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2018 Best Public High Schools in New JerseyAbout this List

The 2018 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.

Best Schools
482 results

  1. Bergen County Academies

    • Public School
    • Hackensack, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 420
    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 420 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,059 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro

    • Public School
    • Teterboro, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 169
    2 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 169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Union County Magnet High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 113
    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 113 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Lincroft, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 75
    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 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 295 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. 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
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Princeton High School

    • Princeton Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 271
    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 271 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,575 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    Kirov Academy of Ballet

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • 7-12
    • 4

    Works Here: I have been working at the Kirov Academy since 2017, and have found the staff & students friendly. The students are very talented, even performing for a week at the Kennedy Center in conjunction with a major company! The teaching staff, both academic and artistic are professional, run an excellent program that prepares the students well for both companies and university placement.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 43 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School

    • Jersey City Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 217
    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 217 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Biotechnology High School

    • Public School
    • Freehold, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 96
    8 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 96 Reviews

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

    • West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 249
    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 249 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,591 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Academy for Information Technology

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 100
    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 100 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 275 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. OCVTS - Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)

    • Public School
    • Manahawkin, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 121
    11 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 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 274 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Millburn Senior High School

    • Millburn Township Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 155
    12 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: Millburn is a great school for any motivated student who wants to balance sports, extracurricular activities, and a social life with their academics. One downside to this school is that it often helps the top students more than it does those who are struggling in class. However, I think if a student takes advantage of the opportunities offered at MHS, they will have a positive high school experience, be happy with their college decisions, and be prepared for their future academic careers. The stress levels can be high, but anyone who manages their time well is normally free from extreme despair.
    Read 155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,474 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sponsored

    George Washington University Online High School

    • Online School
    • Ashburn, VA
    • 8-12
    • 4

    Works Here: GWUOHS is an excellent place to work! We have some of the best students the world has to offer and our administration creates an excellent academic and community environment. The community atmosphere, low-class sizes, excellent curriculum and exemplary advising services produces top-notch students who excel at the college level. I would not hesitate to recommend GWUOHS as a great place to send your son/daughter!
    Read 4 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 110 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

    • West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 218
    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 218 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,407 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Academy of Allied Health & Science

    • Public School
    • Neptune, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 80
    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 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 295 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Northern Highlands Regional High School

    • Public School
    • Allendale, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 200
    15 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 200 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,334 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Montgomery High School

    • Montgomery Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 335
    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 335 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,659 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. High Tech High School

    • Public School
    • N Bergen, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 242
    17 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Senior: My experience at High Tech High School has been a phenomenal opportunity for me to explore, not just the academics but external benefits as well. As a Biomedical Major student, I was able to perform the task of a forensic scientist, geneticist, dietitian, medical laboratory technician, cardiovascular technologist, and many more. This allowed me to specifically target the field I am passionate about. The connectivity allowed me to participate in science fair competitions all across the state. Also, with the help of the administrators, my fellow colleagues and I were able to start a student-based company called Hive Tech Honey, and today, our company has reached the markets in New York City in the just span of 2 years. Along with the endless opportunities, the vibe in the school atmosphere is optimistic and encouraging allowing the students to expand beyond their horizons.
    Read 242 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 940 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering

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

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

    • Livingston Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 304
    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 304 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,824 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Tenafly High School

    • Tenafly Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 93
    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 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,146 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Summit Senior High School

    • Summit Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 144
    21 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 144 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,271 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Ridge High School

    • Bernards Township School District, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 190
    22 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 190 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,865 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Review Your School

  30. J.P. Stevens High School

    • Edison Township Public Schools, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 347
    23 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey

    Alum: J.P Stevens had some of the best teachers, and they provided a rigorous curriculum that well prepared students for college. It was a very diverse, progressive school! However, the environment was incredibly competitive, and as a result, students were overworked, stressed, and unhappy.
    Read 347 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,221 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. 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
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Union County Vocational-Technical High School

    • Public School
    • Scotch Plains, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 182
    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 182 Reviews

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