2018 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

Best Schools

482 results

Bergen County Academies
Public School
Hackensack, NJ
9-12
416
1 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Sophomore: Bergen County Academies is a school that will definitely prepare you for life. This idea of an institution where students are focused on their education builds an atmosphere that is upbuilding and inspirational for all. After the competitive application, the number of resources and opportunities are endless for anyone. The clubs, projects, and electives distinguish BCA by offering courses that fit with all interests. In addition, the free time in between classes makes this school seem more manageable and convenient. Also, the sports here are incredible but require a lot of commitment. In reality, however, BCA is overwhelming as the rigorous classes, successful and intelligent teachers, and high standards placed upon the students make life seem impossible to conquer. However, I think BCA puts this stress on us, the students, in order for us to prepare for real life. This means that the complexity of this school makes our future seem brighter, more accessible, and approachable.
Read 416 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,059 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro
Public School
Teterboro, NJ
9-12
167
2 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: I am currently a junior at Bergen Tech. Bergen Tech is a great school that prepares you for college. It is a stressful amount of work because of its college level courses, but it definitely helped me become a better person academically. The bt teachers are very helpful and easy to communicate with as well as the students. The only thing I could complain about it how competitive everyone is and how conscious everyone is about their grades. Other than that bt is a great school!
Read 167 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
658 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Union County Magnet High School
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
113
3 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Culturally speaking, Magnet is a fairly competitive school: students tend to expect to get high grades and are distraught with low ones.
Though there are no sports at school, students can participate in sports at their home high school districts if they so choose, and the amount of extracurriculars on campus--from the successful FIRST Robotics team to the always-active Drama Club--are enough to keep everyone engaged.
Magnet, an engineering school, has classes specific to STEM majors that are not particularly useful outside of engineering disciplines; the likelihood of one using AutoCAD--computer software used for CAD--outside of an architectural occupation is unlikely, after all. For people interesting in engineering, it's a wonderful experience: the new Makerspace facilities opened up recently (a high-tech shop) and are open to all , and the new electives now available, such as Aerospace and Electrical, allow one to customize the experience to one's interests.
Read 113 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
298 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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High Technology High School
Public School
Lincroft, NJ
9-12
74
4 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Parent: There are a lot of excellent teachers who really care about the kids. There are also lots of opportunities that other school districts may not even be aware of. My son has competed in Technology Student Association, which he has won on the state level and went on to compete in the national tournament. He has also competed in several hack-a-thons, which are really rewarding experiences. He entered into a math competition at Princeton with classmates, placing pretty high for their first time. All freshman enter into a state-wide science fair, his team having won a prize for their submission. The teachers and fellow classmates are very supportive and encouraging, it is a wonderful place to go to school.
Read 74 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
295 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy for Allied Health Science
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
95
5 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 95 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
282 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Princeton High School
Princeton Public Schools, NJ
9-12
269
6 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 269 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,575 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Kellman Brown Academy
Private School
Voorhees, NJ
PK, K-8
1
Parent: Kellman Brown Academy is an amazing education for our children.
They have been here since Preschool and we could not be any happier.
Kellman Brown Academy is a dual curriculum school. They learn Hebrew and English. The teachers are amazing. The small class sizes allows our children to thrive .
Read 1 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
118 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School
Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
9-12
214
7 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Alum: It has been a tough 4 years in McNair Academic, but I believe that McNair is truly one of the most outstanding schools in Hudson County, if not, the state of New Jersey. Compared the other schools in Hudson County, McNair has the most available AP classes, and most of the secular subjects are honors courses, so you're practically in college already! McNair is not just exceptional in the realm of academics, but there is a sense of community that you cannot find at any other school. And as a member of the LGBTQ community, the acceptance and love I received from my peers made high school worthwhile.
However, the facilities available to the students are not entirely up to date, and not varied either. It's what you would expect out of any ordinary high school, but I feel as if there could be so much more for the "smartest kids in Jersey City". McNair also concentrates too much on academics and college, there should be an increase in focus in the arts, and also, school spirit.
Read 214 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
710 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Biotechnology High School
Public School
Freehold, NJ
9-12
95
8 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
High School Senior: Although Biotech is very demanding and competitive, I enjoyed my time there. I will be graduating soon, and I can honestly say that I'd readily experience these four years again. The faculty and staff there are a great help, and the students there are all kind and understanding.

I definitely enjoyed the Battle of the Classes, which is a series of games taken place the last couple days of school before winter break. Representatives from each class would partake in various activities - such as a Lip Sync Battle, an Impromptu Speech Battle, a relay race, and finish with the class dance. During these few days, the class and school spirit really skyrockets!

