2024 Best Public High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey

• Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  199 reviews

Sophomore: Ramapo High School has a wide variety of electives to choose from. The Teachers are great and are always willing to help a student who is struggling. Ramapo has a strong focus on STEM and athletics. The drop off line can get very long in the morning so if you aren't at school by 7:15, you will probably be late for first period. Otherwise, my experience so far at Ramapo HS has been great.... Read 199 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 30

• Westfield Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  272 reviews

Parent: Westfield High School offered an excellent academic experience, fostering strong friendships that have endured beyond graduation. However, the limited diversity and the somewhat sheltered environment could potentially pose challenges for some students as they transition to college and adulthood. I believe that while the school laid a solid foundation, there might be room for improvement in exposing students to a more comprehensive understanding of the world and its diverse perspectives.... Read 272 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 28

• Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  192 reviews

Parent: Beautiful School, excellent employees, great education and amazing place to be and playing sports at Cedar Creek is amazing. Do you have the opportunity to work with incredible coaches be part of the Family team dinners team events there’s many activities you can participate in teachers and I support you tutoring or in the morning after school on zoom. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime I am so happy that I was able to, see my son he’s somewhere that he is excelling not only in his education, but athletically his head opportunities to meet new people. You... Read 192 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 26

• Wayne Township Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  254 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love attending Wayne Hills High School! It is a great environment for all students to learn and succeed. Through the activities and clubs provided by Wayne Hills High School, students have the opportunity to learn in and out of the classroom. There is nothing I would change about the school because it is perfect in every way. Wayne Hills is a safe place where students are encouraged to share their opinions with others. The teachers are devoted to their job and specific areas of study. Students can always rely on the their teachers for advice and any extra help needed. There are plenty of clubs in every subject a student is interested in, which is great for the diverse students at Wayne Hills. Looking back at my four years at Wayne Hills High School, I can proudly say that it is a cherished time I will remember forever.... Read 254 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 36

• Allendale, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  254 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Northern Highlands and if I could go back I would! Some of the teachers there inspired me to further myself and to take the direction I am taking now! If I could change two things within Northern Highlands that could have greatly benefited me in College/University would be removing the pointless Technology class taken Freshman year that you will 100% forget everything you learned in class the moment you leave for summer and replacing it with a Life Skills class (how to pump gas (NJ kids), how to pay taxes, how to write a check, how to change a tire, how to jumpstart a car, self-defense, CPR, ways to help with mental health (techniques), etc.). The second thing I would change would be your senior year (I mean mine was the transition from COVID-19) but I do think that if students were given a more college-like experience to get students ready for how college school schedules are like.... Read 254 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 28

• Ridgewood Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  243 reviews

Niche User: I was a former student at RHS before moving out of state. The school itself has a great campus look and the system there works great. Students are able to have a lot of freedom like you would in college. If you struggle with mental health there are great counselors that will help ever step of the way. The only downside is that the school is extremely competitive and not for the faint of heart. There's a lot of academic pressure on top of the fact everyone there is very extraordinary. The culture there is very suffocating sometimes but there are many advantages as well.... Read 243 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 25

• Haddonfield Public Schools, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  187 reviews

Senior: I was new to educational system in the United States, but the school’s stuff and my classmates helped me to get used to it really fast. I found great friends, developed my soft and hard skills, and what is the most important - found things I am passionate about!... Read 187 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 23

• Middletown Township Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  284 reviews

Senior: Amazing clubs, teachers, courses, and environment! South has a wide spread of opportunities for students. Teachers are kind, the security guards spread a lot of positivity, and the building stays relatively clean. Sports and clubs give students the ability to participate in their talents and passions with peers and make new friends. The courses help to place you in classes that fit your strengths. The counselors are very helpful and super nice. Considering the weird time we are in while at South the faculty did there best to make the best out of the situation, regarding COVID. I wish there was more events for the school and hands on improvement that the students could take part in… but under the circumstances we (the students) still got a great experience of our high school years. The teachers are very motivating and many of my classes have taught me a lot and the learning routines worked well for me. Overall, South was a bright environment and had many beneficial qualities!... Read 284 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 27

• Summit Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  165 reviews

Alum: Academic opportunities are abundant at Summit High School. Students have access to a wide range of AP and honors classes which some nearby school districts do not offer. Additionally, Summit has a plentiful scope of well-funded extracurricular opportunities. I was on the Speech and Debate team for four years, and it was one of the best decisions during high school; the team provides several chances to compete at prestigious institutions and improve one's public speaking skills. The theater and sports teams are also well-supported and highly regarded on the state level. One of the largest problems I had with the school was the attitude of some of my teachers (I recognize this is not unique to SHS). Many of my teachers left profoundly positive impacts on me, but a few of my educators either ridiculed me or provided classes with unfulfilling "busy work" instead of comprehensive assignments.... Read 165 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Jackson Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  277 reviews

