2023 Best Schools in Paterson

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  543 reviews

Junior: I am a junior at Bergen County Academies and I have had a good experience so far. The teachers at Bergen County Academies are for the most part very knowledgeable in their fields. They are willing to go above and beyond. I also appreciate the fact that the school tries to ensure college readiness through guidance seminar and an overall competitive environment. One thing that I would like to see change at Bergen County Academies is the availability of resources for students. While the school does have a lot of resources available, I feel like there could be more support for students who are struggling academically or who need extra help. Another issue students may encounter is the fact that they are locked into their chosen academy. Overall, my experience at Bergen County Academies has been positive. It is a great school with a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities, but getting involved in those activities might be difficult due to the already extended school day.... Read 543 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Englewood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  63 reviews

Freshman: I've been here since the seventh grade. I'm gonna be totally honest, it's an incredibly expensive school and my family is a high donor. Unlike in my previous school, teachers are connected. It's not one of those seemingly universalized experiences where its 50/50 about teachers caring. More like 80/20, and that 20 still have their charms. Though the student body are what really pulls it together. The makeup of the school is split down the middle between preppy party kids (that have their qualities) and the other half of the nicest, most motivated kids you'll ever meet. Though its middle/high school. There's drama. Its not always fun. The administration has some fundamental flaws. In that it seems as though they care more about their endowment then their students. Facilities is slow to accommodate, still no NB bathrooms, nor gym accommodations, nor trans accessible binaried bathrooms. Anyhow I love my school 8.4/10!... Read 63 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 947

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Montclair, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  119 reviews

Junior: MKA's innovative teaching approach provides many different ways for students to understand content. They use advanced SmartBoard technologies, utilize group-led discussions, and emphasize community learning. MKA's fabulous teachers and small class sizes make each student feel like they belong. While the environment can oftentimes be competitive, the two on-campus guidance counselors and students' advisors are always there to help. The school is home to over 30 student run competitive, social action, affinity group, general interest, and service work organizations. There are countless pathways for students to get involved and find their passions. The brilliant teachers, organizations, and emphasis on learning cultivate an amazing learning environment where each student can discover their interests.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,052

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  247 reviews

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 247 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 677

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Wayne, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  84 reviews

Parent: Pioneer Academy is a great school, both on the academic level and ethical level. It provided a safe and nourishing environment for both my kids, the elder of them attended Pioneer for the 4 years of high school and helped him a lot. He finished the school last year and now is enrolled in a highly ranked engineering college in New Jersey. My youngest son has been attending Pioneer since 3rd grade. He is now in 8th grade and enjoying the school with all that it offers, good teachers, great learning facilities, different sports activities and safe environment. Pioneer is a small school in numbers and may lack some facilities like an indoor gym, but it is really like a big family for the kids!... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 395

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Westwood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: Primoris Academy is a beautiful, nurturing environment that allows any child to excel to their maximum potential. From helpful and caring faculty to an enriching program, the school helps bright young minds flourish and explore the boundaries of their curiosity beyond what is allowed in most public and many private schools. My experience at Primoris has opened my mind to the possibilities of learning in a unique, interactive environment, and take the interests that I discovered and explored there with me to college, where I will continue to delve deeper into them. It is truly an amazing school, and I will never forget the memories I've made with the students and administration that pushed and helped me to be extraordinary.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 95

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Saddle River, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  46 reviews

Parent: My daughter transferred to Saddle River Day School at the beginning of her Sophomore year, after many disappointing years in the public school system. From day one until she graduated, the SRDS facility and administration exceeded my expectations. The welcoming environment enabled a quick and comfortable adjustment to the new school setting. The challenging academics were supported by a caring and dedicated facility. The administrated worked diligently to ensure a cohesive student body that excelled academically while also truly enjoying their time at school. This was by far one of my best parenting decisions!... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Oradell, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  145 reviews

