Newark Public Schools Graduation Rate Rises to 92%

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools record-high graduation rate of 92% for the Class of 2026, continues a sustained upward trend in student achievement and marking another milestone in the District’s 10-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020–30.

The rate represents a 16-percentage-point increase from the District’s 76% graduation rate in 2018 and builds on the 90% graduation rate achieved in 2025. The gains reflect the District’s continued commitment to ensuring that more students graduate from high school on time, prepared for college, careers, and future success. The added fact that we are graduating more Black and Hispanic males than ever before is a testament to the great strides the district has made in creating more equitable access to opportunities for achievement among all Newark students.

“These results are further evidence of the transformation taking place throughout Newark Public Schools,” said Superintendent León. “When we established The Next Decade: 2020–30, we made a commitment to raising expectations, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that every student has a pathway to success. Now, we are seeing the results of that commitment. A 92% graduation rate is an extraordinary achievement for our students, their families, our teachers, school counselors, and our school leaders. And there’s no stopping us now.”

Four high schools achieved 100 percent graduation rates in 2026:

• Bard High School Early College - Newark
• Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
• Newark School of Fashion & Design
• Science Park High School

This achievement represents the diversity of academic opportunities available to Newark students, from comprehensive high schools to specialized programs in fashion, information technology, and science, to our reimagined trade programs, and early college experiences where students from every high school can earn college credits or associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas.

“Every percentage point represents more young people graduating from high school with greater opportunities ahead of them,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “The Board is tremendously proud of our students and grateful to the teachers, principals, families, and staff members whose dedication has made these achievements possible. These results demonstrate what can happen when a school district establishes ambitious goals and remains committed to achieving them.”

The 2026 graduation rate marks another milestone as Newark Public Schools enters the seventh year of its strategic plan, with this year’s theme being, “No Stopping Us Now.”

Amongst the long list of accomplishments, the Newark Public Schools proudly announces:

Two high schools ranked high in New Jersey:

• Science Park High School is ranked #16 in New Jersey.
• Technology High School is ranked #64 in New Jersey.

Six high schools greatly improved in national rankings:

• American History High School
• Arts High School
• Bard High School Early College – Newark
• Newark School of Global Studies
• Newark Vocational High School
• University High School

Six Comprehensive High Schools successfully earned Middle States Accreditation:

• Barriger High School
• Central High School
• East Side High School
• Malcolm X Shabazz High School
• Weequahic High School
• West Side High School

The District will continue its efforts to increase graduation rates, strengthen academic achievement, and expand opportunities for every student in college, trade schools, military service, and the workplace.

We are equally grateful to and appreciate all of the higher education institutions and professional organizations that have partnered with us in our high school redesign strategy.