Maple Avenue School Records

Maple Avenue School opened in September 1925, and was officially dedicated Nov 1925. As a school in the Weequahic section of the city, it served a population that was increasingly Jewish during the years represented in this collection: 1927-1957. On “Old Newark” Ray Miller (b. 1923) reminisces “when I attended Maple Avenue School most of my classmates were Jewish”. As Jews left the area pre-and-post Newark Riots or Rebellion, Maple Avenue School continued to serve the area. Some highlights from the Star Ledger: In 1979, the school choir sang as part of the Clean City Campaign. In 1982, the school presented “A Black History Supershow”. In 1985, they participated in a recycling project. In 1995, Rep. Donald Payne ate lunch with students. In 1998, pupils designed their own playground. During the 2001-2002 Maple Avenue was recognized as one of the top 10 most improved schools in math. In 2010, the school received a visit from Michelle Obama. In 2015, as part of the One Newark program, Maple Avenue School officially vacated, though its closing had been announced as early as 2013. The building was sold to BN Property LLC and as of April 2018 residential housing was planned.