Skip to Main Content

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 511
Best Schools
511 results

  1. Bergen County Academies

    • Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 485 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Freshman: I loved the culture here. It's so easy to make friends! I thought I might have a tough time, but I already had so many on the first day of school. Also, the staff are so supportive. They always push you to do your best and your happiness and safety are their number one concerns. Plus, the opportunities here are endless! Research is so beneficial to have on a college transcript and there are so many types of research one can do. My favorite part about this school are the free periods that are built into my schedule. It's so nice to have a break during the stressful school day.
    Read 485 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,098 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. High Technology High School

    • Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 90 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 90 Reviews

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

  3. Union County Magnet High School

    • Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 130 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 130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 304 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Biotechnology High School

    • Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 111 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: Biotechnology is a great school to learn time management and STEM. Heavy work load with both group and solo projects. Heavy emphasis on Biology. Great friends and staff. Learned a lot about how to manage my time with school work, homework and after school activities. All the after school activities are student managed with a teacher as an adviser. Many of these activities have their meetings during the lunch hour, so time management is a plus. Lunch hour is interesting in that many things are happening at once - eating, of course, is priority, but many students will practice an instrument or play ping pong. Just a real "downtime" time. Biotech is a very safe school and a great honor system. You don't have to lock your locker and you can leave your computer out, walk away from it , come back hours later, and it's still there, untouched. Overall, a great school to excel in as well as a very safe, secure environment.
    Read 111 Reviews

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

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

    • Ocean County Vocational Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 148 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 148 Reviews

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

  6. Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

    • Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 228 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: Bergen Tech Teterboro is really a wonderful school in so many ways! It has offered me so many different opportunities to further my academic career as well as many different ways to pursue my passions. One thing I love about our school is that since we're a technical school we have majors, Digital Media for the win, we have the chance to not only learn skills that we would have to wait for college to learn, but we also have the opportunity to work with industry standard equipment and materials that prepare us for entry into the workforce. Our senior internship program also allows the seniors another opportunity to intern and get real work experience in professional settings as high school seniors!
    Read 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering

    • Morris County Vocational School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 33 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 33 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 101 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Academy for Allied Health Science

    • Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 112 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: There is an academically rigorous environment present at this school and all the students are motivated to self and community betterment. The competition is motivating, yet not stifling, and mental health is emphasized in its importance. The only main issue is the nature of class choices as there are not many options, with regards to APs or humanities in addition to the vocational classes. Some of the teachers are not as good at connecting with their classes, but those that are go above and beyond. Addittionally, there are no music and art classes, and many of the clubs are underfunded, but the students and advisors both have passion and involvement in the clubs they are in.
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 297 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Academy for Information Technology

    • Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 114 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Parent: As a County magnet school, AIT attracts students who are eager to learn about computer science and business. The campus structure and expectations make this high school more like a college setting. As a parent I am proud that my children enjoy learning, and happy that they have found a public high school that will make them rise to meet challenges. The academic program is not easy. There is a lot of work involved in meeting the challenge of this program, but it is worth the effort!
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Princeton High School

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

    Alum: Princeton High School is a great place to go to school! The history department in particular is phenomenal, and overall the school prepares its students very well for AP exams.
    Read 307 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,610 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

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

    Freshman: I like the many selections of courses, the amount of APs and the good teachers that help the students with whatever they need. The school is a very good environment and it is recommended that you attend this school because it is a public school, meaning its free. Also the teams that the school offers is of a vast variety, such as swimming, baseball, track and field, basketball, volleyball, and many more!
    Read 259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 683 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Millburn Senior High School

    • Millburn Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 188 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Alum: The academic level is rigorous, oftentimes stressful, yet the education truly prepares students for college. There are some wonderful teachers in the faculty, too! The culture is a bit stifling, with grades often being the sole measure of a student's potential/competence. However, that is not the case across the board.
    Read 188 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,421 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

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

    Senior: Apart from the rigorous and challenging coursework offered in various STEM and liberal arts subjects, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South offers great opportunities for students to grow outside of the academic environment by participating in extracurriculars such as sports, clubs, and theater. Giving students the opportunity to take initiative in their community by starting their own clubs after school or joining the Student Council are other prominent benefits of attending this school. Moreover, the people at WWP High School South, like the various teachers, have helped students grow their knowledge as well as other skills and traits needed for the real world in the 21st century.

