2023 Best Schools in Short Hills

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  122 reviews

Parent: The Pingry School is a special school that serves the students ranging all the way from K-12, with its magical way of learning at its lower school campus while raising confident, and inquisitive middle schoolers to raising engaging, empathetic, driven high schoolers who truly want to change the world they live in. Its honor code is the secret sauce that binds every fabric in Pingry and its community of students, faculty, staff and parents. A school that is diverse like no other - we often remark - Pingry is the best possible confluence of cultures, people, and POVs. The credit goes to its Board of Trustees, Head of School, DEI&B team, Health and Wellness department, inspiring faculty and staff, and its admissions team that so meticulously create the best mosaic of students and their families to come together in perfect harmony! We are grateful for Pingry for everything it has been, is and will be!... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Livingston, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  127 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student who goes to Newark Academy, there are many things about NA that you won’t find at any other school. This school has an amazing community where students and teachers are able to have a good relationship. The Equity and Inclusion team makes sure that you belong and that others understand you. The arts program is wonderful and has a variety of things for everyone. The academics go beyond the books and are very hands on. I would recommend this school to anyone in the area who cares about their child and wants them to have a good future!... Read 127 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 674

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Morristown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  126 reviews

Sophomore: Love it! It is just the best. I am a current sophomore here and I cannot help but note how amazing the staff, students, and all people involved in Delbarton are!... Read 126 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 648

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: Academically excellent, great leadership opportunities, and supportive staff. The school should have much higher rankings given how well it prepares well rounded and intelligent future leaders. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal already listed Kent Place School as one of the world's top 50 schools for its success in preparing students to enter top American universities. The school has excellent academical cuticulum, strong STEM resources, and abundant student activities. At KPS learning with purpose, leading with ethics, thriving in community, and investing in one another are the priorities. These priorities are rooted in the school's core strengths, enriched by our long history of understanding how high-achieving girls learn best, and deepened by the story that every student brings to our community. KPS has a long history. Since 1894, KPS has dedicated to empowering girls. The results have been spectacular. KPS has sent students to many top institutions in the world.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• West Orange, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: As the parent of three alumni, I can't recommend Golda Och Academy more! My children gained an exceptional general studies and Judaic education in a truly caring community. The teachers all really care about their students and help them shine. There are so many extra-curricular activities to choose from and the Israel experiences are unique and can't be found anywhere else! My alumni children were well prepared for college and all were admitted to their top choice colleges. They gained leadership skills and today are confident young Jewish leaders. GOA is an incredible gift for your children and family!... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Morristown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  121 reviews

Parent: What a great place this is! The kids here are genuinely happy and spirited. The culture is upbeat and supportive. Teachers really get to know their students well, and it is abundantly evident that they care about them. The curriculum is innovative. Advanced seminars are offered, as well as independent study. There are traditional AP classes as well as Honors courses. Athletics are great, and there is a strong theater and arts program. Some prospective parents worry that MBS is not rigorous enough, and that their child won't get into an elite college. In fact, I was one of them. Turns out that simply was not true! Your child can get a great education here, and will be well prepared for college, whichever one they choose. Oh, and bonus - they will have a wonderful and well rounded high school experience. What more could a parent hope for?... Read 121 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 616

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  199 reviews

Senior: Millburn is a great place to be academically, athletically, and socially challenged. Without a doubt, it's a strenuous school. The workload is tough - sometimes overbearing - but it does pay off. There are great teachers here that care about their students. My one wish for the school would be to find a way to change the perfectionist culture surrounding grades. Often, students are so stressed about getting top marks that they neglect sleep, social activities, and their mental well-being. I think the best learning environment is one where students are encouraged to do their best but their real motivation comes from a desire within to learn - not just succeed to get into that top school. I do think Millburn is placing more emphasis on the mental health of its students, and I would love to see more of it in the near future.... Read 199 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,319

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Watchung, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  181 reviews

Parent: When our family relocated to New Jersey we looked at numerous schools for our younger daughter and selected Mount Saint Mary Academy for their strong curriculum, welcoming culture, college prep and dedicated administration and teachers. It was absolutely the right decision for our daughter and our family! During her three years at The Mount our daughter took advantage of many of the clubs and activities, the AP courses and student government. The Mount prepared our daughter extremely well for college and graduated with honors from NYU where she received a partial scholarship. Thank you Sr. Lisa, and the entire Mount family, for such a wonderful high school experience for our daughter.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 266

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: I was a student at OKS for four years and I really enjoyed my experience! The school centers around community and brings aspects of it into our everyday activities. The teachers genuinely care not only about students' grades, but also their well beings. The atmosphere is very collaborative between students and it feels as though everyone is working towards a common goal. A large aspect of OKS is preparing students for college and I feel more than ready to go to college in the fall. I am prepared for all academics, independence, and working through real life problems. I also loved playing sports at OKS because I felt supported by the whole school which is another testament to the community. The larger teams support the smaller teams and everyone feels like they are making an impact.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 326

