Well, as you can imagine, there’s no single “perfect�?district—no matter what a spreadsheet or ranking site tells you. What looks top-tier on paper might feel too competitive for your child. Or, a smaller district you’ve barely heard of could offer exactly the kind of support and enrichment your kid thrives in. That’s why this guide is a breakdown of what makes each of the leading districts unique, based on the latest data from Niche.

At the end of the day, finding a district where your child feels safe, challenged, supported—and maybe even excited to go to school, is all that matters.

Northern Valley Regional High School District (Demarest)

Northern Valley Regional in Demarest is ranked the #1 public school district in New Jersey, according to Niche’s 2025 report. It earns that top spot with its strong academic performance, college credit access, and a smaller-scale environment that some families will prefer over larger districts.

The district serves just over 2,200 students across three schools and keeps a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. That’s lower than what you’ll find in West Windsor-Plainsboro or Livingston, and it can make a difference—especially for students who do better with more direct support in the classroom.

One of Northern Valley’s biggest strengths is its approach to college readiness. Students have access to 55 dual-enrollment options through partnerships with Bergen Community College, NJIT, Seton Hall, and Fairleigh Dickinson—a large number—more than many other top-ranked districts offer—and it gives students a chance to earn college credit before they graduate.

Advanced Placement courses are also widely available here. 87% of students are enrolled in AP classes, which shows how much the district encourages academic stretch. And based on test scores, students are doing well: 57% are proficient in math, and 72% in reading—both are above the state average.

Outside of academics, the district offers over 60 student clubs and more than 20 varsity sports. Recent state titles in volleyball and tennis reflect the strength of the athletics program, but, beyond competition, there’s support for a wide range of interests.

What Makes This District Unique

• One of the only public districts in NJ where college-level courses are part of the mainstream track
• Maintains intensive academics (87% AP enrollment) while staying non-selective and accessible
• Leverages its smaller size to create a predictable academic structure without sacrificing opportunity
• Offers real pathways into college without needing to leave the public system or apply to a magnet

Best For

• Parents who want college credit opportunities built directly into the public school experience �?no need for early college programs or magnet applications
• Students who benefit from consistent structure and strong teacher access �?especially those who prefer smaller class sizes and defined academic tracks
• Families who prioritize readiness for college admissions �?and want AP, dual-enrollment, and advising to be part of the default school experience, not something you have to push for

Millburn Township School District

Millburn has a long-standing reputation for academic strength, and it’s still one of the best NJ school districts—ranked #3 statewide in Niche’s 2025 report. Families looking for high performance in a traditional, structured public school setting will find a lot to like here.

It serves just under 4,800 students across eight schools, with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio—slightly higher than smaller districts like Northern Valley, but still in a range that allows for direct support and classroom engagement.

Test scores here are among the strongest in the state: 77% of students are proficient in math, 86% in reading, and the average SAT score is 1410. The graduation rate sits at 98%, and ACT scores average 32, which is notably high even compared to other top-performing districts.

Millburn High School offers 30 AP courses, and while fewer students take AP overall compared to some peer schools (38% participation), those who do tend to succeed—a 97% pass rate.

Unlike districts that have invested heavily in dual-enrollment programs, Millburn has stayed focused on traditional classroom instruction and test-based college preparation—a model that works for a lot of students—especially those who prefer clear structure and steady academic expectations.

Millburn students have access to loads of extracurriculars, including academic teams like robotics and math league, a performing arts program, and community service groups. Most activities are tied closely to academic or professional skill-building, which fits the school’s overall emphasis on preparation and performance.

What Makes This District Unique

• Prioritizes traditional academic performance over program variety �?no dual enrollment, no alternative tracks
• Offers deep AP course options (30 total), with a 97% pass rate �?success is prioritized over participation volume
• One of the highest average SAT (1410) and ACT (32) scores in the state
• Consistent performance across schools with tight academic expectations and a clear college-prep focus
• Emphasizes structured, test-based achievement over flexible learning paths

Best For

• Students aiming for highly selective colleges and who perform well in structured, exam-based environments
• Families who want a school where academic rigor is the priority, and where nearly every course, club, and extracurricular supports college admissions
• Parents looking for measurable academic outcomes �?like a 1410 SAT average and 97% AP pass rate �?rather than broad programming or alternative tracks

Bonus: Have you been to the best 10 places to visit in New Jersey?

