2024 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Hudson County

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  300 reviews

Alum: I graduated class of 2023, and I can say hands down that McNair has been one of the most formative experiences I have had in my life. I have learned so much thanks to the teachers and friends that have supported me. There is truly a very collaborative environment here, and everyone is supported every step along the way. There are plenty of opportunities regarding AP courses and extracurriculars. I was part of the Epsilon Math Team, Mock Trial, and various honor societies, and I founded Mathemagicians Tutoring which connects McNair students to Cordero middle schoolers and offers free math tutoring. I highly recommend this school, it will change your life.... Read 300 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 31

• Hudson County Schools of Technology School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  376 reviews

Junior: High Tech High school is a welcoming and friendly school. Has always been a positive environment to learn in and, for the most part, the teachers and staff are likeable and kind. The only issues I have encountered were regarding the lack of communication between the school board and the students. If the students' and teachers' voices were more heard, and some change was made regarding communication and organization of events and changes, I would have nearly nothing negative to say about the school. Overall, would recommend upcoming freshmen to apply. Many of the major classes offer amazing opportunities and allow students to grow beyond what a regular high school offers, which is the best part of our beautiful school.... Read 376 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1260

• Average ACT 29

• Weehawken Public School District, NJ•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  96 reviews

Junior: I love it here. The atmosphere, teachers, students, and everything is excellent here at Weehawken High School. I came from High Tech in Secaucus following my freshman and sophomore years and I'm so happy I made the switch. The biggest change is definitely the administration which is simply, perfect. The opportunities for students to succeed and the culture and environment are unparalleled. Not to mention the sports teams are consistently competitive and in the playoffs. Go Hawken!... Read 96 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Average SAT 1150

• Average ACT 28

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  42 reviews

Alum: The experience was good overall, the only downside was that the school was a smaller school. Due to this, there was less opportunities for extra curriculars such as sports. In the future, I would like to see the building of the school change to provide a proper gym and would also help the classroom size as well.... Read 42 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 23

• Secaucus School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  91 reviews

Junior: Generally, everyone at Secaucus High School has practically grown up with each other. All the way from pre-k to now, everyone has stayed within this town. It’s comforting, growing up with these people, and that mainly attributes to the overall atmosphere at Secaucus. Even if you’re a transfer student, the students don’t fail to make you feel welcomed amongst everyone. It’s that warming sense of tradition that encapsulates the energy of the school really well. The fact that we’re all graduating next year integrates into me that I’ll never see most of these people ever again and that surprisingly saddens me. They’re all wonderful, including the teachers, who have also stayed here relatively for the most part. They’ve all grown up in secaucus and I say that’s just one of the wonderful aspects of going to this school.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 25

• Hudson County Schools of Technology School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  285 reviews

Junior: I like County Prep High School because of its diversity and outstanding academic standing. There are students from all over Hudson County enrolled in this school. The teachers are helpful, resourceful, understanding, and great at preparing students for the real world. The counselors are also very active and always there for the students. The administration is always finding ways to prepare students for their careers through college fairs, college counseling, and other events. Overall a great high school to be a part of!... Read 285 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1160

• Average ACT 26

• Hoboken Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: Hoboken High School is more than a school, it's a family. The faculty and staff truly care for the students and invest both in their education and preparing them for their next steps in life. Hoboken High School is inclusive to all and students are encouraged by teachers and fellow students to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. The academic program offerings are impressive and the guidance department is outstanding. Hoboken High is a very special place and I am proud that my child is a Redwing!... Read 71 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1100

• Average ACT 21

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: Innovation High School is very rich in culture and education. Located right next to New Jersey City University, students are automatically offered the opportunity of dual-enrollment classes on the university campus. Innovation is a S.T.E.A.M school. This means its core curriculum revolves around the sciences and arts, where we have many classes along with CTEs and clubs, focusing on such. Innovation is a great school for kids to attend, offering many opportunities, a great high school experience, and an amazing staff.... Read 13 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Average SAT 1050

• Average ACT 23

• Bayonne School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  308 reviews

