Orange Preparatory Academy School of Inquiry and Innovation

School Overview
Orange Preparatory Academy (OPA), located at 400 Central Avenue in Orange, New Jersey, serves as a specialized transitional school for students in the Orange Public School District. Typically catering to students in the middle grades—often focusing on the 8th and 9th-grade transition—the academy is designed to bridge the gap between middle school and the more rigorous academic expectations of high school. By focusing on this specific developmental window, the school aims to provide a structured environment that fosters academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and college and career readiness.

The academy emphasizes a comprehensive educational experience that encourages student engagement through a variety of extracurricular activities and academic support systems. Its location in the heart of Orange allows it to function as a community-centered institution that works closely with families to ensure students are prepared for the challenges of secondary education. With a curriculum designed to build foundational skills and critical thinking, Orange Preparatory Academy serves as a vital stepping stone, helping students navigate their formative years while preparing them for long-term success at Orange High School and beyond.
397
Total Students
48.2
Full-Time Teachers
8.2
Student/Teacher Ratio
65.7%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Orange Preparatory Academy School of Inquiry and Innovation
Demographic Student Count
White1
Hispanic207
Black187
American Indian2
  • Hispanic
    207 (52.1%)
  • Black
    187 (47.1%)
  • American Indian
    2 (0.5%)
  • White
    1 (0.3%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Middle School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION School District
Phone: (973)677-4135
Website: http://www.orange.k12.nj.us/Domain/374
Grade Range: 8th - 8th
Total Students: 397
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 48.2
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 8.2
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch: 243
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 18
Grades Taught
Grade 8 397

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Orange Preparatory Academy School of Inquiry and Innovation
Grade Student Count
Grade 8397
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Orange Preparatory Academy School of Inquiry and Innovation
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female18145.6%
Male21654.4%
Nearby Middle Schools (Within 10 Miles)