Question about schools in East Orange and Newark

[Joshua Silva]

Good morning everyone,

I become a pro member a few weeks ago as I intend to commit myself into real estate investing, particularly with rental properties, so I am in no means experienced. Before I ask my question, I want to thank everyone in BP for your contributions in the forums as you all make this site a great source of information for people looking to invest. So again I thank you all in advance for your help.

I am currently in the market looking to purchase my first home, either a single family house or a multi-family, in the East Orange or Newark area. The reason I am looking in these areas is because I work in Brooklyn, first exit off the Verrazano Bridge and I would like to maintain a decent commute. I currently live in Jersey City. I have a wife and 4 year old daughter. I have been looking for a few days now, found some decent properties, but unfortunately my wife isn’t too fond of the area for what I would like to spend on a house. My budget is 300,000-350,000. One issue that my wife is worried about is the school system. My question is what is the best way into looking for information regarding a cities school system? I would like to know if there is any reliable source instead of looking at random websites from google search. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone in the area, especially ones with kids so I don’t have anyone to refer to. Any advice is welcomed and sure to help!

[Ro Maga]

@Joshua Silva

Well Newark’s public school system is improving but it’s got a long way to go. In fact, the city just regained control of its school board — the state took it over for more than 2 decades due to a combination of ineptitude and corruption.

That said Newark has some stellar charter schools and a few exceptional public schools that have earned national blue ribbon denominations. Among the charter schools are the Robert Treat Academy, the North Star Schools, and Kipp.

A good way to find these schools would be looking at the list of blue ribbon recipients available on line.

You also want to stick to the better wards (east, north, and maybe some parts of the central ward). To do that, you’re going to have to increase your buying budget, or lower your expectations further (home schooling?). Or buy a single home.

Good luck.