They converged on the steps of City Hall in an effort to have their voices heard.
The students walked out to protest a plan that they believe will close public schools and replace them with charter schools.
They left City Hall and went into downtown in what they called 'The March of Shame'.
Organizers say large corporations are trying to take over education in Newark by closing public schools in favor of charter schools.
"The public schools work with all kids, the charter schools only work with kids that they're used to," said arts high school student Armani Richardson.
Students from some Newark schools went on Facebook Thursday to complain about the fact that they were locked down in their school, prevented from going to the protest downtown.
But those students who did get a chance to go say it was a worthy cause.
"We're not going to stop until we get what's best for our schools and for future generations," said student Rebecca Maldanado.
The Newark Student Union launched a sophisticated social media campaign to encourage students to rally.
The students believe the governor and Newark school superintendent are set to close the public schools in the South Ward.