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: Oratory has been a great experience for my son. He has thrived here academically compared to his public school experience. We are in a highly ranked public school district so it was hard to decide to send him here but so glad we made that decision. The environment is very welcoming. The teachers treat them with respect and the classroom environment is more in line with a mature college environment versus the policing that happens at public schools. They are engaging in the classroom with discussions and participation versus just listening and taking notes . The academics are rigorous, more so than many public schools and definitely prepares them for college. Comparing to his twin who is in a highly competitive and highly rated public school, I can truly compare and say he is more advanced and organized academically. The teachers and counselors care tremendously about each student and help them to achieve success by guiding them and being available when needed.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Morristown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: Absolutely fantastic! We enrolled both of our daughters in to VWA this year and it has been a wonderful year. VWA has met and exceeded all expectations. Both of our daughters are thriving. They are happy, the teachers have been wonderful and they have made so many friends with the other girls at the school. VWA is an amazing and nurturing environment. Our eldest daughter went from no sports to being a 3 sport athlete. Our youngest joins every activity she is permitted. They spend a lot of time on the beautiful VWA campus to spend with friends and be a part of the VWA community. Solidly one of the best decisions we have made. To see your daughters happy and successful, in a nurturing environment, especially during their teen years, priceless!!... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 198

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• 5

• grade A+

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Amazing school with passionate educators and engaged parents. Plenty of after-school programs and high PTO involvement.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 393

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  12 reviews

Alum: I really did enjoy Millburn Middle School when I attended it, which was a couple of years ago. The class sizes were relatively small, all of the teachers were very friendly, and there was a strong emphasis on after school activities. I remember that the theater program was popular and many students attended. The only aspect I would change would be lunch time. Lunch was split into lunch and auditorium. Instead, all students should get lunch at the same time. It is healthier to have a longer lunch. I would also update the classrooms because they were a bit old and dated.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Livingston, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  46 reviews

Parent: During the pandemic school year 2020-2021, we transferred our children-- ages 5, 9, 12-- into JKHA from the local public schools for what we assumed would be one-off year, as the public schools they were to attend were slated to begin the year fully remote. Now, a year later, we are thrilled that our children will CONTINUE to attend JKHA, as we were so impressed by the academic rigor of the school, which was superior, in our estimation, to our experience at Livingston Public Schools. The other quality of JKHA is the authentic warmth of the school itself, where our children--who had NOT had any experience learning in a Jewish day school at all-- received differentiated, personalized instruction. Each of our children were known as individuals with unique strengths and challenges, and, more significantly, each of our children was uniquely supported for who they are. Very, very impressed.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 745

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 4.9 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: Deerfield is not only one of the best elementary schools in the state, but also a warm community of caring parents and eager educators. Great school!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Strong academics with long-standing, on-site before and aftercare options that incorporate meaningful supplemental learning. More importantly, demanding parents / disciplined students due to demographics (white collar, high household income families with a large immigrant community). Indeed, there are many families that relocate into the Glenwood catchment solely due to the school’s ranking. Downsides are ethnic self-segregation by families outside of school (not an issue in school), extremely time constrained parents, and lack of any meaningful representation of working class students. In sum, very different than merely above average public elementary schools in suburban NJ including others in adjacent towns. Would encourage any parent to visit and understand all these dynamics before purchasing a home zoned into Glenwood. Those looking for a Hallmark card, traditional American elementary school experience may find it alien and off-putting.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Convent Station, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  55 reviews

Parent: Our daughter recently graduation from the Academy and her choice to attend 4 years ago was was the best decision ever! We couldn't have been happier with her (and our) experience. She is off to a top college in the fall and was both challenged academically with AP and College Now classes and encouraged to always strive to reach ever higher. The school's size and rich traditions foster a wonderful sense of camaraderie and joy throughout the school. Our daughter made friends there that she will have for life. The wide range of clubs and athletics kept her engaged and fostered teamwork and leadership skills. The administration and the Parent Association works hard to keep the girls and families engaged and connected. We are sad to see her graduate but we are confident that the Academy prepared her well for the future!... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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

• Newark, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 2.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: The Gray Charter school is a great school. I personally would change a few things about the way the school is structured, but otherwise it's a good school.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Clark, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  112 reviews

Sophomore: MSR is an all girls school that is really the definition of family. The close knit bond you grow to have with your friends is one that I think will last for many years even after high school. I am currently a sophomore and enjoy going to high school here. I am excited when it comes to school events/activities. There are various sports you can play and the ability to be creative is very much encouraged. Many students strive to be their best and do well at the stimulating academic program. The courses and teachers push the students to work hard. I believe that MSR is able to prepare me for college and the future. Overall, Mother Seton is a great school to attend!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A

• Students 274

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Elizabeth, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: JEC is a sleeper school. What I mean is that the school doesn't go out of it's way to brag, so nobody ever realizes that it has some of the best student-teacher relations in the country, as well as stellar academic resources for its size. While the smallness does limit it, overall my experience at JEC has changed my life in an amazing way.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1