Parents across New Jersey may want to take note — U.S. News & World Report has released its newest list of the state’s best public elementary schools, and the results stretch from Paterson to the Shore.
At the top of this year’s rankings sits School 28 in Paterson for a second straight year, a surprise to some and a point of pride for many. The small neighborhood school has climbed its way to the No. 1 spot last year thanks to steady test-score gains, strong leadership, and a focus on reading and math that’s paying off.
How the Rankings Work
The annual study pulls data from the U.S. Department of Education and measures schools on proficiency in math and reading, student achievement, and teacher-to-student ratios. In all, researchers reviewed nearly 47,000 elementary schools nationwide.
Schools that scored high in both subjects, while maintaining balanced classroom sizes, earned the top rankings. Researchers also adjusted results for student backgrounds to make comparisons fairer between large suburban districts and smaller city schools.
Paterson Leads, but Big Names Fill the List
While Paterson’s win headlines this year’s report, plenty of familiar heavyweights appear throughout the top 20 — districts in Millburn, Rumson, Summit, and Ridgewood once again earned spots near the top.
Here’s the full list of New Jersey’s top 20 public elementary schools for 2026:
- School 28 – Paterson
- Cornelia F. Bradford School – Jersey City
- Princeton Charter School – Princeton
- Washington Elementary School – Westfield
- Forrestdale School – Rumson
- Wyoming School – Millburn
- Deerfield School – Millburn
- Alexander Hamilton School – Glen Rock
- Sara M. Gilmore Academy – Union City
- Wildwood Elementary School – Mountain Lakes
- Central School – Haddonfield
- Hatikvah International Academy Charter School
- Navesink Elementary School – Middletown
- Hilldale School – Montville
- Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary School – Summit
- Essex Fells Elementary School – Essex Fells
- Torey J. Sabatini School – Madison
- Harrison Elementary School – Livingston
- South Valley Elementary School – Moorestown
- Orchard Elementary School – Ridgewood
Why the Recognition Matters
For parents deciding where to live or which public school to choose, these rankings can help paint a picture of how local districts are performing. But educators often remind families that test scores only tell part of the story.
Great schools also rely on community support, dedicated teachers, and programs that help kids grow outside the classroom — from music and art to sports and social development. Many on this year’s list earned praise not just for academics but also for creative learning and student wellbeing.
A Big Win for Paterson
For Paterson, School 28’s continued success stands as proof that progress in urban districts is possible. This marks the second consecutive year the school has topped U.S. News’ statewide list.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.