Newark
Schools
Newark faces several of the same economic and social challenges as other major American cities. One in four families live in poverty, only 46 percent of adults have a high school diploma, and only one in ten Newark residents posses bachelors degree or higher. Student test scores continue to lag behind those of higher-income areas. In math, only 57 percent of fourth graders and 45 percent of high school students passed state standardized assessments in 2006. While the overall trend of rising test scores in Newark is promising, student achievement levels continue to fall below the state average.
Newark is making progress in its efforts to improve its schools. Implementation of the No Child Left Behind legislation has placed increasing emphasis on student achievement and accountability. Test scores have continued to increase dramatically since 2002, with every grade level improving, and some seeing gains as high as 24 points. In addition, the district has opened several magnet schools, including programs in technology, arts, and sciences. Corps members have had a profound impact on Newark schools. They represent nearly five percent of the entire instructional staff in the Newark Public Schools, and have a documented history of raising student achievement. Many alumni have stayed in Newark to lead educational reform as teachers, administrators, and founders of charter schools.
At a Glance
| Ethnic Breakdown-Student Population |
| 59% African-American |
| 8% Caucasian |
| 32% Latino/Hispanic |
| 1% Asian-American |
| <1% Native American |
| <1% Other |
| Ethnic Breakdown-Newark |
| 56% African-American |
| 17% Caucasian |
| 24% Latino/Hispanic |
| <1% Asian-American |
| <1% Native American |
| 3.5% Other |
| Percentage of Students Qualifying for Free/Reduced-Price Lunch |
| 74% |
| Placements |
| 44% elementary teachers |
| 23% middle school teachers |
| 33% high school teachers |
| 77% teach at a school with another corps members or alumnus |
Our corps members
Placement regions
Corps and Alumni
