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2020 Best Public High Schools in New JerseyAbout this List

The 2020 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 487
Best Schools
487 results

  1. Bergen County Academies

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

    Senior: One's time spent at BCA will heavily be influenced by their academy. Even though each academy has different workloads, there are some academies with bigger workloads than others, meaning students in those academies have to sacrifice more of their time to get the same high grades as students of other academies. Some classes are geared to a specific academy, meaning students only of a certain academy are allowed to take them. However, there are many clubs, electives, societies, and sports students can take to enrich themselves in various ways. Also, the school is structured like college, having multiple free times throughout a day, allowing students to relax, have fun, take extra classes, or work on schoolwork throughout the day. BCA's student environment can get very competitive, but at end of the day all the students are respected by others. The students thrive with the help of teachers, administrators, and, of course, their peers.
    Read 456 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,069 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. High Technology High School

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

    Senior: Overall, my high school experience has been anything but ordinary. HTHS as a school demands hard work and dedication to your studies, and if you are not able to work at this high caliber and keep up with the rigorous coarse work, you can find yourself in a bit of trouble. All of the teachers are wonderful and supportive, and are really some of the best teachers I have every had. The students are competitive, but that is to be expected when you are thrown in a pool with so many intelligent and driven people. Although some students prefer to read their physics textbooks over having face-to-face human conversations, HTHS is charming in a nerdy way. Accommodations for health issues, however, are far and few in between which really puts a damper on all of the other positive attributes of the school. However, High Tech is still a great school full of opportunities for those willing to work hard and take on the challenge that is High Technology High School.
    Read 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 291 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 123 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: Union County Magnet High School is an excellent school! The student community feels like family and the teachers are available to their students often. It’s a very safe environment both physically and emotionally. There are no sports through Magnet, but students can participate in the programs of their “sending districts”, which is nice. It would be great if they fixed the sinks in the bathrooms, but other than that there isn’t much to complain about.
    Read 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 298 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Biotechnology High School

    • Public School
    • Freehold, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 104 reviews
    #4 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 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 330 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)

    • Public School
    • Manahawkin, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 130 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: An amazing school with endless resources available for students looking to pursue any STEM-related field, not just environmental science. We have tons of students interested in everything from computer science to aerospace engineering to chemistry to physics!

    Research program is great and there's many opportunities to realize your full potential in any activity you choose to pursue.
    Read 130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 280 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

    • Public School
    • Teterboro, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 201 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: I have been going to Bergen Tech for the last four years. I will definitely say that for anyone looking to challenge themselves academically, this school is definitely worth applying to. There are AP classes for just about every subject being offered as early as freshman year. For the most part, the teachers are great and know the material well, as well as offer extra help if necessary nearly every day. The school is unique in that it has "majors", such as computer science, business, engineering, law, fashion, and others. These classes provide a basic look at what a major has to offer to help a student decide if this is something they might be interested in. There is a large amount of extracurricular activities and sports available as well. Overall, the school is definitely worth attending if you are willing to work harder than the average HS student to stay on top of your academics.
    Read 201 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 677 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering

    • Public School
    • Rockaway, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 28 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: It’s a great school for those wanting a STEM experience before reaching college, regardless of the fact that they may not want to pursue an engineering, or science field as their career. However, the classes are extremely rigorous, and if are not committed 101%, you should reconsider your choice to enroll. Regardless, the school is fruitful and wildly exciting because of all the like-minded students and faculty all ready to help!
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 101 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Academy for Allied Health Science

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 101 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: AAHS is very nice. If you are looking to go into the medical field, this high school is perfect. While most teachers are nice, there are a few bad apples. Plus, a few teachers teach things that they aren't qualified to teach. You also get certified in CPR and First Aid, which is beneficial for any job. The school itself is filled with nice people and is very strict when it comes to anti-bullying measures. It's also very, very safe. While it doesn't have sports besides intramurals, the funds not spent on sports is used towards other things, from keeping the building clean and safe to fun events, such as the big Relay for Life event we have once a year. There are people from a variety of backgrounds, which we and other schools on campus celebrate the cultures of on AHA day. They are very good at helping students prepare for college, from helping with college essays to having you take a Financial Literacy course. All in all, this is still a pretty great high school.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 291 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Academy for Information Technology