    Something I would like to see change in this school is the stressful environment. There is great collaboration between students and teachers; however, I believe there is room for more collaboration between parents with teachers and parents with students.
    Read 291 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,601 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Union County Vocational-Technical High School

    • Union County Vocational-Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 222 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: This high school is a much different experience than a regular high school in a town. I loved it! The teachers are compassionate and caring and a lot of them are great at teaching! The courses are hard, and it is a very big adjustment freshman year, but this school not only challenges you during high school, it prepares you for college and beyond. There have been quite a few courses that I have had to do some self-instruction, however it has made me more motivated and taught me to be self-reliant. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and met people I would have never met if I went to my hometown high school. Although there are no sports, that is one disadvantage compared to many advantages of this school. Attending this high school was a great decision.
    Read 222 Reviews

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

  17. Tenafly High School

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

    Senior: While the academics and faculty are usualy very helpful and good for my classes. I would like to see less e days in the rotating block schedule, because it makes it easier for a student to manage their homework when they have more regular days that aren't packed with classes. Another thing is that with the new block schedule it is harder to find classes at the beginning of the year, so the school should set the student potal up with a schedule for each letter day so the student can find their class more easily. Although I like how the school also offers chromebooks many students damage them because they aren't being monitored. A chromebook that is missing keys will make it increasingly hard to write with and will slow down the students ability to type. I recommend that the school assign numbered chromebook so that we can find out the students that are doing this and discourage them from doing so.
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,193 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Academy of Allied Health & Science

    • Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 102 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 102 Reviews

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

  19. Livingston Senior High School

    • Livingston Board of Education School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 348 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 348 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,931 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Montgomery High School

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

    Sophomore: Montgomery High School is a very rigorous public high school that provides hundreds of compelling courses that provides students with a well rounded education. A majority of the teachers at Montgomery High School are very good at their job and they provide students with top quality education. If i had to criticize Montgomery, there are a few things that come to mind. For starters, the atmosphere and culture at Montgomery is very toxic. Students are very college oriented which creates an extremely competitive and toxic atmosphere that is sometimes detrimental to a students mental health. In addition, the english department at Montgomery High school is sub par. There is a not a lot of teaching that goes on yet teachers expect students to be able to produce top level writing without being properly taught how to do so. Overall, Montgomery is a top high school that I would recommend anyone to go to.
    Read 381 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,640 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Northern Highlands Regional High School

    • Public School
    • Allendale, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 229 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: There are so many opportunities at NHRHS. There is an elective for everyone and there is a lot of clubs to choose from. There are also so many sports (including bowling and golf) for you to get active! You will never get bored (unless you are in history). The teachers are really nice and they are willing to help no matter what. They are also extremely accepting and willing to give advice outside of school-related matters. It makes bonding with teachers much easier (which also makes finding someone to write your college recommendation letters easier). The only downsides would have to be the cost (it is very expensive to live in Ho Ho Kus, USR, Saddle River, or Allendale) and it's diversity. It is a very (and I mean very) white school. There are other races and cultures (and no one makes fun of you for your culture), but it doesn't have a lot of "color" to it. To end on a good note, the school offers an internship program for seniors (summer / during school / after school).
    Read 229 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,352 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

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

    • Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 43 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: The academics at the school are amazing, and so are the teachers. They are very understanding and open to your opinions. However, I would like to see more diversity and more opportunities in sports and the arts. High school sports are something that you see throughout almost all high schools throughout America, but in the Academy, there's only one sport (soccer). We are studying almost all the time (and therefore, sitting), so it'd be great to get some more physical activity and get more sports into the Academy (football, volleyball, etc.).
    Read 43 Reviews

