2024 Best School Districts in New Jersey

• Demarest, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: Everything about the school was great. Strong academics. Motivated students and teachers to achieve academically. Strong focus on and understanding of the stress teenagers are facing. Socially, excellent school spirit with sports and college-curricular activities... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 2,076

• Princeton, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: I would rate my experience with Princeton Public Schools as very good because I have received a broad liberal arts education, I have been challenged, and I have been introduced to new subjects and experiences. The dedicated staff and faculty at Princeton Public Schools make it a lively environment, where students are enthusiastic to learn. In addition, the sports and arts programs are well-recognized. I have had the pleasure to participate in both sports and the arts at Princeton High School, and I have gotten much fulfillment and joy from both the Choral Music Department and the Varsity Fencing Team. One critique of the school is the overcrowding issue. Many students, including myself, sit on the floor for lunch because of the lack of seats available around the school. This is unsanitary, and I hope the school can change the schedule or build a larger cafeteria to accommodate the student body.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,759

• Millburn, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  34 reviews

Freshman: great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports. great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports. great school! I love go to this school, all my brothers and sisters go to this school. I love the teachers and sports.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,796

• West Windsor, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  71 reviews

Sophomore: West-Windsor Plainsboro is probably one of the most interesting school districts I have come across. Upon first glance, one cannot possibly manage to establish a proper image of the school. We are one of the diversely populated districts in the USA, and I'm not only talking about race, orientation etc. There is little to no pressure for a person to be, act or look a certain way. In fact, students are taught from their elementary days to be accepting and kind towards every individual and this is consistent throughout the student's academic career. However, it must be highlighted that not every individual who is part of the community acts this way, occasionally there are cases of bigotry and violence but those cases are taken care of in a manner where both sides are looked into and the rightful punishment (when possible) goes to the perpetrator and the victim gets the help and support they need. Overall, not a perfect district, but a resourceful and interesting district nonetheless... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 9,109

• Ridgewood, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: Ridgewood High Schools's motto, "A Tradition of Excellence" is not reflective of RHS's population. Ridgewood goes beyond excellence. Every year Ridgewood administration is constantly finding new ways to better the school. Last year they bought a large screen-printer. A few years before they bought 3-D printers for the science lab. Now while Ridgewood is often encouraging students, especially girls to become young scientists and pursue STEM majors, the school also provides many opportunities for students interested in liberal arts to explore the world of literature, history, psychology, etc. There are interesting and unique classes students can take such as Physics, Engineering, and Art (one class), Dance, Robotics, Art History, and Crime and Mystery Literature. However, I feel that besides all these amazing aspects, the school does not truly listen to their students. Even with a student government, students are still told no, constantly. This needs to change for the school to evolve.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,604

• Summit, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  30 reviews

Alum: Summit High School is a tight knit community. Everyone knows each other because we all went to school together since 1st grade! All students are pretty friendly to each other, both in and out of school on the weekends, so bullying, at least in my day, was never really a thing. Most people made an effort to include others, except a few rude people. I wish the school was more diverse, that would have better prepared me for college and life!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 3,895

• Tenafly, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: I am a senior at Tenafly High School and my high school career has been a very good experience. Tenafly has great extracurriculars, clubs, and academics. The school is also the perfect size to find people who have common interests with you. The school spirit is booming because of our dances, sports events, and Olympics. In addition, Tenafly High School is known for its ambitious students and academic success. Overall, Tenafly is a very good, close-knit, and competitive school.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,360

• Haddonfield, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: It’s a great school, everyone’s super nice especially most of the teachers, just not the best music program haha!... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,708

• Mt Lakes, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: Mountain Lakes High is a small, tight-knit community where students collaborate and socialize while learning all the skills necessary for a college path. The accommodating staff is well-equipped to teach the fundamentals of each subject and keep the students engaged each day. The school is clean, welcoming, and up-to-date on the latest technological advancements, making it excel in teaching, supporting, and shaping students.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,318

• Moorestown, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Niche User: I moved to Moorestown in 1998 with my two young children, ages 7 & 5 in tow. We came from a small town in central New Jersey and I thought they were doing fine in school. The first year in elementary school was a bit difficult. They both had some catching up to do but all the teachers were all fantastic. My children loved the new school and all the teachers so it helped with the transition. The rest is history and they both went on to top universities and have successful careers today. My youngest is married and they own & operate two businesses.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,868

• North Brunswick, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: South Brunswick HS offers so many different ways to get involved, which is how I made most of my friends. They offer so many clubs and sports teams to join. It can be a very competitive atmosphere at times, but joining these clubs and teams helped me find a group of people that I did not need to compare myself to. Besides, the competition just makes you better. There is a high standard for students but it is achievable with the help offered from teachers and other students. I enjoyed my time here!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 8,071

• Livingston, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  67 reviews

Junior: Livingston High School gives many wonderful opportunities to their students. They hold college fairs, have various clubs, many sports, and other activities to get students involved. The academics are stellar as well. Livingston High School offers a plethora of class options with various levels of difficulty. The school makes sure that each student is able to stimulate their own interests while also completing their graduation requirements. The environment that the teachers and administration build is very friendly and welcoming. Students feel safe at school because they know that they always have someone to talk to. Livingston High School uses all of its resources to make sure that their students get a great education while also feeling comfortable in their surroundings.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,176