Princeton Public Schools

Princeton Public Schools is ranked #2 in Niche’s 2025 list of the best NJ school districts. It earns that position not by maxing out on test prep or rigid structure, but by offering high academic standards in a district that still leaves room for exploration.

The district serves about 3,800 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, and the numbers are strong: 1370 SAT average, 31 ACT, and 75% reading proficiency. Math proficiency is slightly lower at 58%, but still well above the state average.

It has to be said that Princeton is different in how it handles advanced coursework. Students can choose from 24 AP classes, and 51% of high schoolers do, but the district doesn’t push AP enrollment as a badge of success. It rather focuses on making sure students who take APs are prepared—which shows in the 98% AP pass rate. That’s a higher success rate than Millburn, despite Princeton having a less aggressive approach to AP participation.

Princeton’s extracurricular scene is where a lot of students find their stride. The performing arts program is unusually strong for a public district, with consistent support and high turnout across schools. Academic and civic clubs are just as active—students regularly qualify for national competitions in science, debate, and the humanities, giving kids serious outlets to explore beyond the standard curriculum.

And then there’s the location. Being based in a university town gives students access to public lectures, events, and enrichment that other districts simply don’t have.

While it’s not a formal partnership with Princeton University, students benefit from programs like the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), which offers rigorous academic and cultural enrichment to high-achieving, low-income high school students from local districts.

Additionally, the Emma Bloomberg Center for Access & Opportunity provides summer programs that prepare first-generation and lower-income students for college success.

Here, students are expected to take their work seriously—but they’re not micromanaged. That’s a good thing for kids who want to stretch without being boxed in.

What Makes This District Unique

• AP participation is optional �?but those who take them succeed: 98% AP pass rate across 24 courses
• One of the only districts where students benefit from proximity to a major university �?access to Princeton University events, talks, and academic programs adds real-world depth
• Strong across academic subjects, but also especially strong in the arts, writing, and civic programming �?national-level success in humanities competitions reflects that
• Runs on structure, not strictness �?students are expected to perform, but given room to explore

Best For

• Families with academically strong students who prefer autonomy over constant oversight
• Students interested in liberal arts, writing, or performing arts, who want access to well-supported programs and national competitions
• Parents who want their child to benefit from living in a university town, where enrichment opportunities and academic exposure extend far beyond the classroom

West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District

Ranked #5 in Niche’s 2025 list of the best schools in New Jersey, West Windsor-Plainsboro is one of the few large districts on this list—and still manages to offer structure, flexibility, and high-level academics without getting impersonal.

The district serves just under 9,400 students across ten schools, including two high schools: WW-P North and WW-P South. The 12:1 student-teacher ratio is better than average for a district this size, and both schools consistently perform near the top of the state in testing. Students average a 1400 SAT and 31 ACT, and the graduation rate is over 95%.

Advanced Placement is a real strength here. Both high schools offer a wide selection�?5+ AP courses, including AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Economics, and AP Statistics. Participation is high, and AP pass rates are strong�?5% at South and 96% at North, according to Niche. Course guides emphasize access rather than gatekeeping, and there are clear systems in place for students to map out multi-year academic paths based on their goals.

Outside the classroom, extracurriculars are well-established and well-funded. WW-P South’s Model UN team is nationally ranked and regularly competes at high-profile conferences. The orchestra and band programs are among the most competitive in New Jersey, with students performing at regional and state-level festivals every year.

WW-P also benefits from being one of the most diverse public school districts in the state, which is reflected in its leadership programs, student initiatives, and parent engagement.

What Makes This District Unique

• Over 25 AP courses are offered, with strong participation and access across both high schools
• SAT and ACT scores among the top in the state: 1400 and 31 averages
• Nationally ranked Model UN team and award-winning performing arts programs
• One of NJ’s most diverse districts, with programming that reflects it

Best For

• Students who want to excel in academics but also have space to pursue music, Model UN, or long-term extracurricular commitments
• Families who want a top academic district without the rigidity of Millburn or the smaller scale of Northern Valley
• Parents seeking a diverse public school community where high test scores and strong arts programming can go hand in hand

Tenafly Public Schools

Tenafly ranks #6 in New Jersey for overall district performance in Niche’s 2025 report. With just under 3,500 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, it’s one of the smallest high-achieving districts on this list—and that size shapes everything from classroom access to how programs run.

