Top 25 School Districts in New Jersey for Student Achievement, Graduation Rates, Teacher Quality, and School Safety
As Labor Day arrives, signaling the unofficial end of summer, it also serves as a reminder that the school year will soon be in full swing. In New Jersey, it's no secret that high property taxes can sometimes be a source of grumbling among seniors, especially when their children are long past their school days. However, there's a silver lining to this fiscal cloud. Our state is renowned for its excellent school systems, and the connection between good schools and high property values is a well-established fact. So, even though our property taxes might sometimes feel like a never-ending investment in the local school district, they're also an investment in our property values. In essence, it's a trade-off: pay more now to ensure your property remains a hot commodity in the real estate market later. It's a unique New Jersey paradox, but in the end, it's a reminder that sometimes, you have to spend a little to gain a lot.
New Jersey is known for its excellent public schools, and the state ranks third in the nation in terms of overall quality of education. The state's school districts are also highly ranked, with many of them making the top 100 in the country.
The following are the top 25 school districts in New Jersey for student achievement, graduation rates, teacher quality, and school safety:
Millburn Township
Northern Valley Regional High School District (Closter, Demarest, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood and Old Tappan)
Princeton Public Schools
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Regional School District
Ridgewood Public School District
Tenafly Public School District
Livingston Public Schools
Summit Public Schools
Chatham Township
Montclair
Shore Regional (Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright, and West Long Branch)
Bernards Township
Warren Township
Franklin Lakes
Holmdel Township
Princeton Day School
South Brunswick Township
Kinnelon
Bernardsville
Ramsey
West Orange
Morristown
Nutley Public Schools
Scotch Plains-Fanwood
Glen Ridge Public Schools
The data for these rankings was collected from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). The NJDOE publishes a variety of reports on school performance, including the School Performance Reports, the ESSA Accountability Data, and the Statewide Assessment Reports.
The rankings in this article are based on the most recent data available from the NJDOE, which is for the 2020-2021 school year. It is important to note that these rankings are based on a variety of factors, and not all factors are weighted equally. For example, student achievement is weighted more heavily than graduation rates.
Ultimately, the best school district for a particular student will depend on their individual needs and preferences. Some students may prefer a district with a strong academic reputation, while others may prefer a district with a more diverse student body or a more supportive community. It is important to do your research and visit different districts before making a decision.