Sophomore: Jackson Memorial is a great school to go to, while they may not be first in the state they have a great academics program. Not to mention the schools variety of clubs, activities, and sports. The teacher are really nice and really care for their students. They have academies which basically chooses all of your courses for your years here. There's the STEM academy, Business Academy, Arts academy which is Art, Music (Instrumental and Vocal), and there used to be Drama, however due to low enrollment they've stopped that section but you can still take the classes. The band is a nationally recognized ensemble, they've been in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade numerous times, as well as the Miss America Parade when it was in Atlantic City, and have even performed in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl Parade. There's a great community in Jackson and so much to do!... Read 277 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 31

• Bernards Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  257 reviews

Senior: ACADEMICS: People in the reviews are complaining too much about how hard the academics are... there's nothing wrong with our academics. Y'all just need to apply yourself! And we have plenty of options for every level of difficulty, from regular to Honors to AP. FACULTY/ADMINISTRATION: Generally excellent teachers who help you get through. Few bad apples here/there but that's inevitable. School board makes some bad decisions now and then though. CLUBS/ACTIVITIES: Lots of options. Whether you're an artsy kid, a sporty kid, a band kid, or a STEM kid, there's something for you, and you'll enjoy it. I've heard school spirit's apparently lacking compared to other schools, but how would I know? DIVERSITY: We have people of all races, heritages, and LGBT categories here. We're pretty tolerant I guess. SAFETY: We're in, like, one of the safest towns in America. Besides, we have a pretty strict visitor policy, and even implemented an ID system starting this year. FOOD: Average I guess.... Read 257 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 32

• River Dell Regional School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  183 reviews

Senior: I like how the school offers many different types of clubs, activities, and sports. There is always something for everyone's interests and needs. The teachers are hands on and are dedicated to seeing everyone succeed. The guidance department has been super helpful in preparing students for college and getting through the application process.... Read 183 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• West Essex Regional School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  229 reviews

Junior: After moving through multiple different schools, this schools was different. I learned a lot about myself and people were accepting, the teachers were especially really easy to communicate with and I just felt comfortable overall. It made learning much easier and more enjoyable and lessened the stress. This changed in high school when stress levels increased but overall, it was a great experience.... Read 229 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Wayne Township Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  242 reviews

Senior: I have had a wonderful four year experience at Wayne Valley. I have been successful and learned so much academically. The teachers always set high expectations for their classes. They are amazing and always engaged with the students. The teachers are willing to help and offer extra support. They have open communication with the parents and always keep them updated. They build good relationships with the students. The administration support students socially and emotionally. I have always felt comfortable and safe in school. They have provided the students with wonderful assemblies, motivational speakers, fashion shows and many other events. The athletic program was outstanding. I always had great experiences with all of the sports that I have participated in. It was well organized and full of pride. The coaches always motivated the athletes. The girls soccer team won the states in 2022. Overall I am happy that I attended Wayne Valley and I wouldn't change a thing .... Read 242 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 36

• Lenape Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: Through 500+ sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities to get involved in, I have enriched my life greatly. From music programs like theatre and band to science/engineering courses and clubs, I have become a well-rounded individual with multiple leadership experiences and immense knowledge. The technology and high education standards make Shawnee noncomparable to most high schools across the country. Students have a choice to get involved in higher level courses and be selective about the clubs they join to cater to their schedule. I could not have asked for a better high school experience.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Lenape Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  386 reviews

Alum: I always felt very safe at Cherokee. I never worried about a true threat to my safety based on the maintenance of the facilities, the character of the staff, or the possibility of a domestic terror attack. I very much appreciated the interactions and investments of most of my teachers and their passion for student success. Many of my teachers were willing to go out of their way to help me understand a concept, perform a task properly, or just check in on my psychological health. This made my experience at Cherokee better. While there were always a few things that bothered me like a teacher or two that I could never seem to get along with, or a rule about going to the bathrooms, I was able to meet a lot of wonder people from amongst my peers and leaders. I became very involved in my art courses; that quickly lead to me entering the National Art Honors Society. The zero tolerance for bullying and the outstanding support from my counselor contributed to a great high school experience.... Read 386 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Wall Township Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  83 reviews

