2019 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

Best Schools

482 results

Bergen County Academies
Public School
Hackensack, NJ
9-12
436
1 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: Bergen County Academies certainly offers a unique range of opportunities for high school students with only the best resources devoted toward educational advancement. After a long admissions process, students of BCA are enrolled in one of seven academies, or majors, where they are able to take part in high level medical research, earn spots in competitive orchestras, and have access to a Bloomberg Terminal- one of just two owned by a high school in the United States. The environment is far more welcoming than that of most other public high schools and the atmosphere is one of trust and comfort- to the point where students frequently leave their belongings unguarded without the fear of them being stolen. The availability of clubs, competitions, and activities is unrivaled at BCA and the rigorous courses and intense workload makes the school a place known to prepare its students for college very adequately.
Read 436 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,059 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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High Technology High School
Public School
Lincroft, NJ
9-12
83
2 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: I liked the sense of community in the school throughout my years here. I am able to ask for help whenever I want because of the strong connections here. One thing I would change is introduce more diversity in the current clubs, such as adding more language-based clubs.
Read 83 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
295 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Union County Magnet High School
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
115
3 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Union County Magnet High School is a diverse but tight-knit community of brilliant faculty and students. Class sizes are small, and you really get to know everyone you meet - you'll quickly see that the students are friendly, motivated, and enthusiastic. The clubs and activities they lead, especially the STEM-related ones like Robotics and Science Olympiad, are a lot of fun - and of course great learning experiences! The school offers so much support for students, whether through funding, resources (like the brand new makerspace and on-campus fitness centers), or fantastic guidance counselors.
Read 115 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
298 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Eastern Christian School
Private School
Midland Park, NJ
PK, K-12
117
Senior: I have gone to Eastern Christian School all of my life. Eastern Christian helps nurture students to become the best person they can be to be a role model for Christ to those around them. I love the friendliness of the teachers at my school. Ever since pre-K, my teachers have always supported me not only through my assignments, but also through the struggles of daily life. I love how Eastern Christian has so many engaging activities and sports. My teachers are so funny and creative in every way! The only change I would like to see in Eastern Christian is an Eastern Christian college. That would be incredible!
Read 117 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
822 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)
Public School
Manahawkin, NJ
9-12
124
4 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: MATES is an incredibly rigorous high school with a strenuous course load and very high-level courses. But there's few high schools that could prepare you better for college. You're surrounded by driven, intelligent students who have a strong passion for learning and performing exceptionally, as well as teachers with years of experience in the fields they teach that allow for much greater in-depth study. And the extracurriculars available are fantastic for forming connections with influential environmental activists and researchers. Any student who can make it through four years at MATES is not only set for college, but most likely for their life.
Read 124 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
274 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School
Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
9-12
231
5 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: I love the diversity and unique culture you can find here at McNair! It's hard to find that type of experience elsewhere. However, we are severely underfunded. The bathroom facilities never work, the door handles break off and there are multiple classrooms where the paint job is unfinished or even peeling off but the district does nothing to help.
Read 231 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
710 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
9-12
255
6 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Sophomore: As a current sophomore at WW-P High School South, I genuinely believe the school is one of the best in the country. With outstanding academics, numerous clubs and organizations, and exceptional athletics, High School South exceeds in nearly every capacity. However, due to the rigorous curriculum, students at this school often experience academic pressure to succeed, and college admissions competition is cutthroat.
Read 255 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,591 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Millburn Senior High School
Millburn Township Schools, NJ
9-12
163
7 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
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 163 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,474 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro
Public School
Teterboro, NJ
9-12
178
8 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Sophomore: I am currently attending Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro. Overall, I enjoy going here! However, when it comes to academics, this school is very challenging. The change from 8th grade to a freshman at BT was insane! The workload was very different from my district town's. I would say that this is also a very stress-inducing school, thus why I am putting down four stars.
Read 178 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
658 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy for Allied Health Science
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
97
9 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Choosing to attend AAHS is the best decision I have ever made. As a senior, I have grown to be close friends with students from Rahway, Clark, Cranford, and Roselle Park, just to name a few. These are superlative people who I otherwise would never have the opportunity to meet. My experience at Allied Health has been wonderful thanks to my classmates and the extraordinary faculty and administration. The principal, the guidance counselors, and the teachers are all passionate about seeing the students thrive here. They are invested in our success.

