How Big Are Class Sizes In Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools?

West Caldwell, NJ – The Caldwell-West Caldwell School District released a long-awaited classroom demographics study during its May 9 meeting.

School officials presented attendees with the results of the study, which administrators have previously stated will help the Board of Education determine future budgets.

In total, the district had 2,606 enrolled students in 2015-16, down from 2,652 in 2014-15 and 2,649 in 2013-14.

According to school administrators, projected total enrollment totals for the future include:

• 2017-18 – 2,611 students
• 2018-19 – 2,606 students
• 2019-20 – 2,613 students
• 2020-21 – 2,624 students

Average class sizes for 2015-16 included:

• Kindergarten – 15.5 students per class
• 1st grade – 20 per class
• 2nd grade – 18 per class
• 3rd grade – 17.7 per class
• 4th grade – 20.6 per class
• 5th grade – 21.4 per class

School administrators compared the 2015-16 student/teacher ratios to other nearby communities in Essex County, which included:

• North Caldwell – 9.6 students per teacher
• Cedar Grove – 11.6 students per teacher
• Millburn – 12.10 students per teacher
• Livingston – 12.5 students per teacher
• Caldwell-West Caldwell – 12.6 students per teacher
• Nutley – 12.8 students per teacher
• Glen Ridge – 13 students per teacher
• Verona – 14.9 students per teacher

Caldwell-West Caldwell administrators stated that the district is aiming for a maximum of 22 to 23 students per class for K-2nd grade and 25 to 26 students in grades 3-5.

In an effort to balance class sizes, school administrators plan to ask parents and students for voluntary transfers when possible.

Administrators also plan to reassign new students when possible, the study stated.

To keep K-8 grade class sizes at about 20 students, administrators say that 14 additional teachers are needed at an estimated salary and benefit total of $1 million.

This would cost the average homeowner in the district about $134 per year in additional taxes, school officials stated.

See the school district’s full demographic study here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch NJ email newsletters here.