What Are the Best Schools in Ridgewood NJ? A 2026 Parent's Guide

If schools top your list, Ridgewood is one of the first towns in Bergen County that comes up, and the reputation is earned. The Ridgewood Public School District is rated A+ on Niche, ranks about fifth among all New Jersey districts, and sits in the state's highest District Factor Group, the measure New Jersey uses for socioeconomic and educational advantage.

The trade-off is that this level of school quality is priced in. Here is a straight 2026 look at the district, from the elementary schools up to Ridgewood High School, plus what the ratings do and do not tell you. For the full picture of daily life here, see our guide to moving to Ridgewood.

How Good Is the Ridgewood District Overall?

Ridgewood Public Schools serves roughly 5,400 students from pre-K through 12th grade across ten schools, with a graduation rate near 95 percent. On Niche it earns an overall grade of A+, ranking about fifth among all New Jersey districts and third within Bergen County. Academics, teachers, and college prep all score in the A range.

This is not a school system where one standout building carries the average. The performance is consistent from kindergarten through graduation, which is what makes Ridgewood so reliable for families planning a long stay.

The Six Elementary Schools: All Top-Rated

Ridgewood's six neighborhood elementary schools all serve kindergarten through fifth grade, and nearly all earn A+ ratings on Niche: Orchard, Hawes, Willard, Ridge, Somerville, and Travell. U.S. News ranks Orchard first in the district and among the top elementary schools in the state.

Class sizes are modest, with student-teacher ratios around 12 or 13 to 1, and most families live within walking distance of their assigned school. Which building your address feeds into depends on your block, so confirm the boundary with the district before you buy.

Middle School: A Solid Bridge

Ridgewood operates two middle schools, Benjamin Franklin Middle School and George Washington Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8. Both feed the same high school, and both carry the district's strong academic reputation with a full set of honors classes and extracurriculars.

Because the middle years are often when students either accelerate or stall, Ridgewood's consistent programming here is one of the quieter reasons families choose the village.

Ridgewood High School: Elite Academics

Ridgewood High School serves roughly 1,740 students in grades 9 through 12. It carries an A+ rating on Niche, ranks among the top public high schools in New Jersey, and scores 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools. The AP program is deep, the athletics are consistently excellent, and college placement is strong.

The school is large enough to offer a wide range of courses and activities, which suits students who want options, while the village setting keeps the feel connected to the community.

How Ridgewood Compares to Nearby Districts

Ridgewood sits at the top of the Bergen County pack alongside Tenafly and Glen Rock, both of which are also rated A+ on Niche. For a look at Tenafly's district, see our Tenafly schools guide. Towns like Fort Lee deliver very solid A- level academics at a more accessible price point.

That premium shows up in both home prices and property taxes. Before you commit, weigh the school advantages against the real cost, which we break down in our guide to Ridgewood property taxes. For a countywide ranking, see our guide to the best schools in Bergen County.

What the Ratings Do Not Tell You

A district grade is a snapshot, not a promise. Boundaries, staffing, and program offerings change, so I recommend touring the schools, reading recent test results, and talking to a few parents before you decide.

And remember that schools are part of a bigger picture. Ridgewood's full appeal includes the NJ Transit commute to Manhattan and a walkable downtown that makes everyday life genuinely pleasant, which our honest Ridgewood living guide covers in depth.

The Bottom Line for Ridgewood Families

Ridgewood is one of the best school towns in New Jersey: an A+ district, six top-rated elementary schools, strong middle schools, and an elite high school. If education is your top priority and the price fits, it is hard to do better.

If you are comparing Ridgewood with nearby towns and want to weigh schools against price, taxes, and commute, I would be glad to help. With 32+ years in this corridor, I know the districts and the blocks that feed them. Planning a move to or from New Jersey? You might also want to read our NJ to Florida relocation guide.