The Center for Education Reform just published a “Parent Power Index” that grades each state on whether it is moving in the right direction “to ensure the availability of education that meets the needs of every child and family.” CEF uses a rubric that looks at state policies and practices in school choice, charter schools, and innovation as well as leadership, constitutional issues and transparency, with the last three ungraded.

New Jersey gets a D, ranking 38th out of 50 states. Here are some of the reasons why:

Opportunity and School Choice: NJ ranks 38th among states, earning a D-. “Significant barriers continue to choke off broader access for families in the Garden State.”

One improved grade is in charter schools, where we got a C and a rank of #34 among states:

“Finally some good news to celebrate in a state with the sixteenth weakest charter law in the nation. A new facilities program was created to allow charter schools located in specific school districts access loans to make critical upgrades to facilities, start major construction projects, or perform much needed renovation and rehabilitation efforts on buildings.”

However, “while New Jersey does not cap the number of charter schools in the state, the state has often denied renewals and potential for new schools.”

Also,

“Governor Murphy did an about-face on charter school expansion. For the first time since his election back in 2018, [in 2024] 78% of the charter schools seeking to enroll more students were approved. While it is being viewed as a political calculation by education freedom supporters in the Garden State, credit must be given where it is due.”

We get an F for choice programs (vouchers, scholarships, tax credits) because we have no such programs.

Innovation: Pretty good! We have a grade of C and a rank of #41. “Impressively, New Jersey is home to 9 school districts that are members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.”

While in 2022 the State Legislature passed the Innovation Schools Act, which grants more flexibility and autonomy to these schools in curriculum, budget management, etc., “there are no innovative schools established.” 

Policy Environment:
“With Democrats firmly in control, New Jersey is still a status quo state but the legislature is reviewing the possibility of open enrollment which is at least something to provide a different path for some families but that’s about all that can be said with regard to meaningful change.”

Constitutional Issues: Some state litigation say it is is constitutional to use public funds to support private schools. CEF notes the Abbott v. Burke decisions, which “allows pre-school funds to flow to private schools by the parents’ choices.” Also, there is a case before the NJ Supreme Court, In re Renewal Application of TEAM Academy Charter School, where Education Law Center, which made its bones during the Abbott cases, is trying to overturn the expansion of KIPP public charter schools in Newark, which happened back in 2016 during the Christie Administration.

Transparency: The New Jersey Department of Education homepage has Student Performance Reports where parents can find out detailed information about school and district performance. However, that page is hard to find and ” it requires digging through multiple links to find what you’re searching for.”

Each state’s report includes basic facts about the public education system. Here is New Jersey’s summary:

4th Grade Math Proficiency: 44%

8th Grade Math Proficiency: 37%

4th Grade Reading Proficiency: 38%

8th Grade Reading Proficiency: 38%

Average SAT Score: 1050 / 1600

Average ACT Score: 24.1 / 36

Graduation Rate: 91%