So many showed up that dozens of people were shut out of the meeting, which was held at First Avenue Elementary School.
The plan was proposed last month by Schools Superintendent Cami Anderson.
It revolves around expanding charter schools into district-owner buildings, which has become a controversial issue.
The plan would also convert some elementary schools and high schools into early childhood centers and smaller academies.
Anderson said the goal is to improve options for all Newark residents.
There have been several protests over the plan and five principals were suspended for their criticism of the plan.
Opponents say the plan would close or privatize many Newark neighborhood schools, and say a Rutgers University study shows the schools bearing the brunt of the consequences have a greater share of low-income and black and Latino students.