Cherry Hill School Ratings and Test Scores

School ratings are one of the top factors Cherry Hill home buyers consider when choosing a neighborhood. Understanding how each school is rated, what the test scores mean, and how to interpret the data can help you make a smarter decision for your family.

How Cherry Hill Schools Compare Statewide

Cherry Hill Public Schools consistently perform above the New Jersey state average in most academic measures. The district's average reading proficiency rate is approximately 64%, compared to the statewide average of 47%. Math proficiency averages around 25-29%, which is roughly in line with or slightly below the state average depending on the grade level and school.

Both Cherry Hill High School East and West report graduation rates of 92%, well above the national average. Average SAT scores across the district are around 1190, placing Cherry Hill students in a competitive position for college admissions.

GreatSchools Ratings Overview

GreatSchools is the most widely used school rating platform by home buyers. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale based on test scores, academic growth, and college readiness data. Here is how Cherry Hill's top schools rate:

Elementary Schools

• Joseph D. Sharp Elementary — 9/10 GreatSchools rating. The highest-rated elementary in the district, with strong math and reading proficiency scores.
• A. Russell Knight Elementary — One of the top-performing elementary schools, consistently near the top of district rankings.
• Richard Stockton Elementary — Strong academic performance with above-average test scores across all grade levels.
• Thomas Paine Elementary — Math proficiency around 55%, reading proficiency around 59%, well above district averages.

Middle Schools

• Henry C. Beck Middle School — Math proficiency around 50%, reading proficiency around 49%. One of the higher-performing middle schools in the district.
• John A. Carusi Middle School — Math proficiency around 26%, reading proficiency around 41%.
• Hanover Middle School — Serves the western part of the district with solid academic programs.

High Schools

• Cherry Hill High School East — Consistently ranked as the top high school in the district. 92% graduation rate, average SAT ~1190, ACT ~26. Strong AP program and college readiness.
• Cherry Hill High School West — Also boasts a 92% graduation rate with strong academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings.

Understanding Test Scores

New Jersey administers the NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments) in English language arts and mathematics for grades 3 through 8. These tests measure whether students are meeting grade-level expectations. Cherry Hill students generally perform well, particularly in English language arts, where the district's proficiency rates significantly exceed state averages.

It is important to remember that test scores are just one snapshot of a school's quality. They do not capture the full picture of a school's culture, arts programs, athletic offerings, special education services, or the dedication of its teachers.

Other Rating Systems

In addition to GreatSchools, several other platforms provide school ratings:

• Niche — Grades schools on an A+ through F scale using test scores, parent reviews, and academic data. Joseph D. Sharp Elementary receives an A rating.
• Public School Review — Provides detailed profiles with test scores, student-teacher ratios, and demographic data for every school in the district.
• NJ School Performance Reports — The official New Jersey Department of Education reports offer the most comprehensive data, including chronic absenteeism, college readiness, and post-secondary outcomes.

How School Ratings Affect Home Values

In Cherry Hill, homes in the attendance zones of the highest-rated elementary schools command a noticeable premium. Sharp Elementary and Knight Elementary zones are among the most desirable, with homes often selling faster and at higher prices per square foot. This is a well-established pattern in Cherry Hill real estate, and it is one of the most important factors to understand when buying a home.

Even if you do not have school-age children, buying in a highly rated school zone protects your resale value. Future buyers with families will pay a premium for those assignments.

Getting the Latest Data

School ratings and test scores change over time as new data is released. The best sources for current information are the official New Jersey School Performance Reports and the Cherry Hill Public Schools district website. I also recommend visiting schools in person and talking to parents in the neighborhoods you are considering.

If you are planning a move to Cherry Hill and want to understand how school ratings affect your options, contact me. I can help you find a home in the right school zone for your family's needs and budget.

For context on how the district fits together, the public schools guide covers the full picture, the private schools guide compares the alternatives, and the preschool guide covers early years. Families deciding between towns will also want the family living guide.