New Jersey is home to some of the most highly reputable schools in the country, offering students strong academics, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and supportive learning environments. From highly ranked public schools to prestigious private institutions, the state has consistently stood out for its commitment to quality education. New Jersey is home to top-ranked K-12 schools and institutions of higher education, the state’s best college, and various high-achieving school districts like Northern Valley Regional and Millburn Township. Here are the Best Schools in New Jersey:-
Best Schools in New Jersey
McNair Academic High School
McNair Academic High School is located in coles Street, Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, 07302. It is established in 1976 originally named as Academic High school, later it was changed to McNair Academic High School named in memory of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, who died in the 1986 Challenger disaster. . The mission is aims to provide a challenging college-preparatory curriculum that maximizes intellectual excellence, personal development, and civic responsibility within a diverse environment. The served grades are 9-12, which provide students with a well-rounded high school education preparing them for college and better future careers.
There are a huge number of enrollments in 2023–2024 session, approximately 700+ students and the student teacher ratio is about to 15:1 which is good enough to take care the proper education of the Students. In past reports, Asian students form a large portion; the student body is fairly diverse racially/ethnically. In 2018, McNair Academic High School was awarded with National Blue Ribbon School status.
To take the admission in McNair Academic High School is not easy, you have to be competitive. There are the multiple criteria for that like PSAT scores, Middle school grades (often unweighted), Attendance record, Teacher recommendations, Extracurricular activities etc. Acceptance rates are relatively low. For instance, in 2017 there were ~1,000 applicants and only 240 accepted.
The Wilberforce School
The Wilberforce School is a private classical Christian school located at 75 Mapleton Rd Building 2, Princeton, NJ 08540, United States. It was established in 2005 by two parents, David and Awilda Rowe, and was inspired by a similar school in West Dallas, Texas. It opened in 2005 as a partnership with the West Dallas Community School to offer a classical Christian education grounded in historic faith, combining the Charlotte Mason philosophy with a classical curriculum.
The mission of this school is to provide a distinctly Christian education, cultivating joyful learning, spiritual formation, and servant leadership. The school’s rigorous academic program has led to impressive college acceptance rates. Students consistently perform well on standardized tests, with average SAT scores around 1360. Graduates have been accepted into a variety of prestigious colleges and universities.
The annual tuition fees of ranges from $10,605 to $24,600, depending on grade level. The Wilberforce School also offers financial aid, and many of the families receiving finance assistance 10% to 90% of tuition cost.
The size of the campus is nearly 47-acre, providing a serene and effective and propitious environment for learning. They provide lots of facilities like modern classrooms, club activities, and athletic spaces such as saltwater pool, full sized basketball court etc.
Woodbridge Academy Magnet School
Woodbridge Academy Magnet School is a public magnet high school located at 1 Convery Blvd, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, United States. It is a part of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School District, it specializes in allied health and biomedical sciences education. Woodbridge Academy Magnet School was established in 2005 and the Principal is Robert Fuller. The number of enrollments is approximately 285 in session 2023-2024. The Student and teacher ratio is 14:1 which is good enough to give proper education.
Woodbridge Academy Magnet School offers a rigorous curriculum with a focus on biomedical sciences and allied health fields. Students have the opportunity to earn college credits through partnerships with institutions like Rutgers University-Newark. Woodbridge Academy Magnet School, named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education in 2014. It was ranked 31st nationally among the top 500 high schools in the U.S. by NewsWeek in 2016.
Edison Academy Magnet School
Edison Academy Magnet School is a distinguished public magnet high school located on the campus of Middlesex College in Edison, New Jersey. Established in 2000, the school specializes in science, mathematics, and engineering education, offering a rigorous four-year program for students in grades 9 through 12. Edison Academy Magnet School was established in 2000 by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners.
There are approximately 175 students, has been enrolled in 2023-24 session. The Teacher Student ratio is 16.7 which is good enough to handle the education of students. The Principal of Edison Academy Magnet School is Amri Mossad. Edison Academy Magnet School recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2013 and it was ranked 10th nationally among the top 500 high schools in the U.S. by Newsweek in 2016.
As a public magnet school, Edison Academy Magnet School does not charge tuition. However, students may incur additional costs for activities such as field trips, extracurricular programs, and advanced placement exams. The education is free for all in Edison Academy Magnet School.
The Winston School of Short Hills
The Winston School of Short Hills is a type of Independent / private school specializing in language‐based learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD etc. It is located at 30 East Ln, Short Hills, NJ 07078, United States. The Winston School of Short Hills was established in 1981 by Dr. Marilyn Gonyo, an educator and specialist in learning differences. The mission of the school is to empower student with learning differences by uniting their unique strengths with purpose driven instruction.
The Winston School of Short Hills provides eduction from 1-8 grade. This school is open to students who are bright/capable but have struggled in traditional settings due to learning differences. Winston’s tuition & fees are not fixed on the public site before take the admission, families must contact the Director of Admission for current numbers. They also offer financial aid based on need, using the school & student service application process to determine eligibility.
The total number of enrollments in 2025-2026 is approximately 100 and 29 teachers has been hired. The Student teacher ratio is approximately 3:1 which is excellent and also ensure personalized attention, highly supportive learning environment for every student of this school.