The Academy for Allied Health Sciences has offered me tremendous opportunities to explore the different avenues available in health care and understand the future of medicine.
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
282 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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- 2019 Best Public Middle Schools
- 2019 High Schools with the Best Teachers
- 2019 Best Public High Schools for STEM
Biotechnology High School
Public School
Freehold, NJ
9-12
99
10 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: I have highs and lows when it comes to Biotechnology HS. Although it is a STEM school, the administrators try to foster a school culture that allows students to express their abilities and talents. However, this fails in the eyes of other high schools that actually put time, attention, and effort in letting extracurriculars flourish. Additionally, Biotech states that the workload is manageable, however, it honestly isn't. While teachers are amazingly qualified and caring, many don't recognize the sheer amount of work they place on students. Students have volunteering, sports, extracurriculars, jobs, family and social lives to attend to, and many have to sacrifice to do school assignments. It's even worse for upperclassmen who have extra IB required assessments to attend to. After a while, the lackluster of Biotech fades and students realize that while they are in an academic-heavy environment, they are essentially in a sheltered community that isn't very reminiscent of reality.
Read 99 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
327 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Princeton High School
Princeton Public Schools, NJ
9-12
277
11 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Sophomore: Princeton High School is a school that breeds a culture of diversity and a passion for learning. Admittedly, the rigorous academics are challenging for students, but overall prepare the students for the colleges and careers. PHS also boasts an accomplished list of alumni.
Extra-curriculars are accomplished and includes a variety of clubs: sports, STEM, humanities, competition-based, newspaper, and student unions. All students are able to find a club that suits them, since there are over a hundred to choose from.
Teachers and administration alike recognize how difficult the classes are and try their best to soothe the stress of the students. The administration is constantly providing surveys and making alterations within the school schedule.
PHS offers the unique opportunity for students to attend Princeton University classes for languages, sciences, and math. The competition between students is definitely present, yet despite it all, the inter student relationships are supportive.
Read 277 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,575 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy for Information Technology
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
103
12 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Throughout my years at AIT, there are many things that I found unique to this high school experience. I loved having the opportunity to meet people from different towns and cultures who had similar academic interests as me. There were also many career specific classes that were offered here that I wouldn't have been able to take at my town high school. The schedule is also really convenient. Since there is an A/B day schedule, you have the opportunity to visit a teacher twice before the next lecture. This is helpful because the classes are very rigorous. The school itself is also student friendly: it’s clean, easy to get around, and it provides lots of places where students could do work or study. One thing that I did not like at first was that AIT did not have varsity sports, but as time progressed I started to find it pretty cool that your friends from school could be your rivals on the field (you have the opportunity to compete for your town’s team).
Read 103 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
275 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering
Public School
Rockaway, NJ
9-12
26
13 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: So far in my career as a high school student attending the Academy For Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, I have had many pleasant experiences and many learning opportunities. This school maintains its academic reputation with challenging courses and a huge workload, but it also is unique in the regard of class size. In my 26 student class, we have made bonds that extend out of the classroom, and are beneficial in developing each of us as human beings. Some of the teachers, such as Mr. Schuenzel, also focus on teaching lessons about life instead of only reading the scripted lesson plan. However, this style of school is both a blessing and a curse, as it places immense amounts of stress on the students. Many of my friends are forced to ruin their sleep schedules and cancel social plans to study. In addition, the school administration assumes that students who join this program have already decided their career path in Engineering, and there is very little exposure to other fields.
Read 26 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
97 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy of Allied Health & Science
Public School
Neptune, NJ
9-12
83
14 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: I am a senior right now and I have to say, I wouldn't want my high school education to be in any other school and that's EVEN after I'm pursuing a future in Computer Engineering. Even when I realized that the medical profession wasn't for me, this school still went above and beyond to help me build my resume for this future. Sure there are some good and bad teachers, but there are far more amazing teachers than bad ones. I love this school and I recommend it to anybody hoping to apply soon. Good luck!
Read 83 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
295 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
9-12
222
15 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Alum: High school is pretty much the same for everyone, except WWP gave me a different outlook on it. The competitive academics pushed me to do my best and learn as much as I could. The social events helped me be apart of a community. During high school I couldn't really notice all this but it's when I went to college that I could see how much WWP really shaped me. Coming from a diverse and academically challenging district improved the way I studied and interacted in college and made for a great transition my first year!
Read 222 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,407 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Livingston Senior High School
Livingston Public Schools, NJ
9-12
313
16 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Growing up in Livingston, I have always been excited to go to high school here. I love the school and having the incredible staff and administration ready to help the students with whatever they need is very comforting. I am excited to embark on my next journey in college, but I will without a doubt miss this school and will never forget my experiences here. Students are able to feel truly connected to their teachers and are given many opportunities!
Read 313 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,824 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chatham High School
The School District of the Chathams, NJ
9-12
124
17 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Chatham High School gives me many opportunities to excel in my academics and extra curriculars like sports and clubs. I have had the chance to choose a variety of electives ranging from different arts to academic electives such as marketing strategy esstials. CHS also gives students the choice to take a numerous amount of AP classes. The teachers are extremely helpful and will take time out of their breaks to help students with anything they are struggling in. Although there is not as much diversity at this school as others, as a minority student I still feel welcomed and appreciated by the community. Overall, Chatham High School is a well rounded facility and throughout my high school career I have had an amazing experience from the start.
Read 124 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,202 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Montgomery High School
Montgomery Township School District, NJ
9-12
340
18 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Alum: Montgomery High School is a great school! Their academics have truly prepared their students for greater success in their futures. The rigorous work and late night hours help those to prepare for a four year college with a lot of confidence. Teachers also make a great impact on not only students academic progress but as well as their character in life. They are supportive and guide students into the right direction.
Read 340 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,659 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marine Academy of Science & Technology
Public School
Highlands, NJ
9-12
115
19 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Alum: The Marine Academy of Science and Technology is an excellent school that focuses on developing alumni who embody important values like respect, honor, and commitment. The school has a mandatory NJROTC which instills discipline and comes with a great uniform. The academics are spectacular with teachers who truly care about you and want you to succeed. The food is excellent, as the cafeteria is run by a certified chef who makes fantastic food. The school is situated on Sandy Hook and is absolutely beautiful, especially if you're a fan of sunrises. The school has a generally awesome atmosphere and students leave the school with lasting bonds and great memories.
Read 115 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
297 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tenafly High School
Tenafly Public Schools, NJ
9-12
97
20 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Tenafly is an amazing school with hundreds of opportunities for students. No matter what you're interested in, you can find a class or club that matches your interests and if you don't-- create your own! The academics is also phenomenal and the reason most people move to this town.
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,146 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ridge High School
Bernards Township School District, NJ
9-12
197
21 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: Ridge High School is competitive public school. Students are competitive with each other in academics, sports, chorus, color guard, etc. Ridge is known for its excellent education and athletics.

