2024 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the New York City Area

• Morris County Vocational School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: The Academy is an all around highly-recommended high school experience. Starting with academics, Academy students are challenged everyday through a difficult and relevant courseload, fully preparing them for college and life beyond. Students have a great relationship with their teachers and with each other. The social environment of the academy is an extremely tight web of inseparable, caring, and competitive students. Although its place as a satellite academy causes administrative headache, this school is the center of the greatest academic and social livelihoods a student can hope for.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Bergen County Vocational Technical School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  556 reviews

Parent: My daughter is studying at this school. The school is wonderful and my daughter has loved it. She is in an amazing, academically rich environment with passionate teacher and students who share the same goals. Not only do the students receive specialized classes in the areas of their interest (machine building, pharmacology, advanced Java script, conducting, etc.), but they also get exposed to activities outside their academies through electives, clubs (ex. HOSA, Mock Trial, UNICEF), trips (ex. BCA Global exchange programs, choir performances, international math competitions abroad), and BCA events (one acts, Valentine’s Day assembly). It’s a great opportunity for any child that is interested in pursuing deeper academic pursuits.... Read 556 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,109

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Hopatcong, NJ•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  13 reviews

Junior: This is a place where every student can feel cared for. I came from a New York public school to this school, and I find that everyone here is very happy. The day starts with the 7:40 AM school bus leaving from our dormitory. Even though there's a bit of drowsiness, my classmates are already discussing the clubs they plan to attend in the afternoon. While the class sizes aren't very large, every teacher has made their classrooms very comfortable. The English teacher, Edwin, even set up an English corner for Chinese students, allowing us to read comfortably on the soft carpet and backrest. It feels just like home. Chinese students love the Chinese dishes the chef prepares, but I personally prefer Tom's spaghetti and mashed potatoes. My family and I are very satisfied with studying at this small private school. To be honest, I don't want to go home on weekends because the weekend activities here are more appealing. It's really fantastic! I hope this school continues to improve.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 206

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Junior: My experience at the OPA is amazing. The teachers are the most caring, kind, and qualified I've ever seen. They will go out of their way to help you be comfortable with the material. Best teachers ever!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 118

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  192 reviews

Parent: Xavier High School has been a wonderful experience for our entire family. At this time I have a graduate (class of '20) and a rising senior (class of '24). The education they have received has been exemplarily, the faculty and staff wonderful and the Jesuit education second to none. We have experienced the athletics programs with one son (Go Knights!) and the STEM courses with robotics, architecture and 3D design with the other. Xavier has enough of a diverse course offering to satisfy all types of curious young men. The events for both students and parents have been truly wonderful and we have all made lots of new and interesting friends form all over the city and beyond. Our boys matured at Xavier, becoming fine young men with a strong religious understanding . Being in Manhattan daily has a way of doing that! We could not have selected a better place for our boys to grow, nor a better place for them to learn. They strive to become "the grad at graduation", truly special.... Read 192 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 944

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• New Canaan Public Schools, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  194 reviews

Parent: I'm a parent of two current NCHS students. The academics are as rigorous as a private school, and the extracurriculars - in particular sports and theatre - are top notch. Teachers are attentive, and the guidance counselors are responsive. The reputation the school has for academics is a useful one with colleges. My one watch out is the lack of diversity which is really more of a town issue. Coming from NYC this is definitely missed, especially with regard to underrepresented groups.... Read 194 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,286

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Westport School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: The school overall is very high quality and many of the teachers are amazing and genuinely care about students. However, the student culture is very competitive with a heavy focus on enrollment at an elite college as the highest level of achievement. There is definitely a "Westport bubble" in what students here understand about their lives and their academics in the context of the rest of the nation, but the people here aren't necessarily bad. However, overall, Staples gives access to amazing resources (they invest a ton into extracurriculars such as the theater program, the music program, and the journalism program) and it's definitely a great place to go to school. There are also lots of school traditions, mostly surrounding Homecoming, and people have a healthy school spirit. I am very grateful for my time here. I would pick to go to Staples again if I was a freshman.... Read 237 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,714

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  206 reviews

Junior: Overall, I would say Millburn High is a pretty good place if you're into technology, with facilities such as the mill allowing you to engage in technology related extracurriculars. Along with that their support system is pretty strong. Academically however is where Millburn can be seen as both competitive for AP enrollment and demanding due to many at the school being qualified for APs yet with limited seating, leaving you to scramble and grind as many points as possible. Everything else about the school I feel is similar to other schools, a good social life is achievable despite the academic hurdles and a strong school spirit.... Read 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,343

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Tenafly Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  136 reviews

Alum: Tenafly High School was an awesome place to attend high school. Yes, we can be kinda cliquey and yes, some of us did drive fancier cars than some of the teachers and staff, but the education I received out of this place and all the friends I had here really have been outstanding. I had a few average teachers and one below average, but most of the teachers here are outstanding at what they do and you really gain a lot out of your education here whether you are a CPB (college prep equivalent), CPA (honors equivalent), Honors (high honors equivalent), or AP student. I may not have finished my college degree, but the skillset I acquired both on my own as well as here has still led me down a path of success in my adult life. Thank you Tenafly!... Read 136 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,185

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 1, NY•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  227 reviews