Sophomore: I’ve always been to many different schools when I was younger, and though this is the only high school I’ve been to, I would never want to leave. I’ve had the best memories and experiences at this school with friends alongside academics. There are so many classes you can choose from and the staff always find a way to include something new! The atmosphere is positive and the sports and arts play a huge part in this school as there are so many talented students constantly represented with challenges and competitions to show their hard work. I wouldn’t change the time I’ve spent here for the world.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 31

• Northern Valley Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  259 reviews

Senior: The best parts have been the people- if you are involved in specific interests such as biomedical engineering, environmental science, creative writing, photography, and other niches, you will meet the most interesting and fantastic people in the school. Additionally, something unique to NVOT is our wonderful lunch staff. Everyone knows Martha, the lunch lady, by name, as she brightens everyone's day even in the smallest ways. However, it can get boring if you don't have specific interests or if you don't join clubs and make an effort to socialize. Required classes can also get boring if you don't push yourself to work hard and be challenges. In all, NVOT is a great school, but you will only get out of it what you put in.... Read 259 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Little Falls, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  294 reviews

Senior: I have heard the term “school community” at every learning facility in my academic career. I had never felt the effects of this phrase until my time at Passaic Valley, or PV. This is a school where you feel SEEN. You are HEARD. Your opinion is valued by administration and staff, and taken into major account when making educational decisions and establishing new rules, programs and plans. I thought such an environment was only attainable in cliché American movies, but it is everyday life at PV. Staff foster caring relationships with students and truly work in their best interest. Change is made, when needed, to ensure an optimal high school experience for all- including football players, theater kids, and even us nerds. I often have issues balancing work/personal life, as homework piles do often amount to never-ending heights. More breaks and off times would be both valued and appreciated.... Read 294 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 26

• Manasquan School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  208 reviews

Junior: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Manasquan Highschool. When I walk through the doors at Manasquan, I automatically feel safe and at home. As I walk up the stairs, I see all my friends standing next to our lockers which makes us feel united. When we see a joyful teacher or student it takes much of our nervousness away for the day. I feel safe as if I can talk to any of the teachers about anything! The football games makes me so excited to see everyone because everyone follows the theme of the game. It shows our school pride. Although there aren’t many negatives, I have one in mind. This is very typical of many highschools, but it is wrong. I am in the dance department of the school and the arts do not get nearly as much funding as the football or basketball team. We have one small room, and our whole class could not fit. For our dance show we almost didn’t have an opportunity to perform on the stage because there wasn’t enough room. The stage! The place that the arts perform on!... Read 208 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27

• Delran Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  163 reviews

Senior: I attended Delran High School for four years and I enjoyed each year! I loved it here from the teachers to the students and the rest of the facility, everyone is very encouraging and positive. The teachers challenged me to an appropriate extent to where I gained valuable knowledge. There is a sports team or a club for everyone and the DHS community is supportive of each other.... Read 163 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 24

• Winslow Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  242 reviews

Freshman: I was nerves to go to college after the fact I have anxiety and don’t do well with new people knowing it’s full of people but my teachers made me feel safe and happy and I saw some people from my school that had already graduated and I love how comfortable and welcoming everybody is.... Read 242 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Total number of sports 23

• Moorestown Township Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  223 reviews

Parent: My family moved to Moorestown in 2021 and my son just finished his freshman year. We could not have asked for a better experience. From his fellow students/friends to the administration to the teachers/coaches, we were blown away at how welcoming and encouraging and supportive everyone has been. We can’t wait to see what the next three years hold!... Read 223 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 23

• Toms River Regional School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  348 reviews

Parent: Small classes are a huge plus, although the high schools in the area have high enrollment, the classes aren't huge sizes. There is a club, sport, or other extracurricular activity for everyone. There's a fishing club, PAWS, which works with animal shelter, and so many more! Sports for every season, including bowling. The school is very involved with the students, the guidance counselors will call you if there is an issue and the teachers will also send you an email or call if your child is falling behind or just being lazy! They want to give your child every opportunity to be their best, as we know teens aren't exactly eager to do homework and/or pay attention all the time! Overall, knock wood, there hasn't been any problems that I can think of and my family has been sending their kids there for the past 17 years. If your child wants to be involved in school there are a ton of opportunities that you don't have in smaller schools.... Read 348 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total number of sports 26

• West Morris Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  289 reviews

Alum: The teachers were very invested in my success as a student. Several were willing to stay after school if I needed extra help. They also seemed to care about me as a person. When the school closed down because of Covid, the teachers didn't miss a beat. We had one Friday off and the following Monday they were all up an running on zoom because the school had conducted a very thorough training on remote teaching for the teachers a month earlier.... Read 289 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total number of sports 27