2024 Best Places to Teach in New Jersey

• Hoboken, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.8 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: My now 5th grader has been attending Brandt Elementary within the Hoboken Public School District since she was in PreK3. That’s 8yrs! We cannot say enough wonderful things about all the teachers we’ve had, the administration and the other families in our community. I’m so happy to call Hoboken our home and look forward to both my children (I also have a 5yr old.) spending their academic years in this district. I’m very excited my child to experience Hoboken Middle School next year, as I learn more and more about all the wonderful additions to the curriculum and after school activities. It warms my heart to know we live in a community that loves its children so much and that they encourage such a positive school experience, K-12.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Average teacher salary $147,498

• Demarest, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  33 reviews

Parent: Everything about the school was great. Strong academics. Motivated students and teachers to achieve academically. Strong focus on and understanding of the stress teenagers are facing. Socially, excellent school spirit with sports and college-curricular activities... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Average teacher salary $91,823

• North Caldwell, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  34 reviews

Parent: Our child has been in the district now for 4 years. 3 years in the "sending schools", 1 year at WEMS, and starting 8th grade now. Last year during the pandemic the staff/ teachers all made it possible for our child to grow while sitting behind a computer. I know this is not easy on anyone, nor does wearing a mask 100% of the day exactly the best case scenario, but between outdoor "tailgates," clubs, committees, etc. they make it a great environment for these children. I thought we would have more complaints about the early morning start, but not here always happy to get to school. Not to mention all the great things to say about the teachers and how supportive they are. We are very fortunate, thanks, WEMS!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Average teacher salary $86,291

• Millburn, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  34 reviews

Freshman: great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports. great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports. great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $86,114

• Livingston, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  67 reviews

Junior: Livingston High School gives many wonderful opportunities to their students. They hold college fairs, have various clubs, many sports, and other activities to get students involved. The academics are stellar as well. Livingston High School offers a plethora of class options with various levels of difficulty. The school makes sure that each student is able to stimulate their own interests while also completing their graduation requirements. The environment that the teachers and administration build is very friendly and welcoming. Students feel safe at school because they know that they always have someone to talk to. Livingston High School uses all of its resources to make sure that their students get a great education while also feeling comfortable in their surroundings.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $89,340

• Ridgewood, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: Ridgewood High Schools's motto, "A Tradition of Excellence" is not reflective of RHS's population. Ridgewood goes beyond excellence. Every year Ridgewood administration is constantly finding new ways to better the school. Last year they bought a large screen-printer. A few years before they bought 3-D printers for the science lab. Now while Ridgewood is often encouraging students, especially girls to become young scientists and pursue STEM majors, the school also provides many opportunities for students interested in liberal arts to explore the world of literature, history, psychology, etc. There are interesting and unique classes students can take such as Physics, Engineering, and Art (one class), Dance, Robotics, Art History, and Crime and Mystery Literature. However, I feel that besides all these amazing aspects, the school does not truly listen to their students. Even with a student government, students are still told no, constantly. This needs to change for the school to evolve.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $92,322

• West Windsor, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  71 reviews

Sophomore: West-Windsor Plainsboro is probably one of the most interesting school districts I have come across. Upon first glance, one cannot possibly manage to establish a proper image of the school. We are one of the diversely populated districts in the USA, and I'm not only talking about race, orientation etc. There is little to no pressure for a person to be, act or look a certain way. In fact, students are taught from their elementary days to be accepting and kind towards every individual and this is consistent throughout the student's academic career. However, it must be highlighted that not every individual who is part of the community acts this way, occasionally there are cases of bigotry and violence but those cases are taken care of in a manner where both sides are looked into and the rightful punishment (when possible) goes to the perpetrator and the victim gets the help and support they need. Overall, not a perfect district, but a resourceful and interesting district nonetheless... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $80,700

• Princeton, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: I would rate my experience with Princeton Public Schools as very good because I have received a broad liberal arts education, I have been challenged, and I have been introduced to new subjects and experiences. The dedicated staff and faculty at Princeton Public Schools make it a lively environment, where students are enthusiastic to learn. In addition, the sports and arts programs are well-recognized. I have had the pleasure to participate in both sports and the arts at Princeton High School, and I have gotten much fulfillment and joy from both the Choral Music Department and the Varsity Fencing Team. One critique of the school is the overcrowding issue. Many students, including myself, sit on the floor for lunch because of the lack of seats available around the school. This is unsanitary, and I hope the school can change the schedule or build a larger cafeteria to accommodate the student body.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Average teacher salary $84,399

• Montvale, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: This school made me feel welcome from the first day! I’ve made so many friendships. I’ve had so many different and diverse learning opportunities. I’ve traveled with the chamber choir and performed abroad. I’ve become a member of two national honor societies. I feel everything I’ve accomplished in the past four years has shaped my future. I will be terribly sad to leave but I know they prepared me to fly.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $101,531

• Mt Lakes, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: Mountain Lakes High is a small, tight-knit community where students collaborate and socialize while learning all the skills necessary for a college path. The accommodating staff is well-equipped to teach the fundamentals of each subject and keep the students engaged each day. The school is clean, welcoming, and up-to-date on the latest technological advancements, making it excel in teaching, supporting, and shaping students.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Average teacher salary $104,825

• North Brunswick, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: South Brunswick HS offers so many different ways to get involved, which is how I made most of my friends. They offer so many clubs and sports teams to join. It can be a very competitive atmosphere at times, but joining these clubs and teams helped me find a group of people that I did not need to compare myself to. Besides, the competition just makes you better. There is a high standard for students but it is achievable with the help offered from teachers and other students. I enjoyed my time here!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $82,541