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 109 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Sophomore: AIT has the resources necessary to succeed for the two vocational paths offered there: Business & Information Technology. Introductory courses are provided such as Computer Applications in Business which combine IT and Business by getting the student certified in Microsoft Office and IC3. Sophomore year gives you the opportunity to experience an AP course (Computer Science Fundamentals) and a business course (Principles of Business & Finance). Computer Science helps in the logic behind programming and allows students to learn languages such as Javascript. Sophomore year is the year when the path you are pursuing is finalized by the end of the school year. business classes are still available to me Junior year as electives through the IT path. However, students planning to go the business path do not have the opportunity to go into some of the IT courses provided at AIT. The focus on these courses as well as the honors classes provided at the school make the school worthwhile.
    Read 109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 287 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Princeton High School

    • Princeton Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 286 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: It really is quite the stressful school, I have spent many-a-night doing homework well past midnight and the courses can be a nightmare to keep up with. There’s an unhealthy “competitive energy” in the air, but at the same time people are so exhausted and dead inside. That said, the school offers many unique classes so students can choose to take what they want, and it really does prepare students for college/life beyond high school. It offers so many opportunities, that giving it anything under at least a 3 star review would not do the school justice.
    Read 286 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,581 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

    • Jersey City School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 242 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: McNair High School is a mosaic of cultural diversity unmatched to any other institution where students embrace different ethnicities through clubs that bring awareness to minority groups. McNair was named the #1 high school in New Jersey and it truly lives up to its name. The curriculum is rigorous -- offering almost every AP course -- and prepares students well for college. This year, students were accepted to Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia and MIT. The teachers at McNair are what make the experience. They are the most caring individuals who work incredibly hard to make sure all students are taught to the highest of standards. Teachers stay after school until 8pm (all without pay too) to help students with their research projects in preparation for the annual county science fair. They truly love their job and students. Despite our accomplishments, we are a poorly funded school in dire need of better facilities.
    Read 242 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 685 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Millburn Senior High School

    • Millburn Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 171 reviews
    #12 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 171 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,457 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

    • West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 268 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Alum: I love the friends that I made there-- I am still very close to some of them and even some of the teachers as well. I graduated recently and still had friends at the school and I would pay them a visit in their after school activities.
    The security has tightened a lot in my four years there-- with good reason. And whenever I could, I would bring my own lunch because I enjoy homemade cooking more than cafeteria food there.
    South is very academically driven, as shown by students who are the top performers in the science and math related competitions held around the state. With this comes good academic standing, but also a lot of pressure for those other kids who aren't super smart geniuses. But it's okay, South has a place for everyone.
    Read 268 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,597 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Union County Vocational-Technical High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 194 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: There's a reason why UCVTS is considered to be one of the best school districts in NJ. With its small class sizes, challenging honors curriculum, and amazing faculty/staff, there's no place quite like it. The UCTECH School of Design program has challenged me immensely, and has helped me prepare for a career in the arts. If you're considering any of the schools at UCVTS, I definitely encourage you to go to one of the information sessions to see the campus firsthand. I guarantee that you'll fall in love with it!
    Read 194 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 424 Students
    • 1:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Tenafly High School

    • Tenafly Public School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 105 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: I liked Tenafly High for the fact that it prepares you very well for college. Studies are rigorous, and most teachers in the school are top tier. However, the science department lacks in really engaging teachers. There are distinct cliques within the school, which aren't so pleasant. Overally good studies, low school spirit.
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,160 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Academy of Allied Health & Science

    • Public School
    • Neptune, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 89 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: If you get in, you probably feel accomplished and excited. Just know that everyone who goes to Allied is just as smart and at least as motivated as you are. In fact, a lot of students have their lives and careers planned out in detail. Nobody gets by on their intelligence. You have to work hard every day. You won’t have the same high school experience as your friends outside of Allied. But, you will be prepared for college. And, if you have a sense of humor, you will find plenty of things to laugh at... for instance, gym!
    Read 89 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Livingston Senior High School

    • Livingston Board of Education School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 327 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: The opportunities are incredible! There are a major variety of electives that cater to your needs and interests throughout all 4 years of high school. From stagecraft to chorus to autoshop, you can get a taste of anything while at this high school. The guidance office is willing to help you get your schedule as you see fit as well! Very flexible, open minded and just a wonderful environment to be in while exploring your interests for the future
    Read 327 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,883 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Montgomery High School

    • Montgomery Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 355 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: Montgomery High School is a facility that is very advanced in their teachings and curriculum. They are known for their high-ranking academics and excellent faculty however the lack of a Board of Education teacher contract as of early 2019 has set Montgomery back. For the most part, safety isn't particularly an issue, however the protection of the school's main entrance isn't regulated as well as it should be. The social scene isn't as prevalent as other high schools but the student-teacher bond is something that can easily be noticed at MHS. By implementing a schedule similar to that of a college or university, Montgomery High School prepares their students for longer classes, lengthier lessons, and a more advanced academic scene.
    Read 355 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,627 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Northern Highlands Regional High School

