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2019 Best Public High Schools in New JerseyAbout this List

The 2019 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 482
Best Schools
482 results

  1. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 431
    1 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: Bergen County Academies is a great high school to attend if you are looking for a challenge. It is most definitely more difficult than your local town high school, and it is not for the faint of heart. There will be many nights spent studying, and a lot of time being spent on school work.
    That being said, BCA is a school that not many, if not none, regret coming to. The school prepares you for college like no other. You are forced to learn how to utilize your time wisely, with opportunities such as free periods available to savor or to squander. Secondly, the classes, clubs, projects, and electives offered are countless. There are so many opportunities to take hold of. Lastly, the people at this school are amazing, passionate, and work hard to accomplish their goals.
    There is much to learn at this school, whether it be about chemistry, building relationships, or time management. No matter what, one thing is for certain; I would not trade this high school for anything else.
    Read 431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,059 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. High Technology High School

    • Public School
    • Lincroft, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 81
    2 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Parent: High achieving kids exceling at everything!
    Our son is smart, athletics and strives for nothing but excellence! High Tech High is all that! He achieves acedemic excellence at HTHS and athletic excellence at his home school. The staff is good.... the program is great.... but it’s the kids that make this school excellent!! Mediocrity has no room in this school. So unless you have a kid who strives for nothing but the best do yourself a favor and don’t send them here! No long tedious hours of homework. Extremely high test scores. Plenty of competition. Socially not too great! Not your typical high school experience. But mentally challenging enough. Our son just doesn’t have tolence for stupid so he’s good here but at the same time felt suffocated being surrounded by nerds. The athletics at his home school balanced that out for him. We’re blessed he loves the program here and the athletics/social in his home school.
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 295 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. 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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  4. Sponsored

    The Wilberforce School

    • Private School
    • Princeton Junction, NJ
    • PK, K-12
    • 35

    Parent: My son is in the nucleus of an amazing culture, with many opportunities to develop multiple skills through clubs, serving in student-led teams and encircled by excellent teachers. I treasure the teachers, staff and Board for their commitment to excellence, kindness and focus on individualized character development as well as academic achievements for our children. I am very grateful to God for this school and very accomplished teachers! We have connected with many awesome families and are blessed to be a part of this supportive and endearing community. I have to give special thanks and recognition to Christina for graciously and affably guiding us through the admissions process!
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 208 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)

    • Public School
    • Manahawkin, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 123
    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 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 274 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

    • Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 230
    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 230 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

    • West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 254
    6 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Sophomore: Hailing from the West Windsor - Plainsboro High School South, I take immense pride in calling myself a fellow Pirate. My school is ranked one of the top STEM schools in America, since the core science, technology, engineering and math classes as well as the teachers are very knowledgeable about their respective subjects. Not only academics, but my school also performs well in terms of athletics including track and field, tennis, and basketball. The administration and staff is always ready to help and assist the new students and our guidance department is comprised of extremely resourceful counselors, making the transition from middle school to high school smooth and efficient. In addition, the student body is diverse and the atmosphere is comfortable, which makes it easy for many different students to work together and foster group learning skills. All in all, my school truly embodies the 21st century competencies and inspires us, the students, to learn and grow.
    Read 254 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,591 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Millburn Senior High School

    • Millburn Township Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 159
    7 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: Overall, Millburn High School is really a terrific school. It does, in fact, have a strong reputation, and that certainly helps when it comes to college applications. I have been told by several counselors that college admissions boards know that Millburn's class levels ("College Prep A", "Accelerated", etc.) rank very differently in other schools (for instance, our "College Prep A" could be a different school's "Honors"). While I am not in the top percentile of my class, I still find every single person who works here to be a big help. From the administration all the way to the custodians, everyone is there for you. In addition, there is a club for everyone, and from the academic viewpoint, there are plenty of electives that will interest everyone.
    Read 159 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,474 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

    • Public School
    • Teterboro, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 175
    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 175 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Academy for Allied Health Science

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 96
    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 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 282 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. 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
    View Nearby Homes

  15. 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
    View Nearby Homes

  16. 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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  19. The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering

    • Public School
    • Rockaway, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 25
    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 25 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 97 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. Livingston Senior High School

    • Livingston Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 311
    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 311 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,824 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Chatham High School

    • The School District of the Chathams, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 123
    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 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,202 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Montgomery High School

    • Montgomery Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 339
    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 339 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,659 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. 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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  28. Tenafly High School

    • Tenafly Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 95
    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 95 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,146 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Ridge High School

    • Bernards Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 195
    21 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: Ridge will set you up to succeed, whether you choose to take those skills into college or straight into the work field, but you'll have to genuinely try. The classes are incredibly difficult in comparison with many other public high schools, with many CP (college prep) classes being more similar to Honors classes at other high schools. The teachers generally want to see you succeed, but some of the math and science teachers leave a lot to be desired. The clubs give you lots of options, and you can create your own club if you want to, but all that 90% of them do is go around trying to sell people stuff during lunch to raise money for ___ cause. The school culture is just what you'd expect from a wealthy, white school, but there's really no violence or drama that goes on. Sports teams are pretty generic high school sports teams, with the men's ice hockey team being very strong and the girls soccer, volleyball, and golf being very strong. There is also a very large track & field team.
    Read 195 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,865 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Northern Highlands Regional High School

    • Public School
    • Allendale, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 202
    22 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Alum: My experience at northern highlands regional high school was wonderful! The teachers are so understanding and truly want their students to succeed. The school had a decent amount of clubs and activities to join. It was easy to make friends because everyone is so welcoming and down to earth. The school sprit was one of my favorite parts. Students would come together to cheer for the sporting events and school plays.
    Read 202 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,334 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School

  32. J.P. Stevens High School

    • Edison Township Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 355
    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 355 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,221 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. 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
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Technologies

    • Public School
    • Edison, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 34
    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 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 166 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    St. Paul School of Princeton

    • Private School
    • Princeton, NJ
    • PK, K-8
    • 1

    Parent: All of my children have either graduated from or currently attend the school.
    We couldn't be happier with the strong academics and caring community of faculty and staff. Not only are my children learning academics, they are learning to be caring, considerate and contributing members of a community.
    My older children attend a competitive independent high school where they are excelling in large part to the experience and education they received from St. Paul School.
    Read 1 Review

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child - Lower School

    • Private School
    • Summit, NJ
    • K-6
    • 1
    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 196 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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