Best High Schools for Athletes in Essex County, NJ

Best Sports

66 results

Seton Hall Preparatory School
Private School
West Orange, NJ
9-12
144 reviews
#1 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: There are a lot of courses available for students to take on all levels from CP to Honors to AP, and all the teachers I had were excellent and very well qualified. We have really good sports teams, many ranking on the state level, and a large amount of school spirit to back up those teams at games. The school also has an emphasis on community service, which is nice, and opportunities for community service are always available throughout the school's various projects and fundraisers. The school also has many other clubs and events throughout the year that students can get involved in. Pretty diverse school racially, economically, and--although it is a Catholic school-- religiously.
Read 144 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
16 Total Number of Sports
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Montclair High School
Montclair Public Schools, NJ
9-12
331 reviews
#2 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: My overall experience at Montclair High School has been amazing! The teachers and staff are incredibly helpful in preparing students for college and encourage us to find activities that we enjoy to identify possible careers for our future. You will find multiple races and ethnicities in every classroom which makes it easy to make new friends. There is a plethora of clubs and activities where students can explore their interests. Sports are very popular at Montclair High School and games are a time where we all come together as a family to support our teams. Our school has a strict no-bullying policy which allows people to freely express themselves without having to fear about getting judged by others. At Montclair High School, people can feel a sense of community where students are comfortable with one another.
Read 331 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
20 Total Number of Sports
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West Essex High School
West Essex Regional School District, NJ
9-12
215 reviews
#3 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: My high school experience was not the best but not the worst. I am entering my senior year of high school and I would not have wanted to attend it anywhere else. Admittedly, I have had issues with certain teachers due to their lack of professionalism and inability to teach material, but I have learned a lot in my time here. West Essex offers a variety of classes that have cultivated my interests in business and literature and fashion. There is little diversity in the school, but that is out of one's control. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, yet much of the focus is on athletes rather than a combination of sports and arts and academics.
Read 215 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
32 Total Number of Sports
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Westfield Friends School
Private School
Cinnaminson, NJ
PK, K-8
4 reviews
Parent: Westfield Friends provides a stellar learning environment for our son. He is in 4th grade and has been attending WFS since pre-K. In that time he has really flourished not only as a student, but more importantly as a person. The rigorous academic standards, coupled with the emphasis on building character is a true differentiator to other schools. We could not be more pleased with the faculty, teachers, parents, and students at our school!
Read 4 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
131 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mountain Lakes High School
Mountain Lakes School District, NJ
9-12
58 reviews
Senior: The environment for learning is ideal. Parents push their children to work hard, and while that creates a slightly competitive environment, I felt it was the right balance. Everyone understands the importance of academics, and college feels like an expected and easy route to go from high school. I would say the teachers are not as good as they could be, other than some amazing ones. There is not enough creativity within the classroom because each student and each teacher feels the pressure of working toward one goal: a number, score or grade. If you work with a teacher one-on-one after class, this is remedied. However, I wish teachers took a little more initiative instead of focusing so directly on the textbook and curriculum.
Read 58 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
8 Total Number of Sports
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Millburn Senior High School
Millburn Township School District, NJ
9-12
169 reviews
#4 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: At Millburn High School, the classwork is very rigorous and the teachers have high expectations for the students. Although it is very challenging in high school, as a college student I believe that Millburn High School has sufficiently prepared me for the coursework in college. The majority of students are extremely competitive, and students must test into AP courses due to the high demand. Class sizes are small and teachers are usually happy to meet with students. The guidance department is very helpful and is always accessible to students. It is the student's responsibility to be proactive and make appointments. Lastly, I believe that Millburn High School offers a wide variety of different courses that students can take. For example, besides the basic sciences (physics, chemistry, biology), MHS offers forensic science, meteorology, genetics, astronomy, etc.
Read 169 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
29 Total Number of Sports
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Livingston Senior High School
Livingston Board of Education School District, NJ
9-12
324 reviews
#5 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, I have gone through grades K-12 and recently graduated high school as a student of the class of 2019. Throughout the years the Livingston Board of Education (BOE) and Livingston High School has never let me down in terms of its academics, faculty, and decisions made for the Livingston community. Most notably, during my sophomore year the entire high school received Microsoft Surface 3 computers, although some students and faculty felt uncomfortable with the major transition, I recognized the BOE's decision as an opportunity to excel one's own academics in regards to preparing for college. The BOE's decision made working efficient, faster, and improved students' skills in Microsoft Office. Overall, Livingston High School provides top tier academics, athletics, and activities in the midst of a diverse community.
Read 324 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
28 Total Number of Sports
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Cedar Grove High School
Cedar Grove Township School District, NJ
9-12
119 reviews
#6 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: Cedar Grove High School always gave me a safe learning environment in which I succeeded and enjoyed. I made a lot of friends in which I hope to keep and stay close with throughout my entire life. Also, I was offered many opportunities to be a part of clubs and organizations that I could excel in. I took advantage of many, if not all, of my opportunities here and I do appreciate all that Cedar Grove High School has done for me throughout my four years in high school.
Read 119 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
16 Total Number of Sports
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East Side High School
Newark Public School District, NJ
9-12
186 reviews
#7 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: I'm a Brazilian student following my dream of studying in the US. I've always studied in a private high school in Brazil, and I have to say, it is much better than here. However, for a public school, it is amazing. The staff really show interest in trying to teach you, the structure is pretty good for something public (I'm used to Brazil standards, so this was really impressive) and the miscegenation of cultures is amazing! It was a great experience to study at East Side High School.
Read 186 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
12 Total Number of Sports
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Glen Ridge High School
Glen Ridge Public School District, NJ
7-12
125 reviews
#8 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: Overall, Glen Ridge High School is a good school. The teachers are (mostly) fantastic and really seem to care about the kids. With a high rate of sending kids to college and lots of AP offerings, it pushes kids to take on high level classes.

