Bergen County is home to some of the top-performing school districts in New Jersey, known for their exceptional academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and student achievements. Based on data from Niche, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best school districts in Bergen County for 2025. These districts continue to set the standard for educational excellence, offering students the resources they need to succeed. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these districts stand out.
1. Northern Valley Regional High School District
At the top of the list is Northern Valley Regional High School District, serving the towns of Demarest and Old Tappan. This district continues to earn accolades for its robust academic programs, including an extensive selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors tracks, and dual-enrollment opportunities. Northern Valley places a strong emphasis on career and technical education, offering pathways in biomedical technology, marketing, and computer science, among others. Its stellar college preparation and an average SAT score of 1340 highlight its commitment to academic excellence. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, personalized learning experiences are a cornerstone of this district’s success. There’s a reason why the Northern Valley is the #1 school district in all of New Jersey.
2. Ridgewood Public School District
Ridgewood Public School District, consistently ranked as one of the best in the state, takes second place. This district’s focus on both academic rigor and whole-child development helps its students thrive in multiple areas. Ridgewood offers an impressive variety of AP courses and extracurricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, and academic clubs. Notably, its students score significantly above average in state assessments, with 81% of students proficient in reading and 75% in math. A supportive learning environment and a wide range of resources make Ridgewood a standout choice for families prioritizing top-tier education.
3. Tenafly Public School District
Ranked third, Tenafly Public School District is known for its dedication to academic excellence and cultural diversity. The district’s curriculum is both challenging and comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on college readiness. Tenafly students benefit from a wide array of AP courses, competitive sports programs, and an engaging fine arts scene. What sets Tenafly apart is its innovative teaching methods and commitment to fostering a global perspective among students. With high SAT scores and exceptional graduation rates, Tenafly prepares students not only for college but also for life beyond the classroom.
4. River Dell Regional School District
River Dell Regional School District, serving the communities of Oradell and River Edge, is ranked fourth on our list. The district stands out for its small class sizes and highly engaged teachers, leading to a supportive, close-knit educational environment. River Dell offers a broad range of courses, including AP and honors classes, to ensure students are well-prepared for college. The district also excels in athletics and the arts, offering students numerous opportunities to explore their interests. River Dell’s focus on creating a well-rounded educational experience ensures students develop both academically and personally.
5. Rutherford School District
Rutherford School District takes the fifth spot, thanks to its commitment to academic excellence and its strong sense of community. Known for its well-rounded curriculum and extensive extracurricular offerings, Rutherford prepares students for future success with a variety of AP courses, clubs, and sports. The district has high proficiency rates in both math and reading, and students perform exceptionally well on state assessments. Rutherford’s supportive learning environment and strong community ties make it a top choice for families in Bergen County.
6. Mahwah Township Public School District
Ranked sixth, Mahwah Township Public School District offers students a wealth of opportunities for growth and achievement. The district excels in both academics and extracurricular activities, with a variety of AP courses and numerous clubs and sports teams. Mahwah’s focus on STEM education, as well as its commitment to the arts, allows students to explore diverse interests and develop a well-rounded skill set. The district’s supportive staff and administration help foster a positive learning environment, ensuring students are prepared for college and beyond.
7. Pascack Valley Regional High School District
Pascack Valley Regional High School District, which serves the communities of Hillsdale and Montvale, comes in seventh. Known for its innovative approach to education, Pascack Valley offers a technology-rich learning environment that includes the use of one-to-one laptops for students. The district provides a robust selection of AP courses and is a leader in digital learning initiatives, helping students stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Pascack Valley’s dedication to preparing students for the future, both in academics and life skills, sets it apart from other districts.
8. Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District
Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District ranks eighth, offering a diverse range of academic programs that cater to different learning styles. The district places a strong emphasis on individualized education, allowing students to pursue courses that align with their passions and career goals. In addition to its comprehensive curriculum, Ramapo Indian Hills also offers a range of extracurricular activities and sports, encouraging students to stay engaged both inside and outside the classroom. Its commitment to academic and personal development makes it a great choice for students seeking a balanced education.
9. Fair Lawn School District
Fair Lawn School District, ranked ninth, is known for its excellent academic programs and diverse student body. The district offers a wide array of AP courses, honors classes, and extracurricular activities, ensuring students have ample opportunities to explore their interests. Fair Lawn places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and creating a supportive learning environment for all students. With high proficiency rates in both math and reading, Fair Lawn consistently demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence.
10. Park Ridge School District
Rounding out the top 10 is Park Ridge School District. Despite its small size, Park Ridge offers an impressive range of academic and extracurricular options. The district’s close-knit community and supportive teachers create a nurturing learning environment where students can thrive. Park Ridge is particularly known for its strong athletics programs and commitment to the arts, offering students numerous opportunities to excel beyond the classroom.
Bergen County's Best School Districts in 2025
These districts have consistently demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and whole-child development. From cutting-edge technology programs to rigorous AP courses, Bergen County’s top 10 school districts for 2025 offer students a well-rounded, high-quality education that prepares them for success both in college and beyond.
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