Here are the published tuition & fees for the 2025-26 school year. Note: fees include things like textbooks, lunch/breakfast plans, technology, etc., where specified. winston-school.org
| Grade Level | Tuition | Additional Fees | Total Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PreK-4 – Kindergarten | $25,000 | Included (no separate fees listed) | $25,000 |
| 1st – 4th Grade | $28,359 | ~$2,925 in fees | $31,284 |
| 5th Grade | $31,673 | ~$3,100 in fees | $34,773 |
| 6th – 8th Grade | $33,887 | ~$3,100 in fees | $36,987 |
Newark Academy – Best High Schools in New Jersey
Newark Academy is a type of Independent/Private coeducation and college preparatory school located at 91 S Orange Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039, United States. It was established in 1774 by Alexander MacWhorter and moved to several sites in Newark, and finally it was relocated to its current campus at Livingston in 1964. It became fully co-educational in 1972. The mission of this school is to “contribute to world-engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning, a standard of excellence, and a generosity of spirit.” The campus size is about 68-acre which is wooded, and it has grades from 6 to 12 (Middle School and Upper School).
The first school which is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in New Jersey is Newark Academy. In recent years, 185 upper school students sat for 1206 IB examinations in 2024, 160 students took about 196 AP exams and About 97% of the Class of 2025 enrolled in at least one IB course.
Total number of enrolments is 670 from grades 6-12 in Newark Academy in 2025 which are from 85+ communities in New Jersey. The average class size is 13 students and the student-teacher ratio is about 8:1 which is very good.
The tuition fee for the 2025-2026 school year is US$ 53,175 plus US$ 2,070 in required fees. Newark Academy offers need-based financial aid and matches 100% of demonstrated need through a partner, Clarity. In 2024-25 , around 17.9% of the student body received financial aid, nearly 4.8 million, which is provided to the families of students by Newark Academy.
Pioneer Academy
Pioneer Academy is a type of Independent / Private coeducation and college preparatory school located at 164 Totowa Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, United States. It was established in 1999 and the current principal is Owen O. Akman and it is grown into one of the leading private schools in New Jersey. The mission of this school is to provide a rigorous college-preparatory education with a strong emphasis on academics, character, and leadership development. The campus is modern and well-equipped, and it has grades from Pre-K to 12.
Pioneer Academy is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School (2024) by the U.S. Department of Education and is ranked among the top private schools in New Jersey. The school offers a strong curriculum that includes AP, Honors, and advanced courses, along with partnerships for dual-degree or college credit programs.
Total number of enrollments is about 418 students plus 28 in Pre-K at Pioneer Academy in 2025. The student-teacher ratio is about 8:1 which ensures focus on the education of every student by teachers. The tuition fee for high school grades is around US$ 19,300. Pioneer Academy offers need-based financial aid to families, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds.
Princeton High School
Princeton High School is a type of Public coeducation and college preparatory school located at 151 Moore Street, Princeton, NJ 08540, United States. It was established in 1898 and serves the communities of Princeton and Cranbury. The mission of this school is to provide a rigorous college-preparatory education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and civic responsibility. The campus is well-equipped and has grades from 9 to 12.
The first school which is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in New Jersey is Princeton High School. In recent years, a large number of upper school students sat for IB examinations, and students also took AP exams. About 97% of the Class of 2025 enrolled in at least one IB course.
Total number of enrolments is 1,532 from grades 9-12 in Princeton High School in 2025 which are from the surrounding communities in New Jersey. The average class size is 13 students and the student-teacher ratio is about 11.8:1 which is very good.
The tuition fee for the 2025-2026 school year is free as it is a public school. Princeton High School does not charge tuition fee but is publicly funded for all resident students.
The Pennington School
The Pennington School is a type of Independent/Private coeducation and college preparatory school located at 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ 08534, United States. It was established in 1838 and has grown into a leading college-preparatory school in New Jersey. The mission of this school is to provide a rigorous education that develops academic excellence, character, and leadership. The campus size is about 54-acre, and it has grades from 6 to 12 (Boarding available for grades 8–12).
The first school which is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in New Jersey is The Pennington School. In recent years, a large number of upper school students sat for IB examinations, and students also took AP exams. About 97% of the Class of 2025 enrolled in at least one IB course.
Total number of enrolments is approximately 530 from grades 6-12 in The Pennington School in 2025. The average class size is 13 students and the student-teacher ratio is about 6:1 which is very good.
The tuition fee for the 2025-2026 school year is US$ 48,600 for day students plus US$ 79,840 for boarding students. The Pennington School offers need-based financial aid, which is provided to the families of students to ensure access to quality education.
Livingston High School
Livingston High School is a type of Public coeducation and college preparatory school located at 30 Robert Harp Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039, United States. It was established in 1958. The mission of this school is to provide a rigorous college-preparatory education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and civic responsibility. The campus is well-equipped, and it has grades from 9 to 12.
The first school which is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in New Jersey is Livingston High School. In recent years, a large number of upper school students sat for AP examinations, and About 97% of the Class of 2025 enrolled in at least one advanced course.
Total number of enrolments is 2,081 from grades 9-12 in Livingston High School in 2025. The average class size is 22 students and the student-teacher ratio is about 11:1 which is very good.
The tuition fee for the 2025-2026 school year is free as it is a public school. Livingston High School does not charge tuition but is publicly funded for all resident students.