However, there is a big issue in that. Many kids are pressured into taking more AP/honors classes than they feel comfortable. On the flip side, the non honor/AP classes are a joke. This makes dedicated students wary of taking these classes, so they’ll take an AP. This makes the stress levels very high.

Glen Ridge is also a bit of a party town—at least we think we are. That rigid social dynamic tends to blend itself into GRHS. Especially where jocks tend to think they’re extremely superior.

The administration and teachers care deeply, you’ll be thouroughly challenged, and they will help send you to a good college. Though there are things to dislike, it’s a pretty good school compared to every other in America.
Read 125 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
2 Total Number of Sports
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Newark Academy
Private School
Livingston, NJ
6-12
74 reviews
#9 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Middle School Student: Newark Academy is an amazing school! Everyone is so nice and open and everyone has a group to associate with. The academics give opportunities to people who want to excel past their level and all of the teachers are very friendly and willing to help. Overall, Newark Academy has made me extremely happy as a student and I wouldn't wish to be anywhere else!
Read 74 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
19 Total Number of Sports
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Verona High School
Verona Public School District, NJ
9-12
129 reviews
#10 Best High School Sports in Essex County
High School Senior: To start, we are unique in the fact that we are the "Hillbillies". I love the name the Hillbillies and I will never let it get changed without putting up a fight. The school spirit is very strong at VHS, especially if the teams are good, (ex. The 2014-2015 football teams). Academically, I would come back here because I feel that I am getting a "private school" education in a "public school" atmosphere. What I mean by that is I am getting the best education possible, while at the same time I'm in an environment without the pressure of a private school or the lack of fun. If I could start over I wouldn't pick anything to be but a Hillbilly!
Read 129 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
18 Total Number of Sports
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James Caldwell High School
Caldwell-West Caldwell School District, NJ
9-12
107 reviews
#11 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: James Caldwell is a pretty good high school as it goes. The administration isn't the best but they are friendly and fair with their jobs. The teachers are mostly all friendly with the odd one or two who are kind of off. The school has really good sports programs probably because they put more money into sports than they should, which kind of leaves nowhere near enough for academics. I'd still say that even with old books that are falling apart, our academics are still very good because of how many classes we're offered as electives that we get to choose. The electives give us the option to choose certain classes that we specifically want to take along side our required classes. Diversity isn't the best just because of the area we live in. They offer us a lot of support for after high school like guidance counselors giving us special meetings to help us find college prospects as well as scholarships, and give us classes on how to do taxes and find housing.
Read 107 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Sports
17 Total Number of Sports
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Columbia High School
South Orange-Maplewood School District, NJ
9-12
404 reviews
#12 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: The school is very focused on academics, has dedicated teachers, and offers a wide variety of classes for students. Extremely helpful staff, but struggles a little in terms of organization in the Guidance Department; counselors are overloaded with students and end up falling through the cracks in terms of giving them adequate attention or help. Overall a great school and provides unique opportunities for students in terms of social outreaches, community involvement, and justice clubs.
Read 404 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
24 Total Number of Sports
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Mount St. Dominic Academy
Private School
Caldwell, NJ
9-12
141 reviews
#13 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: My four years at the Mount transformed me as a person. I created valuable and long-lasting bonds with classmates. The all-girls aspect of the school is very empowering, liberating, and inspires creativity. I don’t think I would have been as able to grow as a person if it wasn't for this all-girls environment (even though I was hesitant at first). I also found that the teachers were very accommodating and willing to help with anything I needed. I participated in many clubs and activities that also enriched my experience there and allowed me to be more involved in the community. At the end of my four years there, I felt very prepared for college. More recently, the Mount is undergoing many exciting changes that I feel will be very beneficial to the school and the student body.
Read 141 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
14 Total Number of Sports
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St. Benedict's Preparatory School
Private School
Newark, NJ
K-12
51 reviews
#14 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Parent: I admire the leadership and readiness the school teaches these young men for the real world. They are not only focused on academic skills, but life long skills. They treat each student as adults, encourage them to make decisions that will not only affect themselves, but their fellow brothers. Fr. Edwin Leahy is an excellent role model to so many of these young men, in so many ways other than just the Headmaster of the school. He truly motivates each child and treats them as his own. Hard work is an understatement to describe this school. As a parent on the Rowing Team, these last 4 years has been equally strenuous on us as well. Planning and prepping for the regattas to ensure that the kids and coaches are well fed for the day, to ensure that they have everything they need in not so favorable weather. We, as parents are all in as well. It truly takes a village!
