Introduction: Top-rated schools NJ suburbs
What makes a suburb the right fit for families leaving New York City? For many, the answer lies in a powerful combination: excellent schools and a manageable commute. Education quality is often the biggest long-term investment tied to buying a home, and in northern New Jersey—where leafy neighborhoods meet direct train and bus lines into Manhattan—the top-rated schools NJ suburbs can be the deciding factor for relocating parents.
This guide compares ten commuter towns, highlighting elementary, middle, and high schools with ratings from Niche and U.S. News. We also look at housing ranges, cost of living, and commute options to help you weigh trade-offs. Whether you’re drawn to Summit’s STEM strengths, Montclair’s magnet system, or Millburn’s nationally ranked high school, these suburbs show how families can find opportunity, convenience, and community just beyond the city.
Comparison Table: Top-Rated Schools Across NYC Commuters Town in NJ
| Suburb (commuting time) | Elementary School (ES) | Middle School (MS) | High School (HS) | Special Programs / Strengths | Public vs. Private | Best Fit for Families |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit (~40min via NJ Transit, direct train) | Franklin ES – Niche Grade A | Summit MS – A | Summit HS – A, Top 20 NJ | STEM + AP | Predominantly public | Families with teens aiming for college prep |
| Ridgewood (~50 min via NJ Transit, transfer at Secaucus) | Orchard ES – Niche Grade A+ | GW MS – A | Ridgewood HS – A, Top 30 NJ | Arts + athletics | Public anchors community | Families with kids at all levels (K–12) |
| Montclair(~40–45 min via NJ Transit, direct train) | Watchung ES – Niche Grade A | Buzz Aldrin MS – B+ | Montclair HS – B, Top 60 NJ | Magnet system, arts focus | Public + private | Creative families valuing diversity |
| Westfield(~45 min via NJ Transit, direct train) | Franklin ES – Niche Grade A | Roosevelt IS – A- | Westfield HS – A, Top 50 NJ | Balanced academics | Strong public | Families wanting balance + walkability |
| Tenafly(~35–40 min via NJ Transit bus, no train) | Three ES with Niche Grade A+ | Tenafly MS – A | Tenafly HS – A+, Top 15 NJ | STEM + college readiness | Mostly public | Academically focused families prioritizing HS |
| Glen Rock(~50 min via NJ Transit, transfer at Secaucus) | Three ES with Niche Grade A | Glen Rock MS – A | Glen Rock HS – A, Top 30 NJ | Small community | Public-oriented | Families seeking small-town feel |
| Chatham(~45 min via NJ Transit, direct train) | Multiple ES with A and A+ Niche Ranking | Chatham MS – A | Chatham HS – A, Top 30 NJ | STEM strengths | Predominantly public | STEM-focused families (K–12) |
| Millburn(~30–35 min via NJ Transit, direct train) | Deerfield ES – Niche Grade A+ | Millburn MS – A | Millburn HS – A+, Top 5 NJ | AP/IB powerhouse | Public-dominant | Families moving for elite HS |
| Englewood Cliffs(~25–35 min via car/bus over GWB, no train) | North Cliff ES – Niche Grade B+ | Leonia MS – B+ | Leonia HS – B (Niche), B+ (U.S. News) | Community focus | Public + nearby private | Young families prioritizing ES + location |
| Maplewood / South Orange(~30–40 min via NJ Transit, direct train) | Seth Boyden ES – B+ | South Orange MS – B | Columbia HS – B (Niche), Top 80 NJ (U.S. News) | Arts + athletics | Public + private | Families valuing diversity + culture |
Sources:
- Niche.com: Parent/student reviews, test scores, diversity, teacher quality.
- U.S. News Best High Schools: State tests, AP/IB participation, graduation rates, college readiness.
- Note on Data: Rankings and ratings are drawn from Niche.com (primary) and U.S. News Best High Schools (secondary). They reflect the latest available data at the time of this post. School performance and housing markets change over time; families should verify current information before making decisions.