• Chatham, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: Have 3 kids in the school system and couldn’t be happier with the education received. Kids are all flourishing and well prepared for higher education / life. Very happy with the approach used during covid and how rapidly the school responded to maintain an effective methodology to educate and keep everyone safe.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,765

• Westfield, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: From athletics to academics, Westfield Public Schools are some of the best in NJ! It is so good for students to be surrounded by good teachers and good testing systems.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,942

• New Providence, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: My husband and I wanted a diverse town with great academic opportunities and New Providence fits the bill! Living here is an investment but well worth the cost. Small town with small class sizes and great student to teacher ratios. Additionally easy access to the nearby towns of Summit, Morristown, Chatham, Short hills. With a 35 minute drive to Manhattan, it’s one of the best and convenient towns to live in.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,365

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: It has excellent schools, especially its high school. It does well prepare me to college and achieve future success in my career path. It will be more attractive if the high school adds more AP courses and administer more AP subject tests and have higher level AP math courses after AP Calculus II.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,735

• Montvale, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: This school made me feel welcome from the first day! I’ve made so many friendships. I’ve had so many different and diverse learning opportunities. I’ve traveled with the chamber choir and performed abroad. I’ve become a member of two national honor societies. I feel everything I’ve accomplished in the past four years has shaped my future. I will be terribly sad to leave but I know they prepared me to fly.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,867

• North Caldwell, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  34 reviews

Parent: Our child has been in the district now for 4 years. 3 years in the "sending schools", 1 year at WEMS, and starting 8th grade now. Last year during the pandemic the staff/ teachers all made it possible for our child to grow while sitting behind a computer. I know this is not easy on anyone, nor does wearing a mask 100% of the day exactly the best case scenario, but between outdoor "tailgates," clubs, committees, etc. they make it a great environment for these children. I thought we would have more complaints about the early morning start, but not here always happy to get to school. Not to mention all the great things to say about the teachers and how supportive they are. We are very fortunate, thanks, WEMS!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,625

• Chester, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  18 reviews

Alum: Now a college junior, I have felt overwhelmingly prepared by West Morris central high school. I attend a public university where at times I feel the quality of education I received previously was superior. More than that, I believe the staff at West Morris taught me to think critically. This elevated my ability to learn beyond comprehension so that I might succeed both academically, AND as a well rounded human being. Specifically, I was able to obtain a job at the student success center my Freshman year where I have been able to share the academic resources and strategies I garnered from my high school teachers and advisors.Moreover, when I went through personal struggles, I was only able to maintain my academic scholarship through the 30+ AP/IB credits I received, despite them originally not applying towards any academic progress. I have realized that I am privileged to have benefited from this standard of education, and forever indebted to the faculty who prioritized my success.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 2,240

• Holmdel, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  16 reviews

Alum: I moved into the district in 5th grade, and some teachers were very kind, while some were not the best. Our school spirit was pretty dead, and there was no support for the school's Dance Team. I was Captain of my school's dance team, and I saw how people didn't know it existed. Some of the best parts of my experience were my peers. They were mainly charming people and would help each other out. But the worst part was when I was on the Dance Team.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,945

• River Edge, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  30 reviews

Freshman: 1. A really good variety of classes for every interest! Anatomy, law, ceramics, painting etc. 2. Really nice and friendly teachers that work hard to do the best for you. No unreasonable grading. 3. Great mental health + college support system... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,606

• Pennington, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: We moved to HVRSD in 2016 and have been nothing but impressed. The teachers, staff and administrators are always looking to help the individual students’ needs. Excellent communication with parents. Excellent preparation for college. We absolutely love it!... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,451

• Bernardsville, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: I had the privilege of attending SHSD from K to 12th grade. The teachers are passionate and nurturing. There is strong parent involvement. Being a smaller district, there is an immense sense of community that I believe to not be as prevalent in neighboring districts. I am proud to say some of the friends I still have today are the same ones I met in Kindergarten. Bernards High is amazing at preparing their students for college. If you request a list of colleges the graduating seniors are attending, you will see dozens are attending Ivy League and other top-ranked universities. In my own college experience, I feel more prepared than most of my peers, and I directly attribute this to the quality of education I received at BHS. Classes at BHS are rigorous, and the students ambitious -- however, there is NOT an overly competitive, toxic environment that I hear about from friends in some surrounding districts. If you are looking for a well-rounded educational experience, look to SHSD.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,759

• Fair Lawn, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: I had a very positive experience in this school district. The teachers I had were wonderful and incredibly supportive and understanding. There are so many athletic programs, arts programs, and clubs for students to get involved in and there are also so many resources available such as help with college searches or peer tutoring programs. The Fair Lawn school district, in my opinion, focuses on giving students the necessary environment they need in order to thrive and for that I commend them.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,384

• Weehawken, NJ•

• School District

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  Rating 4.75 out of 5  24 reviews

Other: This district is truly unique. The community's size and diversity lends to it being extremely vibrant, supportive, and caring, which only helps to breed student achievement -- in and out of the classroom. The size and character of the district lend to a lot of individualized attention and relationships that are critical to personal and academic success. Ultimately, and most significantly, students and staff are more than just a number; they are each vital parts of the community, recognized by others for what they do. You come for the views, but you stay for the people.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,294