Junior: Bayonne High school is a transformative phase in one’s life, filled with countless opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. It is a unique chapter that holds the potential to shape individuals into the best versions of themselves. Bayonne High offers a diverse community of students from various backgrounds, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives and cultures. Interacting with a wide range of individuals allows for personal growth, empathy, and the development of lifelong friendships. While no experience is without its challenges, high school presents an abundance of opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. Embrace the journey, take advantage of the resources available, and make the most of this transformative phase. High school is an experience that can set the stage for a bright future and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Personally I don’t see how I can dislike Bayonne High School, it going great so far.... Read 308 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Average SAT 1130

• Average ACT 25

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.17 out of 5  81 reviews

Alum: Attending Liberty High School was a great experience, as it offered an extremely strong academic program that allowed students to challenge themselves, grow, and be prepared for college. The school provided numerous vigorous AP courses and dual enrollment college courses, which gave students a true feel and experience of what college life is like. Additionally, there are a plethora of after-school clubs, allowing students to explore their interests and find where they belong. Some of these clubs included Model United Nations, Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, and many more. Like any school, to make your high school experience memorable, you must get involved.... Read 81 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1100

• Average ACT 28

• Union City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: This school is heavily focused on biology and chemistry research and students going into those majors will excel here. There is not a lot of physics and engineering involvement at our school so a student in those majors struggle to find programs to do. The clubs here are also not very good and the system of clubs is poorly done. However, our academics and classes are excellent, especially in math and science.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Average SAT 1150

• Average ACT 26

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  223 reviews

Alum: The school provides so many opportunities and resources for it's students! It's the type of environment that really pushes you to work hard and do your best. The teachers are also amazing.... Read 223 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1050

• Average ACT 23

• Kearny School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  254 reviews

Alum: My experience with Kearny High School was very memorable. Not only the students but the staff also made a great memory. They expose me and helped me with the opportunities to get more involved with the medical field. Including a two-part Medical class for students and the opportunity to volunteer during specific days at Clara Maass Hospital. With these types of opportunities, I was able to get more recognition from the hospital and eventually end up working there. They also helped me with the most difficult times I had during my life. Which was my anxiety due to a lack of support from my past trauma. The help team in the school was very supportive and led me to walk through the halls as well as talk to me in a deep conversation. It felt at home to talk to someone and be open about my trauma. Without this school's support system or opportunity shown I probably wouldn't be where I am now. Thank you.... Read 254 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1100

• Average ACT 25

• Harrison Public Schools, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  123 reviews

Senior: My four years experience from Harrison High School was amazing. It showed me maturity and responsibility but the must important was failing. When I failed I usually give up but not to my teachers they would always told me to keep going that I have potential. From that very moment every time I failed I remember to keep going and to keep my head up. Throughout my four years of high school when it came to work to sports that I was trying to get into I wouldn’t try to fail I would do more of accomplishing the thing that I had to do, what my high school showed me throughout my years. From years ago til now I would try my hardest to succeed and improve throughout my life til then I will thank my high school for the experience that I had enjoy while I was there.... Read 123 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1080

• Average ACT 23

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  107 reviews

Alum: My time at James J Ferris High School was short, I only attended during my senior year. However, I had a great experience. I took all online classes due to Covid and all of my teachers were very welcoming and made sure everyone was getting the help they needed during those unusual times. I joined classes after the school year had already started and every single one of my teachers took the time to talk to me and explain how their classes worked and understand what I had already seen at my previous school. My guidance counselor was also excelent- he made sure to reach out to me and my parents so that we could find the right classes, ones that were closest to the classes I was taking at my previous school since some of them were not offered at Ferris High School. Overall I had a great experience. Although I have never been inside the school and never attended classes inside the actual school, therefore I cannot say whether I would have had different experience.... Read 107 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1030

• Average ACT 23

• Union City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  438 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience there and stayed in touch with my teachers even after graduating because they are all so supporting and genuinely love what they do. The school has so many opportunities and my counselor was very responsive and helped with any challenges I wanted to take on. There are constantly events in and out of the school campus to group together and network. Like in any case, the opportunities are there you just have to take them. I started college with college credits because the school allowed me to do dual enrollment and take college classes for free during my regular school hours. I was also in the Cooperative Business Education program which is essentially a course to prepare for our careers and networking and was also a work-study program that placed you in a job that prepared you for your career- even medical field jobs like medical assistants or fashion design assistants. They really want you to succeed because the area the school is low-income.... Read 438 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1060