Town Snapshots: Top-rated schools NJ suburbs
Summit (~35–40 min via NJ Transit, direct train)
Summit is known for its strong academics at every level, with the high school widely recognized for advanced courses and college prep. Families with older children thrive here, especially those focused on competitive universities.
Ridgewood (~50–55 min via NJ Transit, transfer at Secaucus; no direct bus)
Ridgewood offers consistently strong schools from elementary through high school, paired with excellent extracurriculars in sports and arts. It’s an ideal fit for families raising children of different ages who want stability across the K–12 journey.
Montclair (~35–45 min via NJ Transit, direct train)
Montclair’s magnet system allows families to tailor education to student interests, from STEM to performing arts. It’s especially appealing to creative families who value diversity, cultural vibrancy, and a progressive education model.
Westfield (~45 min via NJ Transit, direct train)
Westfield balances academic strength with a welcoming, walkable community. With schools that prepare kids well for both academics and extracurriculars, it’s a match for families seeking well-rounded opportunities in a suburban setting.
Tenafly (~35–40 min via NJ Transit bus, no train)
Tenafly stands out for its academic rigor, particularly at the high school level, and a strong record of college readiness. Families who prioritize education above all else, and are comfortable with a bus commute, will feel at home here.
Glen Rock (~40–50 min via NJ Transit, transfer at Secaucus)
In Glen Rock, smaller school sizes and close-knit community life create an intimate educational environment. Families who value a small-town atmosphere, personal connections, and solid academics find this suburb especially appealing.
Chatham (~45 min via NJ Transit, direct train)
Chatham’s schools are particularly strong in math and science, making it a natural fit for families with STEM-oriented children. The town’s consistency from elementary through high school reassures parents looking for long-term stability.
Millburn (~30–35 min via NJ Transit, direct train)
Millburn schools are considered among the best in New Jersey, with a reputation for academic intensity and advanced programs. Families with ambitious, academically driven students often choose Millburn for its challenging environment.
Englewood Cliffs (~25–35 min via car/bus over GWB, no train)
Englewood Cliffs offers excellent elementary options but relies on neighboring Leonia for upper grades. It’s best suited for young families who want strong early education and are open to private or specialized schooling later.
Maplewood / South Orange (~30–40 min via NJ Transit, direct train)
This area combines good schools with exceptional diversity and a strong arts culture. Families who want a progressive environment that blends education with creativity and inclusivity will feel right at home here.
Relocation Tips: Choosing the Right Fit
- Match School Level to Your Family – Millburn and Summit shine for high schools, Englewood Cliffs suits families with younger children.
- Balance Commute and Cost – Montclair and Maplewood offer both transit convenience and affordability.
- Budget for Taxes – Expect $15K–$25K+ in annual property taxes in elite districts.
- Look Beyond Rankings – Montclair’s arts or Maplewood’s diversity may matter more than AP counts.
- Test the Commute – Ride the train or bus during rush hour before making a move.
Elementary school classroom with wooden desks, chalkboard, and U.S. map.- Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash
Conclusion: Top-rated schools NJ suburbs
For families weighing the top-rated schools NJ suburbs offer, the decision depends on children’s ages, academic priorities, and commute trade-offs.
- For elite academics: Millburn, Summit, and Tenafly are top-tier.
- For K–12 consistency: Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Chatham shine.
- For balance and diversity: Montclair and Maplewood offer vibrant alternatives.
- For young families: Englewood Cliffs provides strong elementary schools and easy access to private options later.
Every suburb offers a different mix, but northern New Jersey stands out for delivering high-performing schools within one hour of NYC.
Explore more with our guides on Best NJ Suburbs with Top Schools and Fast Commutes, Top 10 NJ Suburbs for Work-Life Balance as well as Five New Jersey Towns with the Shortest Commute to NYC.
👉 For more trending stories from our Comparison section, click here.
👉 Interested in education-focused moves? Explore our guide to School Districts in NYC Commuter Towns.
👉 Or browse overall trending stories to see what’s shaping the ‘Cities to Suburbs’ lifestyle.