2024 Best School Districts for Athletes in the New York City Area

• Darien, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  21 reviews

Junior: Although a great school, I feel like we need more help. Not just creating a wellness center, but creating an easier, more comfortable school environment. As students, not only do our families and even ourselves hold our standard high, but there is so much pressure put on us because of how advances this school is... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,724

• Wayne, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: I have an overall positive experience. The teachers are trained well and are very good at dealing with all types of students. Despite the fact that there were some not so good teachers, I had some who taught me lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life. The administrative staff has been particularly great for me. The guidance departments are also spectacular in middle and high school.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 15

• Students 7,589

• New Canaan, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: New Canaan High school not only pushes and challenges each student who attends their school but also creates a safe place where gifted minds can comfortably voice their questions and concerns. NCHS does an amazing job instilling a competitive edge within each person who walks the halls of the school. In my personal opinion, I think it would be beneficial to talk to the students and discuss what they feel works for this school and what doesn't.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,175

• Massapequa, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: My school is a blue ribbon school. Massapequa is academically advanced, as the AP and high level courses are the majority of our students. I have gotten nothing but the best teachers here at MHs. The music program is taken very seriously and our sports are almost always at the top. Ive gotten to be who i am today because of the amazing staff and environment MHS provides.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,564

• Summit, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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+

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 3,895

• Westfield, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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+

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,942

• New Rochelle, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  35 reviews

Other: The New Rochelle School District has provided a platform and foundation for me to be innovative, progressive, and successful. While attending Daniel Webster Magnet School (Class of 2013) and Albert Leonard Middle School (Class of 2016), these two schools helped me experience a level of growth, maturity, and transformation of who I am as a student and a young woman who is curious about the world and community around her. This school district is one of the most diverse, which aids as a good support system that is curated and cultivated for all races and backgrounds to secure a great education and funding... Read 35 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 9,990

• Ridgewood, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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+

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,604

• Oakland, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: My experience at Ramapo High School has been pretty extraordinary for numerous reasons. I firmly believe that my school and the district as a whole does a very good job of offering a plethora of opportunities for students to participate in. For me, as an athlete and overall participant in several different community services, I have loved being able to connect with others who are also involved in these activities. On the other hand, there is one main problem that I would like to see changed, and that is the start time of the school day. Considering the fact that we start learning every single day at 7:30 AM, sometimes it is difficult to focus in class. Our district has one of the earliest start times in the state, and I have personally felt the effects of this. Whether it be my own lack of focus in the morning or my classmates’ struggles during first period, it is clearly a downside in the district that must be reversed. Overall, I have had a pretty enjoyable High School experience.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 2,096

• Westport, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  16 reviews

Freshman: This school district is absolutely wonderful. The teachers are so helpful and kind with the students and teach a lot. It's a great community with everyone willing to help one another achieve their goals. Once, my friend forgot to bring their coat to class during the winter and they had a fire drill, so the teacher gave her her coat to wear.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,303

• River Edge, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,606

• Wilton, CT•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: Wilton is well known for having excellent schools with incredible music programs. Very safe schools with some of the best teachers in the state. However if your child(ren) qualify for gifted, there isn't a lot that is done to address gifted students' learning needs. Both my girls are in elementary school and tested gifted. We try to address their learning needs by putting them in a diversity of after school activities and travel abroad in the summer. It would be nice if the school district had advanced placement classes at the elementary level.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 3,734

• Leonardo, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: I believe while it is a very good school district the administration does not try to engage with students but rather treat them like the grades they have rather than what they can achieve. The administration cares for students that thrive but when a student isn't the cause is just on the student when sometimes all they need is some guidance. I enjoyed my time in this school district but there are times where I believe the administration could be more helpful to the students. Finally, I believe that sports are very important however there is such an issue with the bussing and many top-notch athletes can not get the sporting events they need to in order to show their athletic ability.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total schools 16

• Students 9,150

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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+

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,735

• Rye, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: The teachers in this school are amazing and really do care about their students success! I’ve made amazing connections with my teachers and felt understood! The one thing that isn’t good about this school is the inclusitivioty with the general education kids and special education kids. The special Ed kids should be more included with the gen Ed kids rather than being out in a seperate room. It lowers their self esteem and their ability to succeed.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,928

