The Best High Schools in Hackensack NJ 🎓 | Find the Best Hackensack High School
Are you heading to Hackensack NJ with a child in grade school or high school? Luckily, there are plenty of amazing high schools in Hackensack NJ that are poised to set students up for success. When looking for the best Hackensack high school, it’s important to review things such as:
- AP participation rate
- Programs such as athletics, art, music, or STEM
- Student performance and improvement
- Awards
- Test scores
- Extracurricular clubs and activities
- Classroom size
- Programs for gifted students
- College readiness measures
Whether you’re on the hunt for public high schools or private institutions, there’s likely a Hackensack high school that fits your needs. These are just a few of the best high schools in Hackensack NJ for you to consider checking out.
Best School Districts in Hackensack NJ
When looking for a Hackensack high school, you’ll also want to be familiar with the primary school district in the area. Hackensack Public Schools runs most of the public high schools in Hackensack NJ, serving just over 5,000 students in the area. No matter what grade your student is in, this school district can serve them, with schools from PreK through twelfth grade.
Bergen County Technical Schools also hosts several public high schools in the area, serving just under 2,500 students. Although its headquarters is in Paramus, NJ, students in Hackensack can also utilize this district.
Best Public Hackensack NJ High Schools
When it comes to public high schools, there are several great options for students to choose from. When looking for a public Hackensack high school, you’ll want to make sure you consider the specific needs of your child. These are the best Hackensack high schools in the area.
Bergen County Academies | Career Technical Hackensack High School
- School Accountability Report Card
- Enrollment: 1,112
Bergen County Academies is an excellent choice for any child, and is ranked by Niche as the number one public high school in all of New Jersey. This public magnet school is free of charge, however, students must apply and go through an interview process to get accepted. As one of the best public high schools in Hackensack, the school offers seven specialized programs in the areas of mathematics and science, engineering and design, medical science, business and finance, culinary arts and hospitality administration, visual and performing arts, and technology and computer science.
Reading proficiency at Bergen County Academies is 99%, while math proficiency is 97%. The average ACT score is 34, and the graduation rate is 100%. This Hackensack high school is not only ranked as number one in New Jersey, but in 2021, Niche also ranked it as the best public high school in America. It has been named one of the highest-performing high schools in the United States by The Washington Post and is also a National Blue Ribbon School and a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools.
Hackensack High School | Hackensack High School Known for Strong Athletics Program
- School Accountability Report Card
- Enrollment: 1,709
Hackensack High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school located within the city limits of Hackensack, New Jersey. Currently, the school has an enrollment of 1,709 students and 138 teachers, giving the school a student-teacher ratio of 12.5 to 1. Hackensack High School is known for its strong athletics program, and the Hackensack High School football team competes in the Freedom Red division of the North Jersey Super Football Conference, which is the nation’s biggest football-only high school sports league. You can also choose from other sports like Hackensack High School baseball, hockey, soccer, and more.
In addition to its athletics, you’ll also find above-average athletics. The average SAT score for students at Hackensack High School is 1140, while the average ACT score is 26. The AP enrollment rate is 13%, and the average graduation rate is 90%. According to Niche, the most popular colleges to attend after graduating are Montclair State University, Rutgers University, and Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Bergen County Technical High School | Top-Rated Public Magnet School
- School Accountability Report Card
- Enrollment: 671
When it comes to public high schools in Hackensack NJ, you can’t skip out on Bergen County Technical High School. This Hackensack high school is located in nearby Teterboro and serves 671 students in grades 9 through 12. Bergen County Technical High School is a tuition-free public magnet high school, and the institution is organized into nine majors: Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Design, Computer Science, Commercial Art & Graphic Design, Culinology, Digital and Media Arts, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Law and Justice, and Strategic Asset Management (Business).
This top-rated school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is ranked by Niche as the sixth-best college prep public high school in New Jersey, the ninth-best public high school in New Jersey, and the eighteenth-best high school for STEM in New Jersey. The graduation rate is a high 95%, and the average ACT score is 32.
High Tech High School | One of the Best New Jersey High Schools
- School Accountability Report Card
- Enrollment: 908
Located in nearby Secaucus, High Tech High School is still considered to be a Hackensack high school. This public magnet school was established in 1991 and has been named a New Jersey Star School twice and has been cited by New Jersey Monthly magazine as one of the state’s best public schools. This school is known for its success in the sciences and performing arts, winning many awards in both fields.
