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GreatSchools Rating

Lafayette Street Elementary School

Public | PK-8 | 1085 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted November 1, 2010

this school is a very good school academical . I'm impressed that with the teachers, and students performance even with the small resources they have they deserve this money so they can buy more computers for their students and help with the lunch the lunch unfortunately is very crappy ( words of the kids ) that the principal should do something about it . but they are working hard to address all the problems A+++++ 5 STARS
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2010

I love Lafayette St. School. I have had the privilege of attending this marvelous school for the past 10 years. I am an 8th grader and i have to say that I would never want to leave this wonderful school. We have great activities actually. We have boys & girls soccer, softball, volleyball (sometimes), chorus, debate, National Junior Honor Society, the newspaper comity, Yearbook comity, & Student Council. I would never want to change anything about this wonderful school :D


Posted June 23, 2009

I am a Lafayette St. School Alumni and my children have been attending since Kindergarten. Information is very unorganized and/or sent in an untimely fashion. Most of the teachers seem to care about student progress, which is a plus. The majority of the staff I consider to be courteous and friendly. Administration would benefit from a more hands-on approach to bullying, since I had first-hand experience with that as early on as grade K. But I feel that the bigger problem is NOT the school, but rather the parents. Too many of the parents are not involved and do not seem to have regard for rules. It's definitely a different culture from when I was a student. I will never forget one night when students were invited to the Liberty Science Center with their parents, and many who had RSVP'd to go never showed up. Waste of our tax $!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 10, 2009

There's no diversity in this school. It's overcrowded and extremely unorganized. Security officers are distracted. Bullying is a huge issue that is simply not addressed by administration. It's lacking in extra activities and good teachers with a command of the English language. It feels like a school you would find in a third world country.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 3, 2007

Being an alumni of lafayette, I must admit that there has been major progress. Some parents may see the down side of this school but from a diferent view, there has been a lot of work accomplished. As a parent of a student of three years, I have been recieveing the notices, flyers, any events given. Because of that, I was able to participate when asked to volunteer. For my child i feel safe in lafayette environment. I believe we need to step in a lot more as a bundle because I do agree with one of the comments made previously .Where is the money going? More extra activities are needed because not all families can afford outside activites form the school and it is always safer to keep it within the school the child goes to.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2007

I attend Lafayette and I must say this definitly isnt my favorite school. To begin with, there isnt a lot of activities. There is only really the necessary that every school has, gym,art,etc. So there is a lot of things that are bad at this school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 7, 2007

I am in agreement with Angie. As compared to other schools the academic aspects are of higher quality. Standing alone, Lafayette still needs improvement. My children currently attend the school. Extracurricular activities are insufficient. Other than official parent/school conferences, parents are not regularly advised of the child's progress or lack thereof. Homework assignments do not reflect daily progression of classroom work/teaching. I share other parents' concerns with the lack of effective disciplinary practices regarding inter-student offenses, e.g. bullying. The monthly menus are not timely distributed. As a parent, I need to know about my children's regular progression in time for me to take remedial action.
—Submitted by Liz, a parent


Posted August 4, 2006

The teachers at this school need to communicate better with the parents. As a parent of a child who graduated I never knew what was going on. They do not have control of the older kids. They also need to have more extracuricular activities. I know that the Board of Ed provides funds for this but where is the money going? Also they are not good about sending home notices. ie Lunch menus, some children are allergic to certain foods and parents need to know what is on the menu ahead of time.
—Submitted by Angie, a parent


Posted June 30, 2006

I think is a great school but Teachers should be more involve with the parents. I know that teachers are busy teaching but they should also take time to send weekly or bi-weekly reports sent home in order for parents to help thier child with school work. Also they should have more activiy for the children at school. If parents cant make it to meetings they should send home what was talk about so they could get a chane to participate. They are parents that have young childrens at the home that they cant get to go to meetings and its not fair for the parents not to get notify if they cant make it. If they try to to do some of these things It would be even a better school. Don't get me wrong Its a great school! Pricipal Merlo is also great!!!
—Submitted by Angie, 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.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
56%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
65%
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.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
55%
Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
73%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2012.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
88%
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.