Academically, Tenafly students post standout results: the average SAT score is 1350, ACT is 30, and the graduation rate is 98%.The high school offers 20+ AP courses, and while AP enrollment isn’t as aggressive as Northern Valley or Millburn, the district maintains high pass rates and clear course support.

Among the top schools in NJ, Tenafly stands out for how it handles global education. Nearly half the students speak a second language at home, and that diversity is built into the curriculum—not solely demographics. Language instruction starts early, and multicultural programming runs through every grade.

Clubs and extracurriculars reflect that same approach: more than 50 student-led organizations and 25 varsity teams, with a heavier emphasis on academics, music, and civic groups than on high-profile athletics. The orchestra program consistently earns statewide recognition, and arts funding holds up well from elementary through high school.

Compared to Ridgewood or Livingston, Tenafly doesn’t offer the same size or range—and it doesn’t have dual-enrollment options like Northern Valley. But for families looking for a quieter, high-performing district with a global perspective and day-to-day structure, this is one worth considering.

What Makes This District Unique

• One of the smallest academically elite districts in NJ, with just 3,487 students and an 11:1 ratio
• Strong test scores without the high-pressure culture
• Early language education and real multicultural integration �?nearly 50% of students speak a second language at home
• Stronger in music and academic programming than athletics �?the orchestra is a standout here

Best For

• Parents moving from private to public school who still want small class sizes and a close-knit academic setting without sacrificing results
• Students who may feel out of place in ultra-competitive districts but still want strong outcomes �?Tenafly is structured, but not high-pressure
• Multilingual families or international professionals seeking a school community where cultural diversity is the norm and not a sidebar

Choosing the Best School District in New Jersey

Naturally, there is no universal “best”—only what’s best for your family, your student, and your priorities.

Every one of these districts delivers results. But the real question is what kind of experience you want your child to have on the way there.

Use this breakdown to cut through the noise, narrow your list, and you’ll be one step closer to finding the best district for your family.

P.S. Perhaps you’re moving to the Garden State; if so, here’s what every home buyer in NJ needs to know.

After scoring, Ovechkin belly-flopped onto the ice and was surrounded by teammates. The game paused to recognize the milestone.

Wayne Gretzky’s NHL Career and Records

Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He began skating at two and a half years old. His father taught him to play hockey. By age six, he played in a league with boys aged 10 and 11. He scored one goal in his first season but later scored 378 goals in a single minor league season.

He played in the 1977 Junior World Cup, was the youngest participant, and the leading scorer. He joined the WHA’s Indianapolis Racers in the 1978�?9 season. His contract was sold to the Edmonton Oilers. When the Oilers entered the NHL in the 1979�?0 season, Gretzky began his NHL career.

In his first NHL season, Gretzky scored 51 goals and 86 assists for 137 points. In 1980�?1, he became the first player to average over two points per game. In the 1981�?2 season, he set NHL records for goals (92), assists (120), and total points (212). In 1985�?6, he set new records for assists (163) and points (215). No other NHL player has had a 200-point season. Gretzky achieved it four times.

He won the Art Ross Trophy for highest scoring in seven consecutive seasons from 1980�?1 to 1986�?7 and again in 1989�?0, 1990�?1, and 1993�?4. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP in eight consecutive seasons from 1979�?0 to 1986�?7 and again in 1988�?9.

Gretzky led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup wins: 1983�?4, 1984�?5, 1986�?7, and 1987�?8. In 1989�?0, he surpassed Gordie Howe’s all-time scoring record of 1,850 points. In 1993�?4, he broke Howe’s record for career goals (801). In 1997, he passed 1,851 career assists, becoming the first to have more assists than any player had total points.

Gretzky retired after the 1998�?9 NHL season. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame the same year. His career totals include 894 goals, 1,963 assists, and 2,857 points. The NHL retired his jersey number (99) league-wide after his final game.

Trade to Los Angeles and Later Career

In August 1988, Gretzky was traded by the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. The trade included Mike Krushelnyski and Marty McSorley. In exchange, the Oilers received Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, Los Angeles�?first-round picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993, and $15 million.

Gretzky played in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals with the Kings. The team lost to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. He later played for the St. Louis Blues, then signed with the New York Rangers in 1996. He remained with the Rangers until retirement.

