Serving 320 students in grades 6-8, John L. Costley Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 2% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 14% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 320 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NJ
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
John L. Costley Middle School's student population of 320 students has declined by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
320 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Developing Leaders One Student at a Time.
School Rankings
John L. Costley Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John L. Costley Middle School is 0.40, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2159 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
11%
Hispanic
21%
34%
Black
75%
14%
White
1%
38%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John L. Costley Middle School's ranking?
John L. Costley Middle School is ranked #2159 out of 2,184 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
2% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% NJ state average), while 14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ state average).
How many students attend John L. Costley Middle School?
320 students attend John L. Costley Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of John L. Costley Middle School students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are White, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John L. Costley Middle School?
John L. Costley Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
What grades does John L. Costley Middle School offer ?
John L. Costley Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is John L. Costley Middle School part of?
John L. Costley Middle School is part of East Orange School District.
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