104 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
67%
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

104 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
91%
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.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
78%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
73%

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 61% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
46%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
81%
Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
81%
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.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
88%
Math

The state average for Math was 72% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
87%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
95%

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 Students70%
Female71%
Male69%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic67%
White77%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education78%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant70%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former50%
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students84%
Female83%
Male84%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic83%
White83%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged84%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education93%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant84%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former56%
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 Students54%
Female59%
Male49%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic48%
White70%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged51%
Non-economically disadvantaged68%
Special educationn/a
General education62%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant54%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Former36%

Math

All Students78%
Female76%
Male80%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
White89%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Special education50%
General education84%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant78%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former65%
Limited English Proficient Former68%

Science

All Students88%
Female90%
Male87%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic87%
White93%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged86%
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Special education75%
General education91%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant88%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former74%
Limited English Proficient Former76%
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 Students54%
Female58%
Male49%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic51%
White57%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Non-economically disadvantaged55%
Special educationn/a
General education65%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant54%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students84%
Female85%
Male82%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic82%
White90%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged84%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Special education50%
General education91%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant84%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former69%
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 Students67%
Female65%
Male69%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic69%
Pacific Islandern/a
White57%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged63%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education74%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant67%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students86%
Female77%
Male94%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic85%
Pacific Islandern/a
White86%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged85%
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Special educationn/a
General education86%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant86%
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 Students53%
Female54%
Male51%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic49%
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White62%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Special educationn/a
General education62%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant53%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former15%
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students69%
Female66%
Male72%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic61%
American Indiann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White82%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-economically disadvantaged82%
Special educationn/a
General education83%
English language learners18%
Non-migrant69%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Former33%
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 Students79%
Female83%
Male74%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
Pacific Islandern/a
White93%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged89%
Special educationn/a
General education90%
English language learnersn/a
Non-migrant79%
Limited English Proficient Current Plus Formern/a
Limited English Proficient Formern/a

Math

All Students74%
Female75%
Male72%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
White79%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged74%
Non-economically disadvantaged72%
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 Students81%
Female79%
Male83%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic81%
Pacific Islandern/a
White82%
Other ethnicityn/a
Economically disadvantaged80%
Non-economically disadvantaged83%
Special educationn/a
General education86%
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
Hispanic 62% 20%
White 35% 54%
Black 3% 17%
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 79%N/A30%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A12
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Spanish
Portuguese
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education

Language learning

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Ms Maria Merlo

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Parent involvement
  • Our parents are an integral component of our school community and they participate in all activities through: home and school association, class parent volunteers, cafeteria volunteers, classroom volunteers, and as members of the school leadership council
More from this school
  • Lafayette Street School is a landmark school and was established in 1848 three years prior to the creation of the Board of Education. Lafayette has served as the educational and social center for an immigrant/bilingual population in the Ironbound Community of Newark. The populations have varied, but all bring with them rich cultrual backgrounds that have and continue to have an impact that enriches the history and climate of the school. lafayette is among a select group of Newark Public Schools that lead the city in measured standardized assessment results, and student/teacher daily attendance rate. Our students' achievements compare very favorable to comparable surburban student accomplishment. All school components address the academic progress/achievement and social balance/well being of all our students. The message stressed daily is one that promotes honesty, integrity, responsibility, and quality education. Administrators, teachers, and staff constantly review and revise instruction based on assessment data in alignment and support of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards through district curriculum/initiatives, and instructional approaches. All eyes are on the prize from day one of the school experience - student success through academic and social achievement! This is accomplished through a tiered system comprised of professional development, grade level/vertical meetings, and innovative teaching methods that incorporate differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary units of learning, problem-solving strategies, collaborative project-based techniques and best practices that promote the ability of the student to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. Student work is constantly and consistently reviewed and data analysis a daily occurrence based on both formal and informal evaluation. Teachers report student progress on a monthly basis utilizing progressive data analysis; then pinpoint priority areas to align instructional techniques based on teacher professional development that address student needs. Based on our Title I Unified Plan, Literacy (both reading and writing) is our priority. Our goal is to make life-long readers, writers, and learners of our students that will assist them to facilitate wonderful positive life choices in the future. It is the primary goal of each and every administrator that has walked the halls of Lafayette to garner greater student achievement from year to year. The school and staff have received innumerable awards, citations, and accommodations, but the one award that lingers is that of the successes of our students. Lafayette recognizes the worth in all children and instills in them the sense of values, principles, and morality that will carry them through a lifetime into 21st century learning.
School leaders can update this information here.

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205 Lafayette St
Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: (973) 465-4860

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