PATERSON — The city’s magnet program for “gifted and gifted” students was named a top-ranked elementary and middle school in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report last week.
School 28 earned the same honor in 2021. The school was also named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2018 and a Distinguished School by state education officials in 2016.
Principal Nancy Castro said she was “humbled” by New Jersey’s top ranking.
“This prestigious honor is the result of the hard work and dedication of our entire community,” Castro said in a news release issued by the city school district Monday afternoon. “We are deeply grateful for the hard work of our students, their families, and staff.”
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School 28 operates as a traditional community school for younger children. However, students who wish to participate in the gifted program, which covers all classes from second to eighth grade, must go through a rigorous application process.
We want to extend School 28’s success elsewhere.
Paterson School Board members and local education advocates said they want to find ways to replicate School 28’s success elsewhere in the city.
“We definitely need to look at ways to expand this program,” said Kenneth Simmons, vice president of the board, adding that each of Paterson’s six wards should have a “gifted and gifted” school hub. He suggested that it might be.
Rosie Grant, executive director of the Paterson Education Foundation’s advocacy group, said the district should replicate some of School 28’s best practices at other schools, such as smaller class sizes and advanced certifications for teachers. Ta.
“Let’s try to do what’s best for all the kids,” Grant said.
School 28 topped the U.S. news list about public school districts. The same media company ranked School 28 at the top in middle school math scores, tied for first in elementary school reading and math scores, and tied for second in middle school reading comprehension.
The school is located on the corner of Presidential Boulevard and Temple Street in Ward 1 and has approximately 484 students. Approximately half of them are lower grade students who do not participate in the state’s standardized tests. The rest are part of the gifted program.
According to US News, the rankings are based on a formula. “Half of the formula evaluated the score itself, and the other half incorporated test results in the context of socio-economic demographics,” the publication said.
Paterson is one of the lowest performing districts in New Jersey
School 28 managed to earn the honor despite the Paterson district being one of the lowest performing districts in New Jersey.
School Board President Manny Martinez said the top rankings reflect the potential of the city’s students.
“They don’t lack ability. Sometimes they miss opportunities,” Martinez said. “But when given an opportunity to shine, they always rise to the occasion.”
Superintendent Laurie Newell echoed Martinez’s assessment. “The dedication of our staff and the hard work of our students have created a learning environment that truly embodies excellence,” she said.
Patterson started an elementary school program for gifted students in 2012. Mr. Castro has been the principal for more than 10 years.
“She is a great principal who is focused on academic performance,” said Grace Giglio, president of the union representing Principal Patterson.