Parent: NEST+M is a warm and nurturing community. The student body is kind. The faculty is great and encourages and empowers students. Students' mental health and well-being are foremost at NEST. Teachers and staff work hard to address the pressure students experience at a school of NEST's caliber, particularly during the college application season. Although NEST+M is known as an excellent stem school, the humanities are outstanding and should get their due! The administration is on top of things and responsive. However, like most city public schools, it can be inflexible and bureaucratic at times. The downsides are the limited athletics and art options. It is also crowded during passing time. All in all, NEST+M has exceeded my expectations.... Read 227 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,639

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 433

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Northern Valley Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  197 reviews

Junior: Most teachers are very supportive and eager to teach. There are many support and resources, such as the Wellness Center, counselors open to discussing anything, math centers in-school and virtually after-school, and writing centers. Everyone is pretty friendly, and it's easy to find a club or group for something you enjoy. If not, you can make a club!... Read 197 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,023

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Darien School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  199 reviews

Senior: The teachers at Darien High School are what truly made my experience a great one. Most of them are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects, and they are available and willing to help the students however possible. DHS also offers a variety of different academic and extracurricular opportunities, including many AP classes, and activities ranging from a literary magazine and newspaper, and honor societies, to varsity sports. However, Darien High School also has an almost oppressively competitive atmosphere, so much so that it somewhat reduces the joy of learning in such a great school.... Read 199 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,422

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  13 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 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,164

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: I used this same review for Baylis Elementary, but it applies to the middle and high school as well....as our older one went through these schools also. Our taxes are a bit higher than most other areas , but we get great schools like this and great families as well. Many of the parents may have accents and speak not-so-perfect English, but their values are the same as all Syosset residents. Schools are more than just teachers, programs and facilities. It's who your child is sitting next to and what they bring to your child's life. When so many of our friends in Queens and Manhattan are stressed and scrambling to find schools for their kids to attend, it's nice to know that we don't have to worry about anything for 12 years. +++We were just notified by email that Syosset will be offering Mandarin ESL to incoming 1st and 2nd graders in 2023. This will really help transition the little ones with becoming proficient in English.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 920

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Herricks Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  204 reviews

Senior: There have a good learning environment, strict school system. The teacher is very responsible for the students, and the school has a lot of extracurricular activities, there are many plants in the school, and the air is good. There are too many advantages to justify. The teaching equipment is relatively complete, and the teachers work hard. The school environment is elegant, the structure is harmonious, the teaching is strict, and education is the focus. Teachers can be stricter and more serious about people. They pay attention to students' psychological problems, and can understand students in time and correct their deficiencies. Efforts are made to improve school facilities, attach importance to students' morality and ability, and the school environment has a good atmosphere.... Read 204 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,360

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: I love SW almost about everything! Except its food and um, my peers. Some of my male and girl peers are a bit snobby and mean to me, just a few. Some girls there have cliques that do Tik-Tok when there are phone rules and also bully people. The diversity is really good when comparing to race, but not so good during lunch, especially when there's a North and South cafeteria. South has more cliques and "male peers". I believe the curriculum is above average, and that could be because it's in a suburb. Safety is a bit of an issue on the school bus, but it's typical in every middle school. There are 33 clubs this year but I never make it because they begin an hour before my bus comes. The food is okay, but there isn't a lot of choices. That's about it.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 727

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Roslyn Union Free School District, NY•

• 2-5

• grade A+

• Students 559

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Summit Public School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  166 reviews

Alum: Academic opportunities are abundant at Summit High School. Students have access to a wide range of AP and honors classes which some nearby school districts do not offer. Additionally, Summit has a plentiful scope of well-funded extracurricular opportunities. I was on the Speech and Debate team for four years, and it was one of the best decisions during high school; the team provides several chances to compete at prestigious institutions and improve one's public speaking skills. The theater and sports teams are also well-supported and highly regarded on the state level. One of the largest problems I had with the school was the attitude of some of my teachers (I recognize this is not unique to SHS). Many of my teachers left profoundly positive impacts on me, but a few of my educators either ridiculed me or provided classes with unfulfilling "busy work" instead of comprehensive assignments.... Read 166 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,156

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle school student: South Grove has great teachers that support you in every need. Your classmates also support you, and you create longlasting friendships with them.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Our taxes are a bit higher than most other areas , but we get great schools like this and great families as well. Many of the parents may have accents and speak not-so-perfect English, but their values are the same as all Syosset residents. Schools are more than just teachers, programs and facilities. It's who your child is sitting next to and what they bring to your child's life. When so many of our friends in Queens and Manhattan are stressed and scrambling to find schools for their kids to attend, it's nice to know that we don't have to worry about anything for 12 years. +++We were just notified by email that Syosset will be offering Mandarin ESL to incoming 1st and 2nd graders in 2023. This will really help transition the little ones with becoming proficient in English.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 418

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Syosset Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 360

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Northern Valley Regional High School District, NJ•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: NVOT is overall a good school. The time I've spent here was well-supported by the friends I've made, and all things said, it's a good environment. The worst issue with this school is probably how the administration handles funding for extracurricular activities. This year, almost half of our clubs were cut because the budget didn't allow for many teachers to get paid to run those clubs. Also, administration can be slow to correct complaints students have with teachers. But that's relatively minor in comparison to everything else NVOT offers. Other than that, there aren't too many issues.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,085

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New Canaan Public Schools, CT•

• PK, K-4

• grade A+

• Students 496

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Essex Fells, NJ•

• Public School•

• PK, K-6

• grade A+

• Students 244

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1