2023 Best Schools in Ocean County

• Ocean County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  171 reviews

Parent: The Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science offers a rigorous and comprehensive education with the application of using marine science programming. The research experience at this level is invaluable as future students of STEM, and the teachers are extremely knowledgeable and their delivery of the curriculum is superior especially in preparation for higher education while also being extremely relatable to the class cohorts. The school community is close -knit, inclusive, familial and one of teamwork. Although, there are no varsity athletic clubs, there are many after school activities encompassing a wide span of interests and experiences, not to mention if a student wants to start a club, they can easily make happen too! MATES is an amazing and non-intimidating environment for learning, expanding a wealth of knowledge through exploration and advancements in an ever changing world! We are so grateful to be part of this institution!... Read 171 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Island Heights, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 128

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Lavallette, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 156

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Bay Head, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: I attended Bay Head Elementary School from 6th grade to 8th grade several years ago and academically I can genuinely say that this school was amazing, with all of my teachers being extremely knowledgeable and showing consideration towards student success. In fact, these teachers were so good that they most likely could have been college professors. Socially and athletically, however, it was brutal, especially with only 10-15 kids per grade. If you didn’t get along with a couple people it ruined your whole experience. Also, our sports teams were horrendous at every sport (excluding tennis). Overall, great school for academics and it will truly prepare you for high school and possibly your collegiate career. If you are considering going here to meet new people though I would not recommend attending this school.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Toms River, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  168 reviews

Senior: Donovan Catholic has a great variety of academic courses to choose from! Here you would discover fun classes and interests to prepare you for college. The teachers are very understanding and have different teaching styles that I am sure you will find helpful. My favorite thing about Donovan is that it has a great campus community where you will always feel at home, and make life-lasting memories.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 722

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Point Pleasant Beach School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: It’s nice that they offer a MacBook Air to all students since 6th grade that you take home and return at the end of each year. Although some teachers do not allow work on laptop which is ridiculous considering what’s the point of having them. Certain teachers mostly in the history department and English do not teach at all, but that’s every school so. I have been attending point pleasant beach since 6th grade and it’s certainly a nice place for students to go. Students from here are seen differently because of our academic standings. We are the #1 school in ocean county!... Read 135 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 382

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Lakewood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.92 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: Calvary academy is an excellent school. I had 3 children attend and they have had experiences and academic achievements that have followed them through to higher education. They were loved and prayed for daily. Each of my children had exceptional spiritual experiences whether in class, sports or in the arts. Their teachers and coaches truly love and care for the students. I highly recommend sending your children to Calvary academy. The investment that you make will be worth it for years to come!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 230

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Jackson Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  272 reviews

Sophomore: Jackson Memorial is a great school to go to, while they may not be first in the state they have a great academics program. Not to mention the schools variety of clubs, activities, and sports. The teacher are really nice and really care for their students. They have academies which basically chooses all of your courses for your years here. There's the STEM academy, Business Academy, Arts academy which is Art, Music (Instrumental and Vocal), and there used to be Drama, however due to low enrollment they've stopped that section but you can still take the classes. The band is a nationally recognized ensemble, they've been in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade numerous times, as well as the Miss America Parade when it was in Atlantic City, and have even performed in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl Parade. There's a great community in Jackson and so much to do!... Read 272 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,625

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Point Pleasant Beach School District, NJ•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 1.5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 358

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Toms River Regional School District, NJ•

• K-5

• grade B+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Plumsted Township School District, NJ•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My daughter is in the elementary school and is doing very well. Teachers and principle are very nice.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Ocean County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  119 reviews

Junior: Grunin's PAA is where I get the most out of high school. The students are motivated and are supported by the teachers. Even if performing arts isn't what you want for the future, this school will prepare you for college and eventually the real world. You should know that the courses that you will be taking will be tough, and teachers will expect the most from you. You will be coached to be as much as professional as you can be. PAA recently got a new building on the OCC campus that is visually beautiful and is complete with two dance studios, a black box theater, and an audio recording room. If you want to challenge yourself, take the associates program! These classes will give you a taste of college-level courses and will supply you with useful college courses at a lower price. My only critique is the administration, who may not be there for you if you need help, or feel unsafe. Overall, PAA is a school filled with dedication.... Read 119 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 278

