Information for Applicants & Students
Dr. Atiba Buckman Principal
About Our School
Malcolm X Shabazz High School blends a rich legacy with a bold vision for the future.
Founded in 1912, South Side High School has evolved into a hub for purpose-driven learning, featuring rigorous academic programs, an engineering/career academy focus, and student leadership initiatives supported by community partnerships.
Beyond the classroom, the Bulldogs have built a statewide reputation for competitive excellence. Our programs have captured multiple state championships across girls’ and boys’ basketball, football, and track, while our student-athletes and alumni consistently distinguish themselves at the collegiate and professional levels.
Shabazz’s impact extends far beyond athletics. Our graduates contribute meaningfully across music, politics, business, and sports, underscoring the school’s role as a cornerstone in Newark’s educational and cultural life.
At Shabazz, we believe every student deserves high expectations, caring relationships, and real opportunities. We’re proud of our history—and equally committed to innovation that prepares students for college, career, and community leadership. Together with our families and partners, we continue to write the next chapter of Bulldog excellence.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
Malcolm X Shabazz
Malcolm X Shabazz High School
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Shabazz in the News
Two boys teams, two girls teams to vie for the chance to play for county championships NEWARK, N.J. – It will be a Valentine’s Day to remember for Newark basketball lovers this Saturday, February 14th, as four Newark Public Schools high school basketball programs have advanced to the Essex County Basketball Tournament semifinals. “This is an extraordinary moment for Newark Public Schools athletics, and we could not be prouder of the four teams representing our city in the county semifinals,” […]
Word has gotten out about the quality of Malcolm X Shabazz High School and its football program. Recruiters from the Power Four College Football Conferences (the Big 10 Conference, the Big 12 Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the Southeastern Conference) came to MXS throughout the NCAA Recruitment Period, which ran from Monday, January 5th, through Saturday, January 31st. Recruiters from more than 20 colleges met with Shabazz Athletic Director Noel Colon, Head Football Coach Nasir Gaines, and his coaching […]
McDonald becomes the second Shabazz Bulldog in two years to join Stanford Football NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools and Malcolm X Shabazz High School (MXS) celebrated a major milestone as senior running back and linebacker Zaiden McDonald formally announced his commitment to play Division I football at Stanford University. During a special signing ceremony held in the school library, McDonald spoke with heartfelt gratitude as he thanked everyone who supported him throughout his journey as a student-athlete – including […]
Posted in: Posts navigation ← Malcolm X Shabazz High School Earns Middle States Accreditation
Newark, NJ – Malcolm X Shabazz High School has earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement. “Middle States accreditation serves as an independent validation of the good work we do, and the accreditation process focuses our attention on continuous growth and improvement,” said Dr. Buckman. “We are proud to have earned accreditation and to join the Middle States network. We look forward to continuing […]
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