Comprehensive guide to New Jersey's nationally recognized public education system, featuring 1.4+ million students across 546 school districts, top-ranked K-12 schools, and 59 colleges and universities.
🏆 National Recognition: New Jersey was ranked #1 in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Education" ranking for pre-K through 12th grade, scoring in the top five for preschool enrollment, standardized test scores, and high school graduation rate.
Mission & Structure
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE) administers state and federal aid programs affecting more than 1.4 million public and non-public elementary and secondary school children. Headquartered in the Judge Robert L. Carter Building in Trenton, the department ensures local schools comply with state and federal laws and regulations.
Commissioner: Kevin Dehmer (sworn in March 2025)
State Board: 13 members appointed by Governor
Service Area: 546 school districts statewide
Recent Performance Highlights (2023-2024)
91.3% graduation rate - highest since 2011 calculation method
Economically disadvantaged students: 87.1% graduation rate (up from 85.4% in 2022)
Multilingual learners: 78.9% graduation rate (up from 71.9% in 2022)
Chronic absenteeism: 14.9% (down from 16.6% in 2022-2023)
Key Responsibilities & Programs
Oversee compliance with state and federal education laws
Manage pupil transportation services
Direct special education programs
Administer charter school oversight
Implement anti-bullying initiatives
Maintain school performance reporting systems
Provide adult education programs
Support programs for disadvantaged and foreign-born students
Homeroom Portal:homeroom.state.nj.us - Access school directories, performance reports, and data
🏫 K-12 Public Education System
📈 Enrollment Statistics
Total Students: 1,321,709 (2022)
Schools: 2,312 schools statewide
School Districts: 546 districts
Growth: 0.6% enrollment increase in FY 2024 (one of only 11 states with growth)
Trend: Overall decline of 2.8% (38,000 students) over 10 years since Fall 2012
📝 Standardized Testing
NJSLA (NJ Student Learning Assessments):
Grades 3-8: ELA and Math annually
Grades 5 & 8: Science assessment
Format: Computer-based (CBT) with paper-based accommodation
NJGPA (NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment):
Grade 11: ELA and Math components
Purpose: State graduation requirement
📚 Learning Standards
NJ Student Learning Standards cover 9 areas:
21st Century Life and Careers
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Technology
Visual and Performing Arts
World Languages
💡 School Performance Reports: Access detailed data for every school including demographics, test scores, graduation rates, and more at rc.doe.state.nj.us
🎓 Largest School Districts in New Jersey
New Jersey's urban school districts serve hundreds of thousands of students across diverse communities. The five largest districts enroll over 137,000 students combined.
Find Your District: Search the complete New Jersey School Directory for contact information for all 546 districts.
⭐ Top-Ranked School Districts in New Jersey (2024)
According to Niche's 2024 Best Schools and Districts rankings, these districts received the highest overall grades based on student outcomes, academic rigor, teacher quality, and parent reviews.
🏆 Ranking Methodology: Niche combines input from current students, alumni and parents with data from the U.S. Department of Education. The 2024 rankings removed SAT/ACT factors for a more comprehensive assessment.
#1 Northern Valley Regional High School District Top Rated
📍 Demarest, Bergen County
Overall Grade: A+
New #1 ranking for 2024, serving communities in Northern Bergen County with highly-rated high schools.
#2 West Windsor-Plainsboro School District
📍 West Windsor, Mercer County
Overall Grade: A+
Consistently top-ranked district known for academic excellence and diverse student body.
#3 Tenafly Public Schools
📍 Tenafly, Bergen County
Overall Grade: A+
Bergen County district with strong academics and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
Additional Top 10 Districts (A+ Overall Grades):
Moorestown Township School District
Haddonfield Public Schools
Millburn Township Public Schools
Ridgewood Public Schools
Livingston Public Schools
Pascack Valley Regional High School District
Princeton Public Schools
Note: 19 districts received A+ overall grades in 2024 rankings.