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

  25. Marine Academy of Science & Technology

    • Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 129 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Junior: The Marine Academy of Science and Technology(MAST) is an outdoor high school campus located on one of New Jersey’s beaches. For future Marine Biology or Marine Science majors, there is no better hands on experience. Both on the shore itself, and on our 65 foot research vessel, the R/V Blue Sea. MAST is a welcoming school, and it’s students are committed to academic integrity, honor, courage, commitment, and learn valuable leadership skills through the Navy Junior ROTC program. Good luck on your application!
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 282 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Communications High School

    • Monmouth County Vocational School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 131 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 131 Reviews

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

  27. Ridge High School

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

    Senior: My experience at Ridge High School changed my life. I met so many different people and all of them were so nice to me! The upperclassmen helped me when I had any questions about certain classes and they were always looking out for me. Also, whenever I was nervous about doing something, my peers and friends always supported me and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone to be successful throughout my time at high school.
    Read 217 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,884 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

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

    Sophomore: High School North is an amazing school with wonderful facilities and education that prepares students for college. I love the students and resources here, however, there is a lot competition amongst students, making it a competitive environment. Some teachers want you to succeed, but others give you a hard time and don't want to put more effort in helping you learn. The food here is average and the sport teams are really good for individual sports, whereas team sports are not as good. This school has amazing culture and diversity, but there is always room for more diversity. One of the things I would like to see improved is the teachers themselves as some teachers put effort in teaching you, but others just expect you to know everything and you just end up learning the whole course on your own. To conclude, I completely recommend this school to anyone who isn't shy of working hard and putting in effort, because this school will prepare you for college and is full of great resources!
    Read 250 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,448 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Summit Senior High School

    • Summit Public School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 156 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Alum: I very much enjoyed my time at Summit Senior High School. It's a place where you grow and learn to step outside your boundaries, whether you're ready or not. They push you to achieve your full potential, to strive for greatness in your future endeavors. The administration and staff do care a lot for their students, and always try to make the learning environment as comfortable as possible. They will push you, and the work load isn't light, but through all of that you will be able to obtain the skills if/when you decide to pursue a higher level of education. The classrooms are kept mostly clean, and the building is in very good shape. There's always renovations, whether it be inside of the building or outside on the field. I never felt anxious or nervous about coming into school every morning. The teachers leave it entirely up to you about getting work done. It basically teaches you to be responsible for yourself and not to procrastinate, which are VITAL tools for college.
    Read 156 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,192 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Princeton, NJ
    • K-8
    • 29 reviews

    Parent: I can honestly say that Princeton Academy delivers on their promise of bringing out the best in boys. Princeton and its environs have so many great options of schools, however, no other school, in my opinion, places as much emphasis on how they develop their students to be good people. As parents it is sometimes tempting to focus on the obvious benefits of private schools: small class sizes, high caliber academics, etc., but what Princeton Academy offers is that AND more: character building, spiritual nourishment, life skills, moral guidance, mindful reflection - the list goes on. The school, its leadership team, and educators provide a healthy and supportive environment for each boy to thrive and recognize the good within themselves so that when they go on to their next schools (which happen to consistently be the best secondary schools in the nation) they can contribute in meaningful ways. Absolutely the best - thank you Princeton Academy!
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 198 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  34. Review Your School 
  35. Sponsored

    Our Lady of Mercy Academy

    • Private School
    • Newfield, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 52 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 52 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 187 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour
  36. Sponsored

    Veritas Collegiate Academy

    • Private School
    • Fairfax, VA
    • K-12
    • 19 reviews

    Parent: Very grateful for Veritas and all they do for our children and families. I am happy to say that this is our 3rd year at Veritas, and each year is better than the one before. I am very proud of my son and what he has accomplished at Veritas. They rocked during the COVID-19 shutdown! Kudos!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • 80 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour
  • 1 of 21