    • Public School
    • Allendale, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 210 reviews
    #19 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 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,361 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

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

    • Public School
    • Edison, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 38 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Sophomore: So far the professors are really friendly and helpful,the campus is really latge and offers a lot of activities.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 160 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Marine Academy of Science & Technology

    • Public School
    • Highlands, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 117 reviews
    #21 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 117 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 290 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Communications High School

    • Public School
    • Wall, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 122 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Alum: One of my best decisions ever was attending Communications High School. As a Freshman, I was exposed to many different opportunities that many students don't get till they are seniors. I learned many abode programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and InDesign. I traveled on multiple field trips to gardens and museums. I got to make award winning films, be published in newspapers, and construct my own TV show. The teachers prepared me for college work. They care so deeply for the needs of their students and will go to great lengths to see them achieve. I am so grateful for such an amazing experience!
    Read 122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 312 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Ridge High School

    • Bernards Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 206 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: Ridge is definitely one of the more prestigious public high schools out there. From its academics, to sports, to extracurricular activities of every type, this school and its people always strive for excellence. I honestly do not think I could have been better prepared for college applications and with all of the opportunities to give back to the community available for students, my resume has never looked better. The students and teachers there are all wonderful, dedicated, and talented individuals. The only problem that I could say about the school is that with the prestige that it has earned itself from its reputation, there also comes a lot of pressure, specifically on students, to succeed, which has proven to be detrimental to the mental and physical health of students there, and while it is being addressed in recent years, remains to be a consistent problem within the student body.
    Read 206 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,861 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

    • West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 228 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: Over my four years of studying here, I can tell that WWP North is always updating their facilities, trying to bring comfort to the students and staff. The school really stresses on the importance of academics, the students are very academically competitive. To counter the high expectations that come from academically competitive schools, such as APs and honors are what students should be taking, is that the school got rid of finals and midterms as to not put pressure on the students. Still, sports are quite unpopular in the school and students are stressed. Overall, where WWP North excels in academics, they suffer in sports and student life.
    Read 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,340 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Summit Senior High School

    • Summit Public School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 152 reviews
    #25 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 152 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,239 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Our Lady of Mercy Academy

    • Private School
    • Newfield, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 48 reviews

    Senior: My experience at OLMA has been one of the best things that my family and I have ever done. Not only am I getting an amazing education but I am learning tools to help me when I am out of high school and move onto a higher education. The environment at OLMA is unlike any other. The all girls education is just so supportive and I don’t think there is a better word. You don’t go into a classroom and not hear girls chanting and encouraging each other to get the right answer or to keep trying because they are so close. The sports teams are up and coming. We get more and more girls coming who are amazing athletes everyday, and everyday we see our programs getting stronger and more exciting everyday as well. OLMA is a one of a kind school where the relationships here and the support systems are unreal. Making the choice to go to OLMA was and is the best decision my family or anyone’s family could ever make.
    Read 48 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 181 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Westfield Friends School

    • Private School
    • Cinnaminson, NJ
    • PK, K-8
    • 6 reviews

    Parent: Westfield Friends provides a stellar learning environment for our son. He is in 4th grade and has been attending WFS since pre-K. In that time he has really flourished not only as a student, but more importantly as a person. The rigorous academic standards, coupled with the emphasis on building character is a true differentiator to other schools. We could not be more pleased with the faculty, teachers, parents, and students at our school!
    Read 6 Reviews

    • 131 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Kent Place School

    • Private School
    • Summit, NJ
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews

    Parent: Overall, my daughter had a positive experience at the Upper School. She is well prepared for college academics.
    As with many prep schools, the students at Kent Place are overwhelmingly goal oriented. Everything these kids do seems directed towards the college application process. The culture of achievement, of resume building, can be overwhelming. There are many bright and talented girls who go here.
    Strengths of the school currently include the English department and the History department. It has been challenging for the school to recruit strong math and science teachers, despite having a nice new STEM building.

    If you're reading this trying to decide if your daughter should go here, do your homework. If she is smart, ambitious and hard working, this might be the place for her. She will be challenged. She will be tested. She will be stressed. And she will be very proud that she endured all of this, and go on to a great college somewhere.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 657 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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