| All Students | 54% |
| Female | 62% |
| Male | 47% |
| Black | 55% |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | 54% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 55% |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | 83% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | 54% |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
The state average for Biology I was 59% in 2012.
2012
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
| All Students | n/a |
| Female | n/a |
| Male | n/a |
| Black | n/a |
| Asian | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Other ethnicity | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Special education | n/a |
| General education | n/a |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Non-migrant | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former | n/a |
| Limited English Proficient Former | n/a |
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
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 »
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
All students
Female
Male
All students
Black
All students
Economically disadvantaged
Non-economically disadvantaged
Special education
General education
Non-migrant
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 97% | 17% | ||
| Hispanic | 3% | 20% | ||
| American Indian/Alaska Native | N/A | 0% | ||
| Asian | N/A | 8% | ||
| Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander | N/A | 0% | ||
| Two or more races | N/A | 0% | ||
| White | N/A | 54% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program | 76% | N/A | 30% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per FTE teacher | 9 | N/A | 12 |
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