📚 Charter Schools in New Jersey
Charter School Statistics
Total Charter Schools: 91 schools (as of 2021)
Students Enrolled: Over 60,000 students
Coverage: 44 cities across 18 counties
Waitlists: 28,000 students on waiting lists
Market Share: 3.9% of all K-12 students attend charter schools
Growth & Performance
5-Year Growth: 10.23% enrollment increase
15-Year Trend: Continuous growth every year
Reading Performance: Students 43% more likely to read at grade level
Math Performance: Students 49% more likely to perform at grade level
Traditional district enrollment remained flat or decreased 0.12% during same period.
New Jersey's higher education system includes 59 colleges and universities serving almost 380,000 full- and part-time students, combining world-class research institutions with accessible community colleges.
System Overview
Total Institutions: 59 (31 public, 28 private)
Students Enrolled: 380,000+
Research Universities: 4 public, 2 private
State Colleges: 7 institutions
Community Colleges: 18 county colleges
Private Colleges: 14 institutions
Major Public Universities
Rutgers University - 65,000+ students (flagship research university)
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
Kean University
New Jersey City University
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Stockton University
Thomas Edison State University
William Paterson University
Notable Private Institutions Ivy League
Princeton University - Ivy League research university
Stevens Institute of Technology
Seton Hall University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Drew University
Rider University
Plus 8 religious institutions and 8 for-profit schools.
Economic Impact
New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU) member institutions:
Economic Activity: $6.1 billion annually
Tax Revenue: $220 million per year for the state
ROI: For every $1 million in state funds invested, institutions produce $16 million in economic activity
Range by District: Varies based on poverty levels and local resources
State Aid (2024 Budget)
Total School Aid: $10.8 billion
Annual Increase: $832 million over prior year
Additional Support: $103 million for districts facing reductions
Milestone: Full funding of formula planned for 2025
Funding Formula
School Funding Reform Act of 2008:
Low-Poverty Districts: $15,000+ per pupil adequacy budget
High-Poverty Districts: $20,000+ per pupil adequacy budget
Method: Weighted student approach
⚠️ Understanding the Numbers: "Budgetary Cost Per Pupil" measures costs for students educated in district schools using local taxes and state aid. It excludes transportation, tuition to other districts, pension contributions, and debt service. "Total Spending Per Pupil" includes all district expenditures.
Students Enrolled: 211,150 (14.17% of school-age population)
Data Year: Fall 2013
Homeschooling in NJ:
Current Enrollment: 5,000+ students (2.8% of K-12)
Growth: 60% increase in interest since 2019
Pandemic Impact: Enrollment quadrupled during 2020-21
Regulations: NJ has the fewest homeschooling regulations in the country. No notification to state required, no teacher certification, assessment, or curriculum requirements.
💡 School Vouchers: As of 2024, New Jersey does not have a private school voucher program. Proposed legislation for tax credit scholarships remains under debate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, New Jersey was ranked #1 in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Education" ranking for pre-K through 12th grade. The state scored in the top five nationally for preschool enrollment, standardized test scores, and high school graduation rates. New Jersey's 91.3% four-year graduation rate (2023-2024) is the highest since the state implemented the adjusted cohort graduation rate calculation in 2011. The state's strong performance reflects comprehensive investments in teacher quality, curriculum standards, and equitable funding through the School Funding Reform Act. New Jersey also leads in college preparation, with high AP/IB course participation and SAT/ACT performance compared to other states.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the average Budgetary Cost Per Pupil in New Jersey was $20,154, representing a 9.5% increase ($1,753) over the prior year. This measure focuses on costs for students educated in district schools using local taxes and state aid, and excludes transportation, tuition to other districts, pension contributions, and debt service. When all expenditures are included (Total Spending Per Pupil), New Jersey ranks among the top states nationally. The state's 2024 budget allocated $10.8 billion for school aid, an $832 million increase from the prior year. New Jersey's funding formula (School Funding Reform Act of 2008) uses a weighted student approach, with adequacy budgets of $15,000+ per pupil for low-poverty districts and $20,000+ per pupil for high-poverty districts. Governor Murphy announced plans to fully fund the school aid formula for the first time in 2025.
