Education Alternatives in Newark, New Jersey

The public school system in Newark is the most heavily populated in the state, which is not surprising as Newark is the most populous city in New Jersey. Over 46,000 children are enrolled in the K to 12 schools of the city each year. In 1995, the state government took over the operation of the city's schools in what was essentially an annex. Toronto and other large cities have also engaged in such practices in the past in order to bring underperforming schools under a more centralized method of control.

The hope for the Newark system was that state operation would improve the performances of these schools, whose students were the most under performing in the entire state. These results have not yet been realized, however, and the education rate in Newark continues to be well below the standards expected of people who own New York or Central Toronto homes.

Security is also an issue in many of Newark's public schools. It was in this city that the infamous metal detectors in schools programs were first set up, so that staff could confiscate weapons from guns to wire cutting tools from the student population. It is system that continues to this day, and has had a positive result in increased safety of the public school population.

Unfortunately, the private school system in Newark does not offer many alternatives to the dismal public system. There are only a handful of private schools, including Link Community School and Saint Vincent Academy.

In short, Newark's school system will come as a bit of a shock to anyone moving from Milton Ontario homes or almost any other location in the eastern half of the continent. While annexation movements by the state government may have failed, it is hoped that the renaissance of the city will result in a more positive atmosphere for the youth of the city and their schools as well.