A Statistical Profile of Washington Twp Schools

Washington Township Public Schools, located in Gloucester County, New Jersey, serves as one of the largest K–12 districts in South Jersey. With 7,302 students enrolled in the 2023–24 school year, the district remains a stable and sizable educational system, providing a comprehensive learning experience across 11 schools. These include one preschool (Grenloch Terrace Early Childhood Center), six elementary schools serving grades K–5, two middle schools for grades 6–8, and Washington Township High School, which enrolls students in grades 9–12. Together, these schools form a cohesive system that serves the needs of a diverse and growing community. 

The district’s staffing levels reflect a strong commitment to student support. Washington Township employs approximately 654 full-time classroom teachers and over 1,360 staff members, resulting in a student–teacher ratio of about 11:1. This figure is lower than the state average and demonstrates the district’s prioritization of smaller class sizes and individualized instruction. Administratively, the system is guided by a nine-member elected Board of Education, with each member serving a three-year staggered term to ensure continuity in governance. Ben Smith is running for one of these nine board positions. 

Enrollment data over the last five years shows relative stability. In 2019, the district enrolled just over 7,200 students, and by 2023–24, enrollment had climbed slightly to 7,302 students. This steady trajectory indicates that Washington Township has neither faced dramatic declines common in some suburban districts, nor experienced rapid growth, but has instead sustained a balanced enrollment environment. This stability provides the district with predictability in planning for staff, facilities, and programs. 

Financially, the district’s per-pupil expenditure has mirrored broader statewide trends. New Jersey’s statewide average spending reached $19,164 per pupil in 2022–23, and Washington Township’s figures have followed a similar upward curve over the past five years. Increases have been driven by personnel costs, special education services, and employee benefits. While the exact year-to-year figures vary, the overall trend is one of consistent incremental growth in per-student spending, reflecting both inflationary pressures and enhanced investments in instructional support.

Academic performance provides another lens on district effectiveness. Washington Township students are assessed through the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), which track proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Over the past five years, ELA performance has shown modest but steady gains, with proficiency levels hovering in the mid-40 to 50 percent range and improving since the disruptions of 2020–21. In contrast, mathematics scores dipped significantly during the pandemic, reflecting statewide trends, but have shown early signs of recovery in the most recent test cycle. While math proficiency remains below pre-2019 levels, district data indicate an upward trend consistent with remediation and recovery efforts.

Taken together, the metrics paint a picture of a stable, moderately resourced, and academically focused district. With a solid enrollment base, robust staffing ratios, and steadily increasing per-pupil investment, Washington Township Public Schools is positioned to continue building on recent academic recovery. The district’s governance structure, long-standing community presence, and measurable commitment to accountability and transparency provide a foundation for addressing challenges and sustaining growth.