2024 Best Magnet Schools in the New York City Area

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: The Academy is an all around highly-recommended high school experience. Starting with academics, Academy students are challenged everyday through a difficult and relevant courseload, fully preparing them for college and life beyond. Students have a great relationship with their teachers and with each other. The social environment of the academy is an extremely tight web of inseparable, caring, and competitive students. Although its place as a satellite academy causes administrative headache, this school is the center of the greatest academic and social livelihoods a student can hope for.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  556 reviews

Parent: My daughter is studying at this school. The school is wonderful and my daughter has loved it. She is in an amazing, academically rich environment with passionate teacher and students who share the same goals. Not only do the students receive specialized classes in the areas of their interest (machine building, pharmacology, advanced Java script, conducting, etc.), but they also get exposed to activities outside their academies through electives, clubs (ex. HOSA, Mock Trial, UNICEF), trips (ex. BCA Global exchange programs, choir performances, international math competitions abroad), and BCA events (one acts, Valentine’s Day assembly). It’s a great opportunity for any child that is interested in pursuing deeper academic pursuits.... Read 556 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,109

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  145 reviews

Senior: Magnet is a school that is very near and dear to me. Throughout my time here, I have made many friends that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I relish the opportunity to interact with so many intelligent people and feel that the culture is one that stimulates growth and improvement. The teachers are above average and it feels like they truly care about their students. I would highly recommend any students in the Union County area to apply to Magnet. It will absolutely be worth it.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 308

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  304 reviews

Alum: I graduated class of 2023, and I can say hands down that McNair has been one of the most formative experiences I have had in my life. I have learned so much thanks to the teachers and friends that have supported me. There is truly a very collaborative environment here, and everyone is supported every step along the way. There are plenty of opportunities regarding AP courses and extracurriculars. I was part of the Epsilon Math Team, Mock Trial, and various honor societies, and I founded Mathemagicians Tutoring which connects McNair students to Cordero middle schoolers and offers free math tutoring. I highly recommend this school, it will change your life.... Read 304 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 704

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  125 reviews

Senior: The Academy for Information Technology is a great school to attend if you are pursuing a business/information technology path as a career. You have focused vocational classes teaching business to programming languages like Java. However, the school does not provide the greatest of technological resources. Students only have Chromebooks and Desktops at the school often have their issues which makes it hard to use. Funding dedication in this area isn't the greatest. The counselors help you every step along the way in assisting your application up to college. The food here is average, not the greatest but there are secondary choices always such as hamburgers aside from the main lunch.... Read 125 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  135 reviews

Freshman: I love this school! I love having the opportunity to take a class specifically involving health sciences and learning more about my future career before college. This school has great a great environment and has a great curriculum. The learning experience is amazing and I feel like I learn a lot more than any of the other schools I have been. The teachers are great and even now in a virtual environment, they are trying their best to teach and be supportive of the students. I also love how this school has many amazing clubs and student life experiences. They give students a chance to try out different activities and hobbies with clubs as well as get to know more about each other. This school has many diverse students because they accept students from all over the county. It's great if you want to get to know about other cultures and interact with different people. Overall this school is amazing and I'm completely enjoying my experience, even as an online student.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: MCA which is now rebranded as Edison Academy Magnet School is very strong at it's brand, but tends to neglect other areas. The course rigor and breadth in STEM in unparalleled, the students are all very motivated and extremely strong in STEM subjects, and students are provided with every resource to succeed in college as well as get into a top-tier school. However, humanities and arts other than history and English are practically non-existent. The only way to partake in them is at the county college it is housed on. Additionally, the academic mindset can be extremely toxic when almost every student scores an A on most tests and the goal to attend a top 20 university is in the mind of every student. Additionally, the focus on STEM many times takes away from the dimensions of students. Ultimately, this school is amazing for a student absolutely committed to STEM. In any case, it is a great education. But with most of your course load decided for you, it can be limiting and tough.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Norwalk School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: Center for Global Studies is the very definition of a school that has a family-like community. Everyone has the chance to be involved in everything, and the air in the halls is always positive. Everyone I've met is and from day 1, always was, kind as welcoming--both faculty and students. Finally, the emphasis on learning in a school that puts a global spin on everything, with the reminders everywhere you go and in everything do that you are not the center of the world but instead a member of the human race who should work to understand and celebrate both others and yourself....is very meaningful. Overall, I couldn't recommend CGS more for its environment and the amount of different opportunities for every student there. It really is a hidden gem of a school!... Read 25 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 278

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Greenwich Public Schools, CT•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 344

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, NY•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: We have been so impressed with MAMS. The faculty, teachers & coaches all care about the Children. They prepare the students for HS and offer many clubs. The science lab is very impressive.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 789

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Valley Stream Central High School District, NY•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  302 reviews

Senior: Central is a great school with a lot of opportunities to learn and grow. Because most of the students excel in academics, we were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. There are a lot of clubs to join and you could always start your own club if you wish. The teachers are friendly and always there to support you. There are a lot of classes to choose from ranging from regents to accelerated to AP classes. The security personnel work hard and are nice to talk to. Overall, it is a welcoming environment.... Read 302 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,065

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Stamford School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  276 reviews

Alum: As someone with a disability, not all teachers were very helpful regarding my accommodations, they would constantly not listen to them, and would humiliate me in front of class at times, and all my peers had to know what was going on. I think administration did great with my accommodations, and were very helpful. I think that they should have a sports team to help the school feel more like a community. They did prepare me for college very well, I didn't feel behind in college. I excelled. The debate class is a wonderful asset to the school, it really helped my public speaking, and perspective on the community, and what the community goes through. AITE is a very diverse school, which I loved.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A

