| Metric | Paterson City School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 24,795 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 43 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,367/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 582 rated districts in NJ → 6th percentile → 1/10.
Source: New Jersey Dept. of Education NJSLA, grades 3–8 Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Paterson City School District
Paterson City School District serves zip code 07503, covering Paterson, New Jersey with grades Pre-K – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Paterson City School District spent $20,367 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 11% below New Jersey’s statewide $23,000 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 1,781 students, an estimated 79% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 51 schools, Paterson City School District operates as a very large district serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Very large districts are complex systems with significant variation in school quality across attendance zones. They typically offer extensive programs — magnet schools, specialized high schools, dual-language tracks, advanced coursework — but navigating these options requires active engagement with the district.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Paterson City School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in New Jersey’s NJSLA grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because New Jersey is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Paterson City School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in New Jersey on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 07503
Children in zip code 07503 are assigned to Paterson City School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 07503, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Paterson City School District at (973)321-1000 or visit www.paterson.k12.nj.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Jersey districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Paterson
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Paterson City School District serves zip code 07503, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 07503. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In New Jersey, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Paterson City School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 07503.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Paterson City School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 07503 data.