A recent study rated Jersey high schools third in the nation — among the best

Recent U.S. News & World Report rankings show New Jersey’s public high schools are among the nation’s best academically. They placed third. The award recognizes New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut as top education states. Top education state rating rises.

The poll investigated test scores, graduation rates, and advanced class access in over 18,000 U.S. public high schools. To guarantee fairness, schools under 15 seniors were excluded. We used 2022–2023 school year data this year.

Why did New Jersey make the top three?

New Jersey is well-rated for its demanding curriculum and student accomplishment. 40% of each school’s score was AP/IB. This rewarded institutions that encourage college enrollment and success.

The other 30% evaluated school preparation for college and careers based on graduation rates and state test scores. The remaining 10% of the score reflected how well schools helped low-income, Black, and Latino children close achievement gaps.

Best Schools Lead

The best New Jersey high school is Monmouth County’s Lincroft High Technology High School. It became America’s top STEM school. This shows that New Jersey prioritizes preparing kids for science and technology jobs.

Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro led New Jersey’s performance rankings. But U.S. News’ national system, which favors AP and IB courses, put the school seventh in the state.

Interesting that all of U.S. News’ top ten schools were magnet or specialized high schools that accepted only high-achieving students through competitive applications. Millburn High School defied convention. Local kids did best at the 11th-ranked state school. Brilliance is not limited to elite schools.

New Jersey vs. Other States

The Garden State had 40% of its high schools in the top quarter, behind Connecticut (41%), and Massachusetts (43%). The best schools are in Massachusetts. As their third-place rating shows, New Jersey’s public schools are among the nation’s best due to high standards, effective teaching, and student aid.

This affects parents and students

The award gives New Jerseyans confidence in the state’s education initiatives. National rankings reflect good academics and enhance housing values, making top school sites more appealing. New Jersey schools outperform most of the nation, giving parents peace of mind.

AP and IB courses prepare students, especially those who want top schools and good jobs, for the challenges ahead. The concentration on Great Technology High School and Bergen County Technical High School shows that New Jersey is producing talent in engineering, healthcare, and technology.

The Big Picture

New Jersey frequently tops U.S. News’ annual rankings due to its tight state criteria, years of education investment, and dedicated teachers. New Jersey’s student access and opportunities are improving, but work remains. State public education leads nationally by balancing academic rigor and diversity support.

Sources

• U.S. News & World Report

• New Jersey Department of Education