According to Niche's 2024 Best Schools and Districts rankings, the top three school districts in New Jersey are: #1 Northern Valley Regional High School District (Demarest), which claimed the top spot for 2024; #2 West Windsor-Plainsboro School District (West Windsor), consistently ranked among the best with diverse student body; and #3 Tenafly Public Schools (Tenafly), known for strong academics and comprehensive programs. Other top-10 districts include Moorestown Township, Haddonfield, Millburn Township, Ridgewood, Livingston, Pascack Valley Regional High School District, and Princeton Public Schools. A total of 19 districts received A+ overall grades in 2024. Niche's methodology combines input from students, alumni, and parents with data from the U.S. Department of Education. The 2024 rankings removed SAT/ACT factors for more comprehensive assessment of teaching quality, resources, student outcomes, and parent satisfaction.
To become a certified teacher in New Jersey, you must hold a bachelor's degree, complete a teacher preparation program, and pass all required tests and examinations. There are two main pathways: Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) - the traditional route earned by completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, which includes a minimum of 175 hours of clinical practice (at least 100 hours throughout the semester before full-time clinical practice, followed by full-time teaching for a minimum of one semester); and Certificate of Eligibility (CE) - an alternative route for those who meet basic academic, pre-professional experience, and assessment requirements but haven't completed a formal teacher prep program. With a CE, you can accept teaching positions but must enroll in a CE Educator Preparation Program when hired. Starting the 2024-2025 academic year, New Jersey provides all eligible students with $3,000 to cover academic and living expenses during student teaching. Teacher salaries in NJ average $58,044 per year, ranging from $40,079 to $109,681 based on education, experience, and district.
New Jersey students take the NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments) and NJGPA (New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment). NJSLA tests assess progress toward the NJ Student Learning Standards. Students in grades 3-8 take ELA and mathematics assessments annually, while students in grades 5 and 8 also take the science assessment. Most assessments are administered in computer-based (CBT) format, with paper-based testing (PBT) available as an accommodation. The ELA assessments focus on close reading, synthesizing ideas within and across texts, determining meaning of words in context, and writing effectively when analyzing sources. Mathematics assessments focus on applying skills and concepts and understanding multi-step problems. For high school, the NJGPA consists of ELA and mathematics components administered to students in grade 11 for meeting the state graduation assessment requirement. Grade 11 students also take the science assessment. Parents must be notified by October 1 each year of any state or commercially-developed standardized assessments to be administered during the school year.
Yes, through New Jersey's Interdistrict Public School Choice Program. All New Jersey students are eligible to become choice students regardless of where they live in the state, and may attend a choice school in another district and county if the school is in an approved choice district. There are 119 participating choice districts in the 2026-27 school year. The application deadline for 2026-27 enrollment is November 24, 2025. Where choice options are available, any student who resides in New Jersey is eligible to apply, and there is no cost to parents. Additionally, New Jersey offers other school choice options including charter schools (91 schools serving 60,000+ students with 28,000 on waitlists), magnet schools (free public schools focusing on specific themes like STEM or performing arts), and homeschooling (5,000+ students with minimal state regulations). Students also have the right to attend school in the district where their parent or legal guardian resides, even if the home is temporary. Visit the NJ Department of Education School Choice website for complete application procedures and participating district lists.