Students have plenty of opportunities for involvement at this school. In 2023, the school won the NBC “Star Choir” competition, and got to perform at the Rockefeller tree lighting. In June of 2024, the school placed first in the nation for the high school eSports Super Smash Bros. Ultimate CREWS competition. According to Niche, High Tech High School is ranked number four for the best high schools for the arts in New Jersey and number 32 for the most diverse public high school in New Jersey.
Best Hackensack Private Schools
If you would rather send your student to a private Hackensack high school with a smaller administration, then there are plenty of great institutions to choose from. Private schools often offer specialized programs and smaller class sizes that may be difficult to get when attending a public school. These are a few of the best Hackensack private schools.
Dwight-Englewood School | Independent Hackensack High School Known for Its College Prep Program
- Affiliation: Non-denominational
- Enrollment: 1,040
This Hackensack high school is actually located in nearby Englewood NJ, and serves just over 1,000 students. Dwight-Englewood is a member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools and has been awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence. This college preparatory school is ranked by Niche as the best private school in Bergen County and the ninth-best college prep private high school in New Jersey. With a student to teacher ratio of 10 to 1, your student will receive individualized attention at this institution.
Dwight-Englewood School is known for its extracurricular activities, especially its robotics teams. The robotics teams have competed at state, regional, and international levels, even winning the New Jersey FTC Championship in 2018, and going on to place 18th in the world at the Edison division at the world championship. A few notable alumni from this prestigious school include Brooke Shields, Bob Bakish, and Anthony Bourdain. Tuition at the highest level is $41,780.
Pioneer Academy | National Blue Ribbon-Awarded Hackensack High School
- Affiliation: Non-denominational
- Enrollment: 418
With only 418 students and 29 teachers, Pioneer Academy is one of the best high schools in North Jersey and offers individualized attention for each student. The college-prep school’s curriculum focuses on science, mathematics, cultural students, and language. This school serves students in grades kindergarten through 12 and has high reading and math proficiency levels.
Pioneer Academy offers both boarding and day school options, meaning your child has the option to live on campus. If you choose to go this route, your child will enjoy a fully-furnished room, entertainment centers, laundry facilities, dining services, a fitness room, and more. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate, over 80 student clubs and activities, 28 AP and honors courses, and an 8 to 1 student to teacher ratio. Tuition starts around $23,900, but the college awards nearly $5 million in scholarships every year.
Primoris Academy | One of the Best High Schools in Hackensack NJ
- Affiliation: Non-denominational
- Enrollment: 118
Students attending Primoris Academy receive a very personalized education, with a student to teacher ratio of three to one. The graduation rate is 100%, and the most popular college options for graduating students include Brown University, New York University, and Harvard University, according to Niche. Niche also ranks this school as the second-best high school for the arts in New Jersey, the fourth-most diverse private high school in New Jersey, and the eighth-best private K-12 school in New Jersey.
If you’re curious about this school, you can sign your child up for “Shadow Days.” For a $300 fee, your student can attend the school for three days to see if it is a good fit for them. Tuition is based on grade level.
Riverdale Country School | Ranked As the Best Private School in the Country
- Affiliation: Non-denominational
- Enrollment: 1,200
Because Hackensack is one of the most popular New Jersey cities near New York City, you can enjoy access to Riverdale Country School in The Bronx, New York City. This school was ranked by Niche as the best private K through 12 school in America, and has a yearly tuition of $66,650. The school offers college-preparatory classes in math, science, and humanities, and offers Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
The graduation rate for Riverdale Country School is 100%, the average SAT score is 1460, and the average ACT score is 34. The school also has 31 varsity interscholastic sports teams, including cross country, fencing, track and field, football, and volleyball. A few notable alumni of Riverdale Country School include Chevy Chase, John F. Kennedy, and Carly Simon.
Map of Best High Schools in Hackensack NJ
Find your ideal Hackensack high school on this interactive map.
Let Harrington Moving & Storage Help You Get Settled
There are numerous excellent high schools in Hackensack, NJ, that will set your student up for success. Once you’ve found the perfect Hackensack high school for your child, let Harrington Moving & Storage help you get settled. Our Hackensack movers will help you move into your new home, getting all of your belongings to your new location safely and efficiently. To discuss your moving needs and get started with a free quote, give our team a call at (973) 313-2246.
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