Parents across New Jersey have a new set of middle school rankings to check out, stretching from city districts to quiet suburbs. U.S. News & World Report just released its latest list of the state’s top public middle schools, and it highlights both familiar names and schools that have been climbing the ranks.
The list shows that strong academics and supportive communities can happen anywhere — from urban districts to smaller towns where families are deeply involved.
How the Rankings Work
U.S. News looked at how students performed in math and reading, while also weighing how schools support kids from all backgrounds. Half of the score comes from actual test results, and the other half compares how students do against what’s expected based on their socioeconomic backgrounds.
In other words, the top schools aren’t just places where kids do well — they’re schools that help every student succeed.
The rankings also use student-to-teacher ratios to break ties when scores are close. Only public schools with enough students and test data are ranked, and charter schools are ranked alongside traditional district schools statewide.
The result is a snapshot of schools where students are genuinely thriving — not just hitting high test scores.
Schools Making a Difference
Leading the list this year is Infinity Institute in Jersey City, followed by School 28 in Paterson, which also performed well in the elementary rankings. Across the state, schools in Englewood Cliffs, Princeton, Ho-Ho-Kus, Brookside, Somerset, Allendale, and Rumson earned spots near the top.
Charter schools like Princeton Charter and Thomas Edison Energysmart continue to stand out for rigorous academics and specialized programs. Traditional districts show how strong leadership and community support can make a big difference. Students in these schools have access to robotics and STEM teams, music and arts programs, and other extracurriculars that take learning beyond the classroom.
New Jersey’s Top 20 Public Middle Schools for 2026
- Infinity Institute – Jersey City
- School 28 – Paterson
- Upper School – Englewood Cliffs
- Princeton Charter School – Princeton
- Mendham Township Middle School – Brookside
- Ho-Ho-Kus Public School – Ho-Ho-Kus
- Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School – Somerset
- Hatikvah International Academy Charter School – East Brunswick
- Brookside School – Allendale
- Forrestdale School – Rumson
- Markham Place School – Little Silver
- Deerfield Elementary School – Mountainside
- Briarcliff Middle School – Mountain Lakes
- Sara M. Gilmore Academy – Union City
- Mountain View School – Mendham
- Knollwood School – Fair Haven
- Millburn Middle School – Millburn
- Tenafly Middle School – Tenafly
- John Adams Middle School – Edison
- Emil A. Cavallini Middle School – Upper Saddle River
Why the Recognition Matters
Rankings can’t tell the full story, but they highlight where schools are doing something right. Many of the top schools combine strong academics with programs that help students grow outside the classroom — whether it’s STEM clubs, music and arts programs, or other hands-on opportunities.
Educators say the list points to schools where leadership, community support, and student-focused programs make a real difference for every student.
New Jersey Schools Lead the Way
The 2026 rankings show what families already know: excellent schools are everywhere, from city districts to small suburban towns. Whether it’s a charter school or a traditional program, these middle schools are setting the bar high. Students can leave ready for high school and everything that comes next.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.