Read 51 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
12 Total Number of Sports
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Weequahic High School
Newark Public School District, NJ
9-12
77 reviews
#15 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: My experience at Weequahic High School was amazing. I attended there since my freshman to senior year and graduated with my high school diploma. I can say so many great things about this high school because it made me grow and the teachers and principals were very helpful throughout those four years. It was times when i was lazy or didnt feel like doing anything so the pushed me to do my best. I ran track and field and became a cheerleader my senior year. Weequahic helped me get a 1,000 dollar scholarship from Alvin Attles and i am very thankful for that because that helped me pay for my book expenses. One thing i would love to see change is the community that the school is in. Weequahic has some very big people who have graduated thats now in the nba, or play baseball and that's major.
Read 77 Reviews
C-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
14 Total Number of Sports
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Newark Technical School
Public School
Newark, NJ
9-12
73 reviews
#16 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: Newark technical school is such a wonderful school repleted with diversity. The administrators and staff help students prepare for the real world. Not only are there programs in which you can get certified in, but they also provide a program to take college courses during senior year. That program is called ‘TEAL’. Newark Tech also assists students to prepare for college all throughout the four years, especially during junior and senior year. The school makes sure that the students register on time for the SAT and ACT testing, as well as applying for scholarships ahead of time, which is a tremendous help. Anyone who is looking for a high school that is blue ribbon, state championships in sports, exceeds in academics, trades in which a student can be certified in, and so much more, consider Newark Technical Highschool.
Read 73 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
8 Total Number of Sports
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Irvington High School
Irvington Public Schools School District, NJ
9-12
183 reviews
#17 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: Irvington isn’t the best but it’s not the worst. In fact, Irvington is the kind of school that has a somewhat “bad” reputation but actually is a really good schools. It’s all really based on who the student is. As long as you respect your peers and teachers, they will stand for you and watch out for you. Irvington in a way teaches students how to be better people, which is great because not many high schools teach students life lessons like Irvington, or how to handle certain situations regarding disrespectful students/teachers. It’s the kind of school that you have to experience it yourself to actually understand.
Read 183 Reviews
D+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
12 Total Number of Sports
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West Orange High School
West Orange Public Schools, NJ
9-12
361 reviews
#18 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: I have been attending West Orange High School for four years.The administration is very strict and stress the rules for our safety.Our programs after school are phenomenal, students are involved with the sports, theater, music, political, and entertainment programs. Academically there are an abundant amount of classes to take along with multiple advance classes.West Orange is very diverse, the families are very involved in all activities taking place in and outside the school. The safety of our students are a priority, all doors in our school have a ID swipe to get in, along with all doors have alarms from the inside, if opened it will be activated. Within the school are eight security guards and a police officer.At all times students, visitors and facility wear Ids and if not will be guided to security for one or exited from the building.West Orange High School are a family of Mountaineers!
Read 361 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
2 Total Number of Sports
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Montclair Kimberley Academy
Private School
Montclair, NJ
PK, K-12
100 reviews
#19 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Parent: I can’t rave enough about the MKA primary school. My daughter was a new student in the first grade and struggled academically in the beginning of the this school year. By the end of this school year, she has improved tremendously in her reading, writing and math skills. More importantly, my daughter’s mindset has improved too. She now believes that she is competent and does not become easily discouraged. I think MKA has a good balance between nurturing and providing the students with challenging curriculum. The faculty really got to know my child very well and paid close attention on how to help her. I really appreciate the faculty’s candid and thorough evaluation of my daughter and recommendations for improvement. Please contact the school for any questions about the curriculum. The faculty and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. MKA is a very special place and I am so happy that my husband and I chose to send our daughter to school there.
Read 100 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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East Orange Campus High School
East Orange School District, NJ
9-12
164 reviews