New Jersey provides comprehensive special education services for students ages 3-21 with disabilities. The NJ Office of Special Education monitors implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provides leadership in establishing standards for improved student outcomes. The state has four Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) strategically placed across New Jersey to provide families and educational professionals with information, materials, technical assistance, and consultation regarding policies, laws, regulations, and best practices. Over 10,000 students receive services through 30+ state-approved private special education schools in Northern and Central NJ, including programs operated by ASAH (Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped) and the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools. Services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), art therapy, music therapy, adapted physical education, and related/supportive services as noted in each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). A new 2025 law requires public schools to provide parents with written statements of items to be discussed at IEP meetings no later than two business days before the meeting. For high school students, Hudson County Project SEARCH offers a one-year, business-led, unpaid internship program for students with disabilities in their final year.
New Jersey requires districts with 10 or more multilingual learners to offer at minimum one daily class period of ESL to each student by a certified teacher with an ESL endorsement. ESL programs are designed to teach K-12 students learning English as their second, third, fourth, or more language, and must be aligned to the WIDA ELD Standards. Two primary models are used: Push-in Model where ESL teachers work with students within the regular classroom setting during designated time; and Pull-out Model where students receive daily ESL outside the general education classroom, grouped by grade level, ELP levels, language, or mix of languages. Bilingual education programs provide all academic content areas at grade level in the primary language of multilingual learners, with curriculum mirroring the general education NJSLS-based curriculum. The goal of full-time bilingual education programs is biliteracy for multilingual learners. Dual language programs serve approximately equal numbers of multilingual learners and native-English speaking students, designed to help all students achieve proficiency, biliteracy, and bilingualism in English and a second language while mastering subject-matter skills. Several NJ universities offer ESL and bilingual endorsement programs for teachers.
Charter schools in New Jersey are free public schools that operate independently from traditional school districts while remaining publicly funded and accountable to the state. Key differences include: Enrollment: Students apply through a lottery system rather than automatic enrollment based on residence. With 28,000 students on waitlists for 91 charter schools serving 60,000+ students, demand significantly exceeds capacity. Autonomy: Charter schools have flexibility in curriculum design, teaching methods, and school structure while meeting state standards. Performance: Data shows charter students in NJ are 43% more likely to read at grade level and 49% more likely to perform at grade level in math compared to traditional public school averages. Demographics: NJ charter schools serve predominantly urban communities with 44% Black students, 41% Latino students, 70% from low-income households, and 10% special education students. Growth: Charter enrollment has increased 10.23% over five years while traditional district enrollment remained flat or decreased 0.12%. Oversight: Charter schools are monitored by the NJ Department of Education Office of Charter Schools and must meet performance standards for renewal. Unlike private schools, charter schools cannot charge tuition and must accept all students through their lottery process.
New Jersey has the fewest homeschooling regulations in the country. The regulatory burden on families homeschooling in New Jersey is minimal compared to other states. Parents are not required to notify the state they are homeschooling, and there are no teacher certification, assessment, or curriculum requirements mandated by state law. Currently, over 5,000 students (2.8% of K-12 enrollment) are homeschooled in New Jersey. Interest in homeschooling increased by 60% since 2019 (compared to 48% nationally), and the percentage of home-schooled students quadrupled during the 2020-21 school year due to pandemic concerns. However, despite minimal state-level requirements, parents should be aware that: local school districts may have notification preferences or guidelines; families may want to maintain records of educational progress for college applications; standardized testing may be beneficial even if not required to demonstrate academic progress; and homeschooled students can participate in some public school extracurricular activities and standardized testing depending on local district policies. Many homeschooling families join support groups and co-ops for socialization, shared resources, and specialized classes. New Jersey's flexible approach gives families significant autonomy in designing their children's education.
New Jersey Education Association Labor union representing public school teachers, support personnel, faculty and staffers at colleges and universities, retired educators, and college students preparing to become teachers.
K-12 - Resources General K-12 education resources and information.
Non Degree Classes, and Courses Extremely affordable non-degree classes online allow you to learn more about a hobby or interest.
NJ Education Data Comprehensive data portal with enrollment reports, performance reports, and district statistics.
NJ School Boards Association Resources for school board members, administrators, and community members interested in public education governance.