Post-Retirement Roles

In 2000, Gretzky became a minority owner of the Phoenix Coyotes. In 2005, he was named head coach. He resigned as coach in 2009 and lost his ownership stake when the team filed for bankruptcy and was purchased by the NHL.

In 2016, Gretzky became a partner and vice chairman of the Edmonton Oilers. He stepped down in 2021 and became a TV analyst.

He founded the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. He is also associated with Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant in Toronto and Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery. He was the Executive Director of the Canadian men’s hockey team that won gold in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Gretzky is married to Janet Jones. They have five children: Paulina, Emma, Ty, Trevor, and Tristan.

Ovechkin’s Season and Team Performance

In the 2024�?5 NHL season, the Washington Capitals finished first in the Eastern Conference with a 51�?2�? record. They scored 288 goals and conceded 232. The team was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Washington goaltender Logan Thompson posted a .926 save percentage and a +7.7 Goals Saved Above Expected rating.

In the second-round playoff series against Carolina, odds favored the Hurricanes. Betting sites listed the Hurricanes at �?64 to win the series and �?70 to win Game 1.

Aliaksei Protas returned from injury and scored in Game 1. He was listed at 30/1 odds to lead the series in goals. Thompson had 50/1 odds to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Sportsbooks offered odds on when and how Ovechkin would break Gretzky’s record. The New York Islanders were favored as the likely opponent. Odds were also offered on the type of goal and the period in which it would occur. Ovechkin’s “Anytime Goalscorer�?prop received high betting volume during the season.

Retirement Speculation

The Washington Capitals sent a message suggesting the 2025�?6 season would be Ovechkin’s last. The team later clarified that Ovechkin had not made a retirement decision. He is expected to begin his 21st NHL season in the fall, turning 40 in September.

Ovechkin currently holds franchise records in goals, points, and power-play goals. He ranks second in assists.

Each event takes place within Liberty State Park, and all programs are free. However, pre-registration is required unless stated otherwise, and space is limited. No more than six participants per reservation are allowed. Children must be with an adult, and pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

To sign up or ask questions, you can call the Liberty Park Nature Center at (201) 915-3400, ext. 503, or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.

Program Dates, Locations, and Activities

Let’s go over each event in detail so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 a.m. �?12:00 p.m.

Program: Low Tide Beach Walk
Families will meet at Lot #1, 300 Morris Pesin Drive, and walk to Caven Point Beach. The program includes a beach walk and a scavenger hunt.

• Be ready to walk over 1.5 miles.
• Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
• If it’s hot, bring sunscreen and water.
• All ages are welcome.

Friday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 29 | 1:00 �?2:00 p.m.

Program: Storytime and Craft
This indoor program takes place at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way. Children will listen to a story about local wildlife and habitats, then make a craft related to the story to take home.

• All ages are welcome.

Sunday, July 20 | 10:00 a.m. �?12:00 p.m.

Program: Mark-marking in the Park
Children will explore different habitats in the park and create art using natural materials. The art method is called mark-marking, which includes using lines, dots, patterns, and textures.

• Hosted by local author and illustrator Veronica Mang, along with Park Naturalists.
• Takes place at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and outdoor clothes.
• If the weather is hot, bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Thursday, July 24 | 11:00 a.m. �?12:00 p.m.

Program: Nature Walk and Craft: Beach
This event includes a beach walk, a scavenger hunt, and a craft activity based on the beach theme.

• Meet at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way.
• Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent if it’s a hot day.
• All ages are welcome.

Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 a.m. �?12:00 p.m.

Program: Explore the Estuary
Families will visit Caven Point Beach to learn about the Hudson River estuary and its wildlife.

• Meet at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way, then drive your own vehicle to the beach.
• Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
• Bring binoculars if you have them.
• All ages are welcome to attend, but only children 10 and older may enter the water to seine (a method of catching aquatic life).

What You Should Know About Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive in Jersey City, New Jersey. The park has wide green spaces and views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It features trails for walking, biking, and nature watching, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and food concessions.

The park also includes boating and canoeing areas on the Hudson River and New York Bay, as well as fishing and crabbing spots. There is a marina, a visitors center, and an interpretive center. The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is located in the park, though it is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy.

A two-mile path called Liberty Walk runs along the river and connects various parts of the park while offering scenic views.

For those interested in visiting the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, ferry service is available through Statue Cruises. You can find more information at www.statuecruises.com or by calling 877-523-9849.