I would choose this school again because of all the fun encounters I had with others, the rigorous schoolwork, and all the opportunities that were offered to students to allow us to shine.
Read 95 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
327 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
247
9 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 247 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,591 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy for Information Technology
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
98
10 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: The Academy for Information Technology is a highly ranked vocational high school that focuses on Information Technology and Business. From the very beginning, my course work was very vocational focused. In addition, there are many opportunities for earning certifications which are incredibly useful for me not only for my college applications but future work opportunities. Due to the focused classes “fun” electives are usually not offered. AIT does not have sports which is a wasted opportunity due to the many athletes that go here. This also leads to a lack of school spirit. What the school lacks in sports it makes up for club; the most notable being our successful chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. AIT is not for everyone, the rigorous and focused coursework requires a lot of work and dedication and makes many feel like they are missing out on the “normal” high school experience however, AIT can promise a unique experience that leaves you ready for the future.
Read 98 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
275 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)
Public School
Manahawkin, NJ
9-12
117
11 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: OCVTS is a great school for people who are interested in research specifically and mostly math and science fields. One big difference between this high school and others is that your teachers actually care about your grades and the entire staff is hard working and dedicated to making a student successful. There are many advanced courses which builds on a student’s intellect. There are fun field days and advanced chemistry labs which are fascinating and educational at the same time. It would be great to see the guidance counselors get involved the student life even more however by finding college scholarships for our school. Also, this school has students are are diverse and from different parts of the county who work well together in a completely judge-free zone.
Read 117 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
274 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Millburn Senior High School
Millburn Township Schools, NJ
9-12
150
12 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: I am currently a junior at Millburn High School, and so far it has been a great experience. The curriculum is flexible, covering all the basic subjects while allowing students to customize their schedule according to their interests. There are so many after school clubs that it is impossible for one to not find something he is interested in. The teachers are all amazing, allowing the students to be responsible for themselves but providing help when needed. The school library is chock full of research resources; not only are there thousands of books, but the library also subscribes to many online scholarly websites and newspapers that help students with research. The school is a bully-free zone; all the students are very kind and willing to help one another.
Read 150 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,474 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Horace Mann School
Private School
Bronx, NY
K-12
103
Senior: Academically speaking, Horace Mann offers a lot to each student. The courses are challenging and really help develop your thinking skills, rather than just memorizing a bunch of facts to get good grades. Teachers here really care about what you write - they rarely, if ever, just slap a grade on. Good grades are earned solely through showing the teacher your thought process. There are a plethora of clubs and it's super easy to start one if the school lacks an organization that you're interested in. However, I felt excluded a lot, as most of my peers were extremely wealthy and Jewish. I, coming from a middle-class background, struggled a lot with the reality of my situation and my friends who seemed to looked down on the poor.
Read 103 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,694 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
9-12
214
13 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 214 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,407 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy of Allied Health & Science
Public School
Neptune, NJ
9-12
79
14 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Sophomore: This school has been good so far. The classes are very engaging and educational and I have learned a lot from them. I wish there could be more AP classes to challenge students more. There is a lack of clubs, especially competitive ones. For the only ones that exist, hardly any one is enthusiastic about them. My middle school had many academic competitions and clubs, so I there is a bit of a hole in that area. I think it could be easily fixed by adding more meaningful clubs.
Read 79 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
295 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northern Highlands Regional High School
Public School
Allendale, NJ
9-12
197
15 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Northern Highlands has granted me an overall great high school experience. It is easy to become involved in the school community, since so many sports and clubs are offered for students to participate in. I love the endless number of elective classes offered. I wish certain elective classes were offered during more periods. Many students, including myself, were unable to take certain classes this year since the distinct periods those courses were offered in overlapped with other ones.
Read 197 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,334 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Montgomery High School
Montgomery Township School District, NJ
9-12
333
16 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: As a student growing up in the Montgomery School District from Pre-K, I have experienced every level of schooling possible in the district. While I do not enjoy the high-pressure and often mentally damaging environment fostered by the students in the school system, I do acknowledge that this is simply a product of living in a township with an emphasis on superior academic achievement. The administration in recent years has declined significantly, but this barely detracts from the overwhelmingly vast number of opportunities available to Montgomery's students. AP and Honours level classes are abundant and while this may or may not contribute to college readiness, it certainly allows for greater exploration of course material in different fields. The sports department here is top-notch, with coaches that not only provide the students with physical education and learning experiences but additionally with emotional support and a loving family environment.
Read 333 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,659 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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High Tech High School
Public School
N Bergen, NJ
9-12
238
