Paterson Moves Forward with Controversial Middle School Plan

Experts say success depends on funding and implementation, as district closes top-performing choice schools.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Amid changing academic opinions on the benefits of middle schools versus K-8 schools, the Paterson, New Jersey school district is moving forward with a controversial 'Middle School Model' that will close four top-performing choice elementary schools. The district cites goals of equity, reducing transportation costs, and better utilizing school buildings, but parents and some experts warn the changes could lead to a decline in student performance and an exodus to charter schools.

Why it matters

The Paterson school district's decision to restructure its schools by closing successful choice programs and reassigning students to their neighborhood schools is a high-stakes move that could have significant impacts on student outcomes, school climate, and community trust. As urban districts nationwide grapple with the tradeoffs between choice and neighborhood schools, Paterson's experience could provide lessons for other districts considering similar changes.

The details

As part of its 'Middle School Model' plan, the Paterson school district will close four choice elementary schools this summer, including two of the district's top-performing schools. The nearly 1,000 students enrolled in these choice programs will be reassigned to schools in their neighborhoods, which some parents say are unsafe and provide a poor education. District officials cite goals of equity, reducing transportation costs, and better utilizing school buildings, but experts warn that simply changing grade configurations does not guarantee improved student success. The success of the two school configurations - middle schools versus K-8 schools - depends on factors like funding, staff training, and school leadership commitment.

  • In 2010, a Columbia University study titled 'Stuck in the Middle' found a significant drop in academic performance for students moving from elementary to middle schools in New York City.
  • In 2012, a Harvard study called 'The Middle School Plunge' found a substantial drop in test scores for children who switched to middle schools compared to those who stayed in K-8 settings.
  • In June 2022, Paterson's Board of Education discussed the district's middle school initiative, with officials citing goals of better using school buildings, education benefits, cost savings, and reducing student transportation.
  • On February 4, 2026, Paterson Superintendent Laurie Newell said the redistricting was focused on 'the big picture' and bringing more equity to the entire student population.

The players

Laurie Newell

The superintendent of the Paterson school district who is overseeing the implementation of the 'Middle School Model' and the closure of four choice elementary schools.

Mark Weber

An adjunct professor at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and an education analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective who says simply revising grade groupings does not guarantee student success.

Brian K. Perkins

A professor at Columbia University's Teachers College who says K-8 schools tend to have a more positive school climate and culture with less bullying compared to middle schools.

Cheryl Jones-Walker

The director of the Center for School and System Redesign at the Washington-based Learning Policy Institute, who says shifting students from choice schools to neighborhood schools successfully will be a 'tall order' for Paterson.

Neil Mapp

The Paterson school district's facilities executive director who inaccurately claimed Paterson is the only district in the area that does not have middle schools.

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What they’re saying

“If there was a clear difference that one was better than the other, then every city would switch to one model.”

— Mark Weber, Adjunct Professor, Rutgers Graduate School of Education (northjersey.com)

“We're the only district in this area — go 50 miles, 100 miles — that doesn't have middle schools.”

— Neil Mapp, Facilities Executive Director, Paterson School District (northjersey.com)

“For a lot of parents in a choice system, what they consider to be a good school has less to do with the teachers' qualifications than it does with who their children's peers would be.”

— Mark Weber, Adjunct Professor, Rutgers Graduate School of Education (northjersey.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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