• Pennington, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: My school district has always been very good to my family. The facilities are extremely well-maintained, the teachers are incredibly professional, and the performing arts deptartment is thriving. My youngest sister, who has special needs, has always been well-taken care of in this district.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Average teacher salary $83,346

• Moorestown, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Niche User: I moved to Moorestown in 1998 with my two young children, ages 7 & 5 in tow. We came from a small town in central New Jersey and I thought they were doing fine in school. The first year in elementary school was a bit difficult. They both had some catching up to do but all the teachers were all fantastic. My children loved the new school and all the teachers so it helped with the transition. The rest is history and they both went on to top universities and have successful careers today. My youngest is married and they own & operate two businesses.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $80,379

• Weehawken, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  24 reviews

Other: This district is truly unique. The community's size and diversity lends to it being extremely vibrant, supportive, and caring, which only helps to breed student achievement -- in and out of the classroom. The size and character of the district lend to a lot of individualized attention and relationships that are critical to personal and academic success. Ultimately, and most significantly, students and staff are more than just a number; they are each vital parts of the community, recognized by others for what they do. You come for the views, but you stay for the people.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Average teacher salary $66,922

• Pompton Lakes, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  21 reviews

Freshman: My experience as a current student within the Pompton Lakes School District was amazing. My teachers were amazing and supportive and I hope to get even more amazing teachers this school year! Something that I love about Pompton Lakes School District is that the teachers and students here are very encouraging of kindness! There are always fun activities for students to do and new lessons to learn. There isn't really anything I would like to see change, I am very happy with our education system as it is currently.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $90,375

• Summit, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  30 reviews

Alum: Summit High School is a tight knit community. Everyone knows each other because we all went to school together since 1st grade! All students are pretty friendly to each other, both in and out of school on the weekends, so bullying, at least in my day, was never really a thing. Most people made an effort to include others, except a few rude people. I wish the school was more diverse, that would have better prepared me for college and life!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $78,726

• Westfield, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: From athletics to academics, Westfield Public Schools are some of the best in NJ! It is so good for students to be surrounded by good teachers and good testing systems.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $83,294

• Montclair, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: The Montclair Public School system has consistently made great efforts towards making my high school experience a safe and effective learning environment, but I cannot say the same for some of my peers. I have been in all honors and Advanced Placement classes ever since that was even an option but throughout my entire middle school and high school experience my classes have been majority white. Montclair HighSchool as itself is a very diverse institution but whether conscious or not, classes have been segregated for years. I believe this to be the product of the major wealth gap in the city due to redlining, the town is clearcut right down the middle and majority of Montclair's Black population loves on the poorer, redlined side. Its further away from the schools and many children of color cannot afford the same tools and tutors as their white counterparts so they don't feel confident enough to join honors and AP classes. The school needs to take greater measures to correct this.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $85,936

• Bernardsville, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: I had the privilege of attending SHSD from K to 12th grade. The teachers are passionate and nurturing. There is strong parent involvement. Being a smaller district, there is an immense sense of community that I believe to not be as prevalent in neighboring districts. I am proud to say some of the friends I still have today are the same ones I met in Kindergarten. Bernards High is amazing at preparing their students for college. If you request a list of colleges the graduating seniors are attending, you will see dozens are attending Ivy League and other top-ranked universities. In my own college experience, I feel more prepared than most of my peers, and I directly attribute this to the quality of education I received at BHS. Classes at BHS are rigorous, and the students ambitious -- however, there is NOT an overly competitive, toxic environment that I hear about from friends in some surrounding districts. If you are looking for a well-rounded educational experience, look to SHSD.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $88,900

• Manahawkin, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  73 reviews

Alum: My experience at Southern was amazing! I graduated Southern a year ago and I still miss the pep rallies, yearly Christmas assemblies, and the day to day classes. My favorite part of attending Southern was the connection I formed with my classmates and teachers. There's a sense of community that all the students have which makes it a great environment to learn and participate in extracurricular activities. Additionally, Southern prioritizes academics in an exciting and creative way. During high school, I took many Advanced, Honors and AP classes, which gave me opportunities to learn at an accelerated pace and go more in depth with the material. I was also involved in three extracurricular activities throughout all four years. The only thing I would have changed about my time at Southern was the pandemic because we all missed being in the classroom and having that interactive experience.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $86,607

• Green Brook, NJ•

• School District

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Average teacher salary $67,131

• Matawan, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  50 reviews

Alum: Old Bridge Township is a great town. The schools are great, and the high school does a fantastic job representing all types of careers and exposing students to many different career paths. For example, I took a Business Pre-Law class in my sophomore year and now I am confident in the fact that I would like to go into law as a career. The only con I have is that they are constantly running out of money. For example, every year the school district has to let go of beloved teachers because there is not enough money to keep them or to tenure them. Overall, Old Bridge is a great town, that embraces diversity on all levels.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $81,578

• River Edge, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  31 reviews

Freshman: 1. A really good variety of classes for every interest! Anatomy, law, ceramics, painting etc. 2. Really nice and friendly teachers that work hard to do the best for you. No unreasonable grading. 3. Great mental health + college support system... Read 31 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $90,949

• Denville, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  29 reviews

Junior: Morris Knolls a high school within the Morris Hills regional district is an overall good school. The staff are energetic and ready to help anyone learn. The students are relatively friendly and accepting. The facilities are nice but could use remolding. The sports facilities and fields are very nice and well maintained.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Average teacher salary $85,759

• Margate, NJ•

• School District

• grade B+

• grade B

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Average teacher salary $92,436