• Students 625

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School District, NJ•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  155 reviews

Senior: It was a school where I had to grow, for better or for worse. The school is tiny, so everyone in your grade will know each other. While this let me build some great bonds with people, it also means that you're stuck with the personality people assume you have. Even though we were small, we are cliquey. The education varies in quality. There are some good teachers, but the staff does not communicate with each other and some teachers believe that piling on assignments and making tests incredibly difficult will ensure that the rigor of the curriculum is preserved. However, I learned a ton and it affirmed that medicine was the field for me, and that's a discovery I would not have made in a regular high school. You also learn to develop your sense and understanding of self separate from your grades or education. Everyone here is smart! So you undergo a lot of self introspection and rediscover yourself.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  390 reviews

Junior: I have personally had a great experience at Montclair High School. I've loved almost all of my teachers, and the administration has generally been very receptive of criticism of bad teachers. Unfortunately, the school district regularly cuts the budget of MHS which primarily affects students with special needs. I know many students/former students with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues that have not had the same experience at the school that I have had.... Read 390 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,998

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Junior: The teachers and staff at UcTech have been wonderfully welcoming since I first joined the class of 2024. The teachers are extremely helpful and all of them have great levels of professionalism, while also allowing the students to express their own creativity. There is a lot that the school offers for the students, including a number of clubs and electives. There are many events run by some of the staff and students of UcTech/UCVTS. Overall I have enjoyed my years here and hope to enjoy these last two. The friends I have made here are everlasting as well.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 514

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  90 reviews

Senior: The Academy for Performing Arts is a wonderful community. During my time there I have learned the importance of acceptance, of taking risks, and good communication. The community is wonderful and is extremely welcoming. The teachers are amazing and support you in every possible way. I have been able to participate in so many performances and have learned much more about my major than I could in any general high school elective class.I could not have asked for a better high school experience. Through the program, I spend my senior year at Kean University taking college courses. The dual enrollment program is a wonderful opportunity as it prepares you for what you will experience in college.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A

• Students 234

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: Applied Tech has really grown into an academic powerhouse along with its other county counterparts in Bergen Tech Teterboro and Bergen County Academies. After junior year, they grant students with the freedom of selecting college classes they wish to take at little cost thanks to our relationship with Bergen Community College, allowing students to select the rigor of their Senior year as well as how high they want to strive academically. Your senior year will take place with only BCC classes, truly allowing yourself to get a basic understanding of the college experience before graduating. The school continues to grow academically each year, even offering students with the opportunity to receive an education in cybersecurity (which is only offered in one other NJ school system), as well as a full Associates Degree before graduation in high school! All the BCTS schools offer Group 4 athletics, allowing athletes to compete against top competition while achieving a great education.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• Students 273

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Elizabeth Public Schools, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  399 reviews

Senior: The best part if the Elizabeth experience is the clubs that my school offers which are very inclusive and diverse to the student body. As the sports photographer of the yearbook club, I see all the activities we take on whether it may be at a championship game or at any regular season one. All the teachers make the students feel included and have such an easy way of teaching the work to us. We have one of the best sports teams when it comes down to soccer and our district is very supportive with the teams. Even people outside of the district are willing to support us Minutemen. The vision of my school is to provide students with the rigorous courses that will prepare them for college, and it is ranked as one of the top schools in New Jersey.... Read 399 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,287

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Woodbridge Township School District, NJ•

• PK, K

• grade A

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 21, NY•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 804

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Newark Public School District, NJ•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  403 reviews

Junior: I enjoy my school, although there isn't much school spirit or many things to get students involved with the culture. School for me has always been about learning and being the best version of myself academically so I never cared much about school spirit or culture. Lately, the student council and the Black Student Union have been trying to develop new ways to get the students involved and raise excitement and pride within the school. Despite the fact that school spirit was never a big thing it's getting progressively better. In terms of the staff, I feel like the teachers and administration try to an extent to assure student success beyond simply teaching. For me personally, my teachers do more than enough for me to succeed academically but I can't say the same for other students as some of my peers have different circumstances than I do.... Read 403 reviews

• grade A

• Students 973

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Montclair Public Schools, NJ•

• PK, 3-5

• grade A

• Students 494

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,097 reviews

Senior: Overall my experience is pretty fun. Met a couple new friends throughout my years in PCTI overall. I wish there were opportunities for other artists to accessible. Such as having a after school program for art (art club). Also wish there would’ve been a AP Art or Studio Art to prepare students who want to take art as their career. For example I’m a student who wants to take my hobby and turning into a outcome of money. I would’ve loved to take the class and i’m sure other students would like it. The staff is nice, some are mean but overall most of them are pretty chill and direct with us!... Read 1,097 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,404

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Greenwich Public Schools, CT•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: Western is very diverse, I am not really a huge fan on a lot of the teachers, but they are good teachers. They teach children and that's all that matters. You can't really trust any administrator or teacher because they are terrible at keeping the things that you say to them, and then next thing you know everybody in the school knows about your own personal issues. Sometimes they are rude to you based off of the color of your skin. The food is discusting... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Greenwich Public Schools, CT•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Amazingly well run school. My child has had terrific experiences with all of the teachers there. The opportunities that they offer beyond the basics are terrific: jogging club, afters, orchestra, French/Spanish. They do a great job of individualized learning often teaching 4 different levels of a topic at the same time. My son has always felt challenged and supported in his education. The district's Advanced Learning Program (ALP) which starts in 2nd grade is like getting a private school education. Unlike other schools in Greenwich Julian Curtiss has a truly diverse student body and embraces this diversity into the fabric of its culture.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 244

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1