Parent: My son graduated from BC in 2022, and he had a wonderful experience. The teachers and administration were professional and engaging. They really want the boys to succeed, and they give them opportunities to try new things and assume leadership positions. They help the boys become responsible young men. The diverse students support each other in many ways on the field, in the classroom and in the community. It is a true brotherhood. The college counseling is impressive-the counselors have great relationships and provide comprehensive and strategic guidance. The campus is small and many teams have to share field time. They make it work.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 754

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• West Orange, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  171 reviews

Freshman: I live in Hackettstown, in Warren county, so I have to commute every morning(two trains and a bus), and I still could not ask for a better high school experience. The teachers are wonderful and accessible, the curriculum is rigorous but manageable, and the campus itself looks very nice. I play soccer, so I can only really speak on the quality of our soccer team, but I know that Seton Hall takes extreme pride in their sports, so whether you do football or rowing, track & field or swimming, soccer or lacrosse, the games will be competitive. Also, I've never tasted school lunch that was this good. Specifically, the bacon egg and cheese sandwiches are incredible and they also have other food like cheeseburgers, cake, smoothies, salads(also great), pies, and coffee. The cultural landscape at the Prep is also great because there are kids, as well as teachers, from so many different backgrounds.... Read 171 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Paramus, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: I love my experience at the frisch school. During vacations and breaks, I just look forward to coming back. The atmosphere in the school is focused solely around kindness and inclusivity, and the teachers are accommodating. Most, if not all, students at frisch have healthy, close, relationships with their teachers, and most of whom go out of their ways to help their students. The administration sets up programs like no others to keep the students feeling good despite stressful school work periods- such as bringing in puppies, having numerous concerts throughout the school year, and many fun trips.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 637

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  424 reviews

Junior: Excellent school! Many academy option for all who apply to enter such as Computer Science, Healthcare, Multimedia, and more! Teacher have experience working in the real world and are very good. Some sports that typical high schools may have are missing, but students are free to go to their home high schools for sports and activities like football and marching band. Music and technology departments are both excellent.... Read 424 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 787

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Hawthorne, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: I’m so thankful for the Christ-centered education my daughter receives at HCA! The teachers and administrators are passionate about the students’ academic achievement as well as their spiritual development. The members of the faculty love God, and they love the students! HCA offers a variety of activities from athletics to music giving students the opportunity to pursue their talents. I’m confident HCA has provided my daughter a strong foundation for future success. We are blessed to be a part of this great community!... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 437

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Upper Montclair, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  31 reviews

Alum: Class of 2020 Co-Salutatorian about to attend Carleton College here! While it was not my #1 high school initially, Lacordaire has provided me with both a grade A education and a community that I will forever be a part of. The teachers truly want to see the students succeed, and I remain in touch with many of mine. In addition to the classes offered, the extracurriculars available provide for an amazing four years. I feel extremely prepared to enter college, and I know I would not have been accepted to my #1 school without the support, guidance, and education Lacordaire offers.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: From my experience at YUHSB from 2015-2019, I can relay that the high school puts a tremendous amount of resources toward student activities, extra-curriculars, and experiential learning. There are a plethora of student-led clubs and teams, as well as a host of guest speakers on a variety of topics. Though my overall experience was wonderful, the school could've done better on transportation, and the environment toward LGBTQ+ students as well.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 280

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Fair Lawn, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Noble Leadership Academy is a wonderful school with dedicated teachers. My children have attended Noble since preK and I have no regrets. They have since then developed a very strong foundation in Islam and in their belief in Allah. I would recommend Noble highly to anyone who has children!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 305

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Ramsey, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  102 reviews

Alum: Going to Don Bosco Prep was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. Whatever you wanted to do while there, you were supported by all faculty and stuff while also being pushed by other students to succeed. Academically, the school’s AP and Honors classes are for the most part taught by some of the wisest people I have ever met. They make sure you are prepared for every academic challenge you will see in the future. On the sports side, they provide a great amount of support for the athletes and are extremely flexible when I comes to fitting in academics alongside athletics. Overall, you can tell that they care about the students at Don Bosco Prep the moment you step on campus, something I did not feel when I visited Saint Joes or Bergen Catholic. If your son is determined and focused enough to try to make the best future possible for themself post high school, this is the place for them!... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 861