• Average ACT 24

• Jersey City, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.2 out of 5  60 reviews

Freshman: This is a small and nice school. It has more of a relaxed nature which results in less-stressed students. The staff and teachers at this school are very wholesome and encouraging! The only downsides may be the lack of courses (APs) and clubs. Otherwise, UACHS is full of love and care.... Read 60 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1010

• Average ACT 20

• North Bergen School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.35 out of 5  381 reviews

Senior: The best part of North Bergen High School is the opportunities I acquired during my junior and senior year. Clubs, I joined, such as Student Council, yearbook design, and key club gave me an opportunity to see the many creative and inventive students. These students help shape me by making me think outside the box more. Therefore, because of this, I began my own club, called Seeds of faith. In this club students gather together to read and do fun activities in school. The worst part of North Bergen high school was the lack of motivation by teachers. After Covid hit many teachers gave up passion and forgot the reason why they began the career path in teaching. I would like to see change in enthusiasm, ideas, and curriculum given to the teacher. I believe my school could be in a much better circumstance, if my teachers would change this about themselves and the classroom. Many teachers believe students are the problems, but in all honesty students lack motivation because of the teachers.... Read 381 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1060

• Average ACT 25

• West New York Board of Education, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  235 reviews

Senior: My high school experience during my 4 years were excellent. I enter high school In 2019 the with covid hitting us I was able to manage all my classes and maintain good grades while attending virtual classes it didn’t affect me but prepare me for what it would actually would be for my future collage classes and thr experience. My teachers were all available when I needed them and express that if we needed extra help it was available for us. I learned that anything is possible to accomplish in spite of what life throws at you . We need to make the best of it to succeed in life and learning to overcome all an obstacles.... Read 235 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• Average SAT 1070

• Average ACT 22

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.24 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: The best experience I've had with Lincoln High School was the notifications I would receive based on any activities with the school such as parent council, report card day, progress report being uploaded, emergency evacuation drills, and so on. I felt comfortable that although we live in a troubled urban community I would be made aware of the functioning in and around the school. My worst experience was the hardship my son had to go through learning due to Covid-19 and the short staffing of teachers. my son had to repeat a course due to the irresponsibility of the teacher submitting the complete grade and the school only being able to access what was uploaded. That was a hurtful moment for both my son and I.... Read 76 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C

• Average SAT 950

• Average ACT 29

• Jersey City School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: Henry Snyder Highschool is a school with potential. Although it is known for it's poor reputation in the past, it is certainly a school that has been improving throughout the years. Personally, I have seen changes and improvements as the years went by. For example, the school became more open to the opinions of their students and they were quick to attend to their needs. The guidance counselors are all very welcoming and helpful as well; the staff were all well educated and considerate of their students. I guess the only real issue is the lack of resources and opportunities welcomed for the students; compared to other schools in the same district there is less attention revolved around my school. Despite having many gifted students and seniors in the class of 2020, I feel as though there could've been more recognition given towards them or more opportunities put out there for them. However, I'm sure that is to be changed in the years to come.... Read 85 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C

• Average SAT 960

• Average ACT 24

• Jersey City, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-11

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Junior: My experience at Beloved community Community Charter School is very lovely. The teachers are nice and try to show efforts for the students to learn. The teachers are always there when you need them. They have the nicest teachers I have ever seen. The school is built on a college level of academics. They take academics serious and make sure you keep your GPA well. I love beloved so much because, the students are respectful and humble to the teachers. They also dedicate their hard work. Beloved Community Charter School also have a diversity in sports. They also take sports serious, but not as serious as academics. The clubs are amazing and it is also opened for anyone of Beloved members. The... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1060

• Average ACT —

• Hoboken, NJ•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 2.68 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: I've been a student at Hoboken charter for 4 years and graduate this year. I would say my experience at this school was overall good. The school is very diverse even though it's in a predominantly white neighborhood. The school is smaller than most. It contains about 100 students and each class may be of 10-15 students. Because of the school size, the teachers are very hands-on and get to know us on a personal level. In conclusion, I would say Hoboken Charter is a good school and would recommend to come her.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Average SAT 1030

• Average ACT —

• Hudson County Schools of Technology School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• grade C minus

• grade B

• Average SAT 1010

• Average ACT —