You can also stay connected with the park by visiting its official Facebook page at facebook.com/LibertyStateParkOfficial or following on Instagram at instagram.com/libertystatepark.

The celebration will run from 12 PM to 11 PM and will include live music, DJs, food trucks, and a beer garden, alongside family-friendly activities. People at the event will also be able to see fireworks from two nearby shows �?the Macy’s fireworks on the East River and the Jersey City fireworks at Exchange Place.

This event is one of the most ambitious ever hosted by the city and was created by The Light Group, a Hoboken-based hospitality company founded by Pat Light, a former Major League Baseball pitcher. The City of Hoboken and Mayor Ravi Bhalla have given the event their full support.

Pat Light and The Light Group Help Put Hoboken in the Spotlight

Pat Light, a Hoboken resident, played for four MLB teams: the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners. After leaving baseball in 2018, Light turned his focus to the restaurant business. He began by working behind the scenes at Green Rock Tap & Grill in Hoboken. Later, he purchased the venue and used it as a starting point to form The Light Group.

The company now owns and runs five well-known Hoboken spots:

• Green Rock Tap & Grill, known as a popular New York Giants bar
• Texas Arizona, a sports bar with a strong Penn State fan base
• River Street Garage, which features live music
• McSwiggan’s Pub, an Irish-style pub that attracts soccer fans
• The Waiting Room, a bar in Downtown Hoboken

The July 4th event at Pier A is the beginning of a tourism campaign developed by The Light Group to attract attention to Hoboken’s food, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Future plans include bar star pop-up events at The Waiting Room, along with other local promotions.

Pier A Event Will Feature Music, Food, and Fireworks

The festival on July 4th will offer a full lineup of entertainment. Local artists scheduled to perform include The Benjamins, Sean Patrick, Austin City Nights, The Alibis, and The Original Copy. Music will continue throughout the day and into the evening, and DJs will keep the energy going between live sets.

Food trucks will sell a wide variety of meals and snacks, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, and funnel cakes. There will also be vendors set up for a street-fair-style experience.

Adults will be able to enjoy drinks in a beer garden located within the event grounds. This area will be sponsored by Texas Arizona and The Waiting Room and will include cocktails, beer, and light snacks.

Even though the Macy’s fireworks are moving back to the East River this year, attendees at Pier A will still have clear views of the show from across the water. They’ll also have a direct line of sight to the Jersey City fireworks, scheduled to take place that night at Exchange Place.

Other July 4th Celebrations Near Hoboken

In addition to Hoboken’s waterfront event, there will be several other Independence Day activities taking place nearby on Friday, July 4th, 2025.

In Jersey City, a celebration is tentatively scheduled at Exchange Place from 12 PM to 10 PM. This event includes fireworks and is just across the river from Hoboken.

In Bergen County, the Second Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will take place at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park. It begins at 2:30 PM, with a rain date of July 5th.

In Ridgewood, events will begin at 9 AM at Wilsey Square and continue at 6 PM at Veterans Field, with fireworks planned for the evening.

However, the State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford, which often holds its own fireworks event, has been canceled for both 2024 and 2025.

Hoboken’s History and Future as a Waterfront Destination

Mayor Ravi Bhalla supports the “Hop on Over to Hoboken�?campaign. He says the city has many parks and attractions and wants more people to know about them. Hoboken has a strong history, too. It was the site of the first recorded baseball game in the United States, played in 1846.

The city also has a rich cultural background. Its Italian roots can be seen in restaurants like Augustino’s, a Southern Italian eatery, and Leo’s Grandevous, a spot once visited by Frank Sinatra, who was born in Hoboken. Leo’s is known for playing Sinatra’s music on a regular basis.

There’s also an area known as “Irish Row�? where Irish pubs reflect another part of the city’s past.

Today, Hoboken is growing and becoming more diverse, with strong Latin American and Asian communities. Pat Light says Hoboken has “a little bit of everything.�?He also says the waterfront is one of his favorite parts of the city.

The city is also easy to visit. People can take the PATH train or a ferry from New York City and arrive in Hoboken in just a few minutes.

Yankees Rotation Under Strain, Targeting Sandy Alcantara

The Yankees�?rotation has been significantly weakened. Gerrit Cole is out for the season, Luis Gil has not pitched this year due to a lat strain, and Ryan Yarbrough was recently placed on the injured list.