#20 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Freshman: East Orange Campus High School is a great school with great leaders. This high school is home to great teachers, staff, and administration. My first year has been fabulous so far! They have lots of great, free programs for students to join, but some lack the feelings of inclusion and enthusiasm. I can tell that most of the/my teachers truly understand the importance of their jobs- impacting childrens' lives and preparing them for the colleges/careers/trades of their choice. I would like to see a much higher level of maturity, positivity for life/education and accountability in the students. Overall, I deeply believe that my next three (3) years at East Orange Campus High School will be amazing and adventurous.
Read 164 Reviews
D
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Sports
16 Total Number of Sports
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Malcolm X Shabazz High School
Newark Public School District, NJ
9-12
49 reviews
#21 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Senior: My junior year in Shabazz , Everything was really disorganized and all over the place. As of now the new principle is doing a very good job. The school is more organized , the staff is more professional and the academics are improving.
Read 49 Reviews
C-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Sports
20 Total Number of Sports
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University High School
Newark Public School District, NJ
7-12
197 reviews
#22 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: Entering high was a huge change from elementary school. At first I was not used to the huge hallways, students bigger than me, the teachers not as friendly, because everything was more serious and efficient than elementary school. Along the way I was accustomed to the new environment and I made lots of friend, much of the staff helped me with many resources to continue my education at a University, I was involved in the school clubs, athletics, even earned well enough graded to be inducted into the National Honors Society of High School Students, which seemed to feel like the most accomplishing event in my high school career. Overall, i enjoyed my time at University High School, I would not have wanted my college preparations to be given any differently. yeah
Read 197 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Sports
4 Total Number of Sports
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Bloomfield High School
Bloomfield Township School District, NJ
9-12
284 reviews
#23 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Alum: It was a typical high school experience. There were lots of sports, awesome advisors, super fun proms and pep rallies, academic opportunities were abundant and many memories made that will never be forgotten!
Read 284 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Nutley High School
Nutley Public School District, NJ
9-12
205 reviews
#24 Best High School Sports in Essex County
Sophomore: I think Nutley High School is a very good school considering it's a public school in a small town. There is a good environment with very supportive and good teachers, as well as various types of clubs and activities. Also, many students in the school are involved in sports teams. However, I am a little disappointed that the school is lacking in participation relating to certain types of major school programs and competitions. For example, there is no Olympiad team in the school, even though that is a reputable competition that spans across schools all over the nation! There also isn't much of a competitive environment among the students, but that's fine since it's a public school.
Read 205 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Sports
27 Total Number of Sports
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Our Lady of Mercy Academy
Private School
Newfield, NJ
9-12
44 reviews
Junior: Our Lady of Mercy Academy is a small all girl high school in southern New Jersey that fosters a community of sisterhood while delivering a first class education. Small class size and emphasis on academics was what made my parents fall in love with OLMA. I took a little more convincing, but after attending a shadow day and meeting students, teachers and administrators I quickly felt like I was home. This inclusive and friendly environment has inspired me to excel not only in academics, but in sports, clubs, and volunteerism. I am proud to a part of the OLMA community and am delighted in the many ways it has helped shape my future as I look forward to studying pre-med in college.
Read 44 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
182 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Donovan Catholic High School
Private School
Toms River, NJ
9-12
151 reviews
Parent: VERY family oriented! The high school is on the same campus as parish church,nthe preschool, grade school and middle school so all school-age children have a chance to interact during holidays, concerts, and other occasions. The clubs, performing arts programs and athletics are dynamic. There is something for everyone!

While the school works with students of various abilities, special emphasis is put toward the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs- the latter of which is only offered at 14 other school in the whole state of NJ!

DON'T let the idea of tuition stop you from sending your child here! There are many options for payment plans, financial assistance, work-study, etc. DEFINITELY worth a look!
Read 151 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
722 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 3

Seton Hall Preparatory School

Montclair High School

West Essex High School

Westfield Friends School

Mountain Lakes High School

Millburn Senior High School

Livingston Senior High School

Cedar Grove High School

East Side High School

Glen Ridge High School

Newark Academy

Verona High School

James Caldwell High School

Columbia High School

Mount St. Dominic Academy

St. Benedict's Preparatory School

Weequahic High School

Newark Technical School

Irvington High School

West Orange High School

Montclair Kimberley Academy

East Orange Campus High School

Malcolm X Shabazz High School

University High School

Bloomfield High School

Nutley High School

Our Lady of Mercy Academy

Donovan Catholic High School