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Caldwell, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: I have loved my experience at Mount St. Dominic. It has provided me with a great education i would have not gotten if it were not for this school. MSDA has provided me with great athletic and arts programs as well, making it really easy to get involved in the vibrant community. While MSDA has been a great experience for me, it is lacking in diversity. Throughout my high school experience inclusion for non-white students as well as LGBTQ+ students has increased exponentially. However, there is always room for improvement or places where change still needs to be made or recognized.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Teaneck, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: Overall, I had a great experience at Ma'ayanot. The education I got in various subjects has helped me and will greatly benefit my life once I leave high school and enter the real world. Being in an all-female, modern-Orthodox environment has truly enabled me to flourish and get personal attention as well as invaluable experiences.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Montville, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  31 reviews

Parent: Trinity Christian School has been such a blessing in our family life. Solid Christian instruction coupled with quality academics have shaped our children and teenagers in their thinking and living. We never have to drag our kids out the door to school… they are delighted to attend every day, which is a testimony to the safe atmosphere and nurturing environment the staff and school community have created. Thank you TCS for molding the next generation into the image of Christ!... Read 31 reviews

• grade A

• Students 153

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Teaneck, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: The administration and extra-curricular aspects of the school are truly what make it shine. Every student and administrator put a lot of effort into those extra activities which allow the students to reap tremendous benefits from their participation on an academic or athletic team. In addition, the college guidance department was extremely helpful in guiding students, I among them, to the colleges best suited to their abilities. On a more negative note, the academics can be made better, specifically in the science department, but they are overall passable and give the students a good enough basis to transition into college and further education.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 313

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• North Haledon, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  67 reviews

Parent: We visited several private high-schools in northern NJ before making our decision. MHC Academy offers smaller class sizes and personalized attention. My daughter is encouraged to participate in clubs, sports and internships. She is challenged, encouraged and supported by her teachers. Preparation for college starts as early as freshman year. Teachers, Guidance Counselors and Administration are responsive and take time to know each student. The environment is diverse, warm, welcoming and safe. There are many opportunities for parents and families to be involved. As a parent, I am very pleased with all that MHC Academy has to offer my daughter and would definitely recommend that you consider this school for your daughter as well!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A

• Students 170

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Midland Park, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  137 reviews

Junior: How much you like the environment of Eastern Christian is heavily opinionated. It really depends on what kind of person you are. The christian community here is very close and supportive. The staff is kind and respectful, and cares about the students. The student body has a wide variety of personalities, which can rub students one way or another. However, there will always be someone for you to talk to. Students can expect to like and dislike traditions and certain aspects of the environment, which I think goes with any school you attend. Overall, Eastern Christian is a very accepting community, and will benefit the students who attend, both in their faith and education.... Read 137 reviews

• grade A

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Township Of Washington, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: I love going to IHA! It is very challenging and the schedule can be very demanding, however, the teachers and students are so helpful and there are so many opportunities to get involved. Their attention to sport, academics, service, and religion is truly amazing and I love the community of women that has been formed throughout my 4 years at IHA... Read 178 reviews

• grade A

• Students 644

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Montvale, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: My son graduated in 2014 and has a rewarding career in health care management. SJR's motto is "the faithful man" and this stays with each student throughout their lives. Life long friendships are made here. Outstanding, caring faculty, on hands administrators and core disciplines define SJR. Each athletic program and school activity is based on pride and responsibility. Best investment we ever made!... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 507

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Teaneck, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: The upper school is amazing ! I have one child in the lower school which is good, but it is really the 5th -8th grade that shines!! The teachers are invested, caring, and amazing!!! Workload is fair but rigorous. My son has completed algebra 1 and is in geometry already. I highly recommend !... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 342

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1