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Point Pleasant Borough School District, NJ•

• PK, K-5

• grade B+

• Students 689

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Point Pleasant Borough School District, NJ•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: I went to Memorial Middle School from 2012-2015, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best schools that I have been to. The teachers were amazing and were straight to the point and they were able to create an enviornment where students who wanted to learn would thrive.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 657

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Jackson Township School District, NJ•

• PK, K-5

• grade B+

• Students 635

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Point Pleasant Borough School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  213 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior at Point Pleasant Borough High School, and of my almost four years spent here, I have experienced many highs and lows, but overall, it has been an amazing experience for me. I was lucky to live in a small beach town for all of my life, meaning that I have gone to school with most of the same kids since kindergarten, so I'm familiar with pretty much my entire grade. My class hasn't gotten that many new students over the years to be honest, but when a new member of our school is introduced, we do our best to give them a proper, warm welcome. My school is very enthusiastic and high-spirited. We encourage responsibility, respect, and (panther) pride! I wouldn't ask for a different school.... Read 213 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 873

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Toms River Regional School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  344 reviews

Parent: Small classes are a huge plus, although the high schools in the area have high enrollment, the classes aren't huge sizes. There is a club, sport, or other extracurricular activity for everyone. There's a fishing club, PAWS, which works with animal shelter, and so many more! Sports for every season, including bowling. The school is very involved with the students, the guidance counselors will call you if there is an issue and the teachers will also send you an email or call if your child is falling behind or just being lazy! They want to give your child every opportunity to be their best, as we know teens aren't exactly eager to do homework and/or pay attention all the time! Overall, knock wood, there hasn't been any problems that I can think of and my family has been sending their kids there for the past 17 years. If your child wants to be involved in school there are a ton of opportunities that you don't have in smaller schools.... Read 344 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,933

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Southern Regional School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  218 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Southern Regional High School has been the best ! The teachers are always there to help those in need and the faculty is great and very helpful. They have excellent academics,clubs, and take great care in the safety of the students. The administration is so friendly and helpful. Southern Regional High School is such a great school and has taught me so much. My overall experience with Southern Regional is excellent!... Read 218 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,975

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Toms River Regional School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  314 reviews

Senior: Toms River High School East is not only the best High School in Toms River, it is the most involved! This high school brings a tremendous amount of love, passion, and graditude towards the students, the staff, and overall the community. High School East makes students want to be a Greater Raider everyday. The students are psuhed for success in every step they take when learning at East. The staff makes a great impact on the students as well by their love for teaching. High School East is the place to be especially with the STEAM Program they have for future nurses, doctors, and physicians. Toms River East is very invloved with their excellent love of sports, clubs, and volunteers. Students at High School East have a greater oppurtunity than any other High School in Toms River because of how much love is put in to the students learning everyday. Toms River High School East is the high school you want to be apart of!... Read 314 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,526

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Point Pleasant Borough School District, NJ•

• PK, K-5

• grade B

• Students 460

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Brick Township Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  320 reviews

Senior: Brick Memorial High School is a good choice for students include its diverse range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, sports teams, and dedicated faculty and staff who work to support student success. Additionally, the school has received recognition for its music and performing arts programs, as well as its efforts to create a positive and inclusive school culture.... Read 320 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,410

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Jackson Township School District, NJ•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B

• Students 498

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Manchester Township School District, NJ•

• K-5

• grade B

• Students 565

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Jackson Township School District, NJ•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Howard C. Johnson is the smallest of the elementary schools in the Jackson School District that feeds into Jackson Memorial High School. This created such a warm and familial atmosphere among teachers, students, and parents. They were able to give us such special opportunities and the administration in place while I was attending tried their best to promote an exciting learning atmosphere. Between the caring adults committed to their students and the overall spirit of the students, I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a wonderful environment for their children to learn and grow.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Jackson Township School District, NJ•

• K-5

• grade B

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1