There are plenty and variety of clubs and activities students can join/participate in.

The academic guidance counselor are extremely helpful with the college application process. In the winter of junior year, there will be an assemble on how to prepare for college applications. They explain to students that they should create a list of colleges they wish to attend, prepare for the SAT and ACT, and maintain good grades. Later in the school year, the guidance counselors will have meetings with every junior to see where they are in the process. At the end of junior year, students will have to fill out a Senior Packet and choose teachers who might write a letter of recommendation about the student(s).
Read 197 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,865 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northern Highlands Regional High School
Public School
Allendale, NJ
9-12
205
22 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Alum: I enjoyed the amount of classes available to students. As long as students were receptive and enough students signed up for the classes, they ran. All students are required to take business courses and art classes and students can concentrate their focus on studies to find their academic strengths. It provides an insight into what major they would most likely end up enrolled in. Additionally, there are varieties of foods that students could choose from. Which is something that I consider to be unique.
In words, I would love to see more diversity and a less cutthroat environment; however, I understand that no amount of administrative involvement could radically change this. Thus, there was very little that I found to be inadequate with Northern Highlands.
Northern Highlands creates well-rounded individuals that learn to balance their time wisely between clubs, sports, and academics. Alumni become great students that prosper in college as they are already used to managing their time.
Read 205 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,334 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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J.P. Stevens High School
Edison Township Public Schools, NJ
9-12
358
23 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: As much as I dislike going to school, JPS does provide me with the best education possible and I honestly could not be anymore thankful. I have been able to not only learn so much academically, but also great lifetime friendships. I will miss the place I called home for 4 years after graduating and look forward to coming back whenever I can!
Read 358 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,221 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Summit Senior High School
Summit Public Schools, NJ
9-12
147
24 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Summit High School is among one of the best! The school offers great academics and opportunities to grow as an individual during ones four years. Compared to many public school Summit excels in all aspects including but not limited to academics, sports, college readiness and rigor in academics.
Read 147 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,271 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Technologies
Public School
Edison, NJ
9-12
35
25 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Sophomore: The teachers are challenging and very hard working. The engineering teachers are committed and teach us at a college level. This school is awesome.
Read 35 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
166 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences
Online School
Lake Oswego, OR
K-12
24
Alum: CMASAS gave me the greatest high school experience I could have asked for! The teachers and faculty work closely with the students to give them the best education they can, tailored to their specific learning needs as well as their interests. Without Mrs. Dolph I wouldn't have made it through my maths and sciences, and Dr. Radachy became somewhat of a mentor to me throughout high school. The course selection is phenomenal, and it's amazing getting to know other students from different parts of the world and completely opposite walks of life (I had an Olympic snowboarder in my homeroom one year). I'll always be doing my best to find ways to get involved with the school as an alumna, and I would definitely recommended CMASAS to anyone looking for a flexible online education.
Read 24 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Westfield Friends School
Private School
Cinnaminson, NJ
PK, K-8
1
Middle School Student: Such a great balance between the standard academic learnings and the real-life teachings such as Quaker studies and community involvement. It's a second home to me
Read 1 Review
NG
Overall Niche Grade
131 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 20

Bergen County Academies

High Technology High School

Union County Magnet High School

Eastern Christian School

OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

Millburn Senior High School

Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

Academy for Allied Health Science

Biotechnology High School

Princeton High School

Academy for Information Technology

The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering

Academy of Allied Health & Science

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

Livingston Senior High School

Chatham High School

Montgomery High School

Marine Academy of Science & Technology

Tenafly High School

Ridge High School

Northern Highlands Regional High School

J.P. Stevens High School

Summit Senior High School

Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Technologies

Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences

Westfield Friends School