• North Caldwell, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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+

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,625

• West Islip, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  31 reviews

Senior: I moved to West Islip during middle school, in seventh grade. Despite my fears about making friends and becoming adjusted to all the teachers it was made very easy for me. I made many friends very quickly, who took the liberty of approaching me first and making me feel very comfortable. This was the case for the teachers as well as they all guided me through the West Islip way of doing things. In the following years since my arrival at West Islip I experienced and are still experiencing an effective process of learning in which all of my teachers are thoroughly knowledged on the subjects they are teaching and push me to do the best I can in my own understanding of said subject. Additionally, all the administrators are very friendly and make West Islip a safe environment for all that attend while still maintaining a fun attitude that makes kids want to come to school everyday.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,989

• Toms River, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: The Toms River Regional Schools District boasts a collection of several elementary schools, three intermediate schools, and three high schools. The district provides its elementary students with GT programs, middle schoolers with advanced mathematics, and high schoolers with career specialization academies. Though the school district is not at a high level currently, the best students are competitive and self-motivated, sending several to Ivy League and globally recognized institutions (Princeton, UPenn, Brown, NYU, etc.). With greater access to funding, the school could provide a wider selection of AP classes and full-time bussing for students involved in extracurricular activities.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Total schools 18

• Students 14,651

• North Brunswick, NJ•

• School District

• •
  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+

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 8,071

• Matawan, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  50 reviews

Alum: Old Bridge Township is a great town. The schools are great, and the high school does a fantastic job representing all types of careers and exposing students to many different career paths. For example, I took a Business Pre-Law class in my sophomore year and now I am confident in the fact that I would like to go into law as a career. The only con I have is that they are constantly running out of money. For example, every year the school district has to let go of beloved teachers because there is not enough money to keep them or to tenure them. Overall, Old Bridge is a great town, that embraces diversity on all levels.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 14

• Students 8,041

• Township Of Washington, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  54 reviews

Junior: My experience of Westwood was interesting, to say the least. I've experienced some of the best moments of my life in the hallways like my friend group forming, my relationships with teachers, and becoming a student who cared about school overnight. There were times I didn't enjoy Westwood, there were fights, some teachers that I couldn't do well in their classes, and other typical high school problems. If Westwood were to change, I would create a bigger no-bullying/fighting policy. Although I felt safe going to school, there were times were I felt like there was nothing I could do to prevent students from being rude and teachers would push the issue aside. I would also like to see more school spirit and enthusiasm, to enjoy the years and not dread having to participate.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,790

• Stony Brook, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  31 reviews

Junior: I go to the alternative school for three village called Three Village Academy. This school has saved my life in many ways whether it be going to school, getting better grades, actually trying, being more social. This school has thought me it's okay to be myself. The negative part is that there are some kids who just do not know how to act appropriately.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,661

• Somers, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  33 reviews

Senior: I learned a lot, made a ton of friends and enjoyed playing baseball at Somers High School. I am grateful my parents moved to Somers before I was born, so I can go to school in an awesome place! I would consider raising my family here and sending them to Somers.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,749

• Wall, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: I have had nothing but love for WHS the whole time I have gone there. We have struggled with several things as a community but none the less we went through it together. We have tons of clubs and extra curricular activities! We are a sports based school meaning that a lot of what we do surrounds our teams, mainly football, lacrosse and baseball. The teachers have always been so nice and helpful. The truly are so special and kind. All of the teachers make school so much easier! I am so thankful I go to WHS... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,299

• Rutherford, NJ•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  48 reviews

Senior: My experience at Rutherford High School was enjoyable. Unlike some peers, I was new to the Rutherford public school system during my freshman year. I didn't know anyone but I quickly grew to know people and made friends throughout my high school years. What I loved most about Rutherford was the art department. I always had a love for art and being in the art department, I felt really in my element. There was not a school year that went by where I didn't take at least 1 art course. The teachers in these departments are also so welcoming and very helpful to those that want to pursue their art journey. Even for those who aren't art students, there is a little something for everybody to enjoy. The amount of courses that you can take is incredible from robotics, textiles, business, computer programming, photography, etc. I truly did enjoy my time in this school, even with the interrupted time during covid.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,540