17 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: The only complaint you will ever give here is that they're no sports. Ether than that it is a well diverse friendly school. It looks just like high school musical. They have professional chefs cook for them. They are random dance sessions throughout the school year. They have different excellent programs depending on your major. They're security guards around the school all super friendly but stern at the same time if a student forgets their ID card. The teachers and staff all involved with the students shaping them into college material and expectations. Also, the staff throws mini sessions with the parents than they know whats up and what the students should apply for college helps and loans. The clubs here are very high tech and professional. You have to be well educated and on task with them. Just an excellent school and the teacher hooks them up with famous poets, writers, and even singers like Kendrick Lamar.
Read 238 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
940 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering
Public School
Rockaway, NJ
9-12
23
18 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 23 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
97 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Livingston Senior High School
Livingston Public Schools, NJ
9-12
301
19 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 301 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,824 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tenafly High School
Tenafly Public Schools, NJ
9-12
90
20 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: Tenafly High School creates ambitious, intelligent, accepting, and politically aware students who often excel at the nation's top universities and jobs. Students are leaders themselves, often changing the school and the community with their own actions and projects. Most, but not all, teachers treat their students like adults, fostering a very independent and almost college like environment. Students also have a lot of freedom during the school day to do homework and leave campus.
While academically Tenafly is amazing, college readiness and grades is the administrations only interest. A substantial amount of pressure is put upon all the students. This immense pressure causes intense competition among top students and makes students less interested in grades feel insecure and often unintelligent. This preoccupation with grades also takes focus away from sports and school spirit and has led to a prevalent drug and alcohol culture.
Read 90 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,146 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Summit Senior High School
Summit Public Schools, NJ
9-12
144
21 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: The highschool has a lot of opportunities for the students, whether it be electives/classes, or clubs, or sports. It also has easy access to technology, as every grade has a chromebook and has free access to the internet and printer. The teachers overall care about the students and want them to apply themselves so that they could go to a good college. Their curriculum is also above a few schools in new jersey.
Read 144 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,271 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ridge High School
Bernards Township School District, NJ
9-12
188
22 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: Ridge High offers many things to many students, as the school provides an inclusive environment for all of us to thrive. There is a wide variety of course selections, while the student body is diverse, with many different ethnic backgrounds represented. From an academic perspective, the course requirements are challenging, fast moving, providing attendees with sampling of what the educational requirements may be upon graduation. Ridge also boasts of competitive athletic opportunities, with many of the teams, both Men and Women achieving notable success within its conference.
Read 188 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,865 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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J.P. Stevens High School
Edison Township Public Schools, NJ
9-12
345
23 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Senior: The student body of J. P. Stevens High School is predominantly Indian and Asian. Although this does allow for great diversity to be exposed to new cultures and experiences, many of the students are very socially awkward and overwhelmed with getting the best grades possible. The sports at the school are also very bad because many kids are too focused on their academics. Students involvement within the school is also very poor for the same reason because many students see it as a waste of time, taking them away from studying. It is a very safe school with strict administration to keep it that way, making it a good learning environment for students.
Read 345 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,221 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Chatham High School
The School District of the Chathams, NJ
9-12
118
24 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Junior: Many of the teachers are very good at Chatham High School, however some are much worse than others. I have had teachers that have sucked all the fun out of learning, but I have also had some amazing educators that made school interesting. Also, some classes, despite being at the same level, have much different standards due to different teachers teaching the same class. For example, some teachers give a much greater workload and do not provide study guides for tests, while other teachers educating at the same level do. I feel that this must be changed. One thing I would not want to change about Chatham High School is the amount of clubs it has. There are all different clubs students are able to join from Robotics to Art; everyone can find their niche.
Read 118 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,202 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Union County Vocational-Technical High School
Public School
Scotch Plains, NJ
9-12
181
25 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey
Alum: This school/ facility is an awesome environment for students, teachers and parents. It is full of diversity and culture within the student body and faculty. Students come from all towns in Union County and combine together to help one another learn and more!
Read 181 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
370 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 20

Bergen County Academies

Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

Union County Magnet High School

High Technology High School

Academy for Allied Health Science

Princeton High School

Kellman Brown Academy

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

Biotechnology High School

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

Academy for Information Technology

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

Millburn Senior High School

Horace Mann School

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

Academy of Allied Health & Science

Northern Highlands Regional High School

Montgomery High School

High Tech High School

The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering

Livingston Senior High School

Tenafly High School

Summit Senior High School

Ridge High School

J.P. Stevens High School

Chatham High School

Union County Vocational-Technical High School