The original First Avenue School was built in 1929 adjacent to the Newark School Stadium in the North Ward area of Newark.  The Three-story brick structure has always been viewed as one of the nicest school buildings in the city. However, on September 6, 2007, a new 188,000 square foot modern facility located at 214 First Avenue replaced the old building. First Avenue School enrolls approximately 1,100 pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students. Our school boasts a state-of-the-art Auditorium, Cafeteria with a cooking kitchen, an Instrumental and Choral Music Rooms, Computer Labs, Media Center, Science Labs, Art Room equipped with a Kiln, a magnificent Gym with girls and boys locker rooms and showers, as well as an underground parking garage for staff.

First Avenue School has been the proud recipient of numerous awards for improvement of student achievement and school climate.  Our school has high expectations for each of our students and provides them with challenging and stimulating educational experiences that enhance their educational growth through our powerful learning philosophy as well as a wide variety of extra curricular activities.

Our ethnically diverse student body receives Bilingual, ESL, Special Education and Resource Room instruction as well as four (4) self-contained Autistic classrooms and a comprehensive Developmental Program.  Each of these academic programs is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and the Newark Public Schools Educational Plan.

First Avenue constitutes a source of pride for the Newark Public Schools.  A recipient of the Fordham University National School Change Award, First Avenue School is recognized as an excellent and competitive educational institution.  Everyone at First Avenue has high expectations for all students and believes all children will learn.  It is our goal to empower students to create, reshape and fully participate in personal and community environments, which will enhance the quality of life for everyone.