According to the annual high school rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, New Jersey’s public high schools continue to excel. A total of 42 New Jersey high schools have earned a place among the top 5% of schools nationwide, a commendable increase from the 37 schools that made the list last year and the 29 that were recognized the year before.
Among these top-ranked schools, High Technology High School in Lincroft stands out as both the top high school in New Jersey and the nation’s leading STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) school. This specialized public high school, located in Monmouth County, attracts high-achieving students through a competitive application process.
New Jersey’s top ten high schools featured in the U.S. News ranking are all magnet and specialized schools that cater to high-performing students. Glen Ridge High School, ranked 11th in New Jersey, holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked high school open to all local students.
Impressively, over 42% of New Jersey’s high schools rank within the top quarter nationally, placing the state third behind Massachusetts and Connecticut. New Jersey maintained its third-place ranking from last year’s report.
LaMont Jones, managing editor of education at U.S. News, emphasized the value of these rankings as a resource for parents seeking insights into a school’s academic performance. The rankings are based on data submitted by nearly 18,000 public high schools annually, encompassing state math, reading, and science assessment scores, as well as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate test results. Additionally, the rankings consider factors such as the performance of underserved students, graduation rates, and curriculum breadth.
This recognition highlights the dedication of New Jersey’s educators and students to academic excellence. The state’s commitment to providing high-quality education is evident in the impressive achievements of its high schools.
