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GreatSchools Rating

Rafael Hernandez Elementary School

Public | PK-8 | 598 students

We are best known for Performing Arts Program.
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted August 13, 2012

Academically this school is terrible. The children's education is not priority. My nephew had a teacher who was always negative on him, On a report card day he walked ahead of his mom and his mother heard the teacher saying a smart remark to her son upon entering the room. Thankfully she moved to a better neighborhood, and he is doing excellent on all subjects at his new school. When i attended the school a student used to hit the teacher and caused her to quite, for the following 3 semesters of the school we had a substitute teacher on the subject of math, This affected everyone in the subject of math that graduated on that class. I also know some teachers who left the school for the poor leadership and conduct. My younger sister used to be bullied there. Over the years there has been had little improvement. Very disappointing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 19, 2011

Apparently the parents whose children attend this shool are not accustomed to 'better.' We found better, following many incidents of biased behavior toward our child who is NOT Hispanic and for whom the school provided no protection from its predominantly Hispanic staff and student body. Lucky for us, our child is now homeschooled where he has excelled to 12 grade levels on his CAT scores -- something unheard of at Rafael Hernandez.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

In our school the teachers are the best at working together.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

I love Rafael Hernandez school because when I started here as a new teacher, I was embraced by the faculty, staff, students and parents. I didn't find out until August that I was being transferred and so I was a little nervous. I showed up at RHS with a car full of belongings and right away the Parent Liason lent me a hand cart and key to the elevator to allow me to move my stuff in. As the school year went on, many staff members stopped by my room to offer a kind word, welcome and even to ask if there was anything I needed. THe energy at Rafael Hernandez is one of support. Everyone is on the same wavelength as far as what our goal is, which is to ensure that our students succeed. I am a proud member of the Rafael Hernandez family.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2009

Rafael Hernandez School is a nice school to work at considering the students are great and the staff is very nice and friendly. When I started working here a couple of yrs ago, everyone was very helpful and understanding.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 16, 2009

Our School is great we have a great debate team, cheerleaders, basketball team and great kids, parents, teachers, and administration and a great music department I give them a 10
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2008

Rafael Hernandez how gone thru alot this year 2007 & 2008 has made a big change to the better i've seen this school go threw alot from ok principals to the worst especially in 2006 to 2007 but this September a new principal came in and wow what a change he has brought into the school keep up the great work Mr. Ruiz Rafael hernandez school has been waiting for someone like you.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2006

RAfael Hernandez is not the best school in Newark some teachers are very disrespectful and there helpers are worst.
—Submitted by Alexandra Torres, a parent


Posted August 6, 2005

This shchool here is the best school in Newark because it schows your kids the passion of arts as in drama class,art class,vocal class,instrumental class, and much more putting your child in this school will give your child a chance to become a superstar.How you ask this school has a special class which is called Arts Academy. once your child has a goo recomendation they can go to Arts High and continue their dreams to be a superstr in any way
—Submitted by chantelle curtis, a student


Posted July 29, 2005

Very good school, teachers are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2004

Rafael Hernandez was a great experience for my child who attended there for 4 years. The grade went up and we will miss the fun. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 26, 2004

Rafael Hernandez Elementary School is one of the best schools in Newark. Being in that school makes you feel right at home because the people there are wonderful to you. Its a school that wants every child to succeed no matter what the odds are!
—Submitted by Anuradha Persaud, a former student


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.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
47%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
50%
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.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
23%
Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
30%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
60%
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.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
21%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
27%
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
42%
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.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
22%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
24%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
21%
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.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
18%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
30%
Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

107 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
14%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
16%

2009

 
 
27%
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.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
42%
Math

The state average for Math was 72% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
30%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
55%
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 Students52%
Female54%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic53%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged56%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education55%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant52%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students61%
Female46%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic67%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education65%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant61%
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 Students23%
Female29%
Male19%
Black33%
Asiann/a
Hispanic27%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged25%
Non-economically disadvantaged18%
Special educationn/a
General education27%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant23%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students43%
Female43%
Male43%
Black42%
Asiann/a
Hispanic53%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged27%
Special educationn/a
General education37%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant43%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Science

All Students69%
Female64%
Male72%
Black75%
Asiann/a
Hispanic73%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged64%
Special educationn/a
General education63%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant69%
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 Students21%
Female22%
Male21%
Black22%
Asiann/a
Hispanic23%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged21%
Non-economically disadvantaged19%
Special educationn/a
General education26%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant21%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students57%
Female59%
Male55%
Black65%
Asiann/a
Hispanic61%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantaged29%
Special education46%
General education63%
English language learners36%
Non-migrant57%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former43%
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 Students19%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Black12%
Asiann/a
Hispanic23%
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged18%
Non-economically disadvantaged25%
Special educationn/a
General education27%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant19%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students24%
Female22%
Male26%
Black17%
Asiann/a
Hispanic26%
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged24%
Non-economically disadvantaged23%
Special educationn/a
General education30%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant24%
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 Students18%
Female23%
Male14%
Black17%
Asiann/a
Hispanic21%
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged17%
Non-economically disadvantaged26%
Special educationn/a
General education24%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant18%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students14%
Female14%
Male16%
Black10%
Asiann/a
Hispanic16%
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged12%
Non-economically disadvantaged25%
Special educationn/a
General education19%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant14%
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 Students51%
Female54%
Male47%
Black52%
Asiann/a
Hispanic50%
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged58%
Special educationn/a
General education58%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant51%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students43%
Female39%
Male47%
Black32%
Asiann/a
Hispanic46%
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Non-economically disadvantaged41%
Special education19%
General education48%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant43%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Science

All Students64%
Female64%
Male65%
Black64%
Asiann/a
Hispanic64%
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged65%
Special education38%
General education70%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant64%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former42%
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
Hispanic 72% 20%
Black 27% 17%
White 1% 54%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Asian 0% 8%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 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 94%N/A30%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A12
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Special education / special needs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Dance
  • Drama

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Spanish
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:20 am
School end time
  • 3:05 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Mr Juan Carlos Ruiz
Fax number
  • (973) 497-5703

Programs

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • Spanish
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Other health impairments
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Visual impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Dance
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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345 Broadway
Newark, NJ 07104
Website: Click here
Phone: (973) 481-5004

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