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

If you care about schools, Tenafly is almost certainly already on your shortlist. It is one of a handful of Bergen County towns where the public schools are the entire reason families move there, and the reputation is deserved. The Tenafly Public School District is rated A+ on Niche, ranked roughly #3 among all New Jersey districts, with testing performance in the top 5 percent statewide on SchoolDigger.

The honest trade-off is that Tenafly costs more than almost any nearby town. Here is a straight 2026 look at the district, from the elementary schools up to Tenafly High School, plus what the ratings do and do not tell you.

How Good Is the Tenafly School District Overall?

The Tenafly Public School District serves roughly 3,400 to 3,700 students across six schools: four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. On Niche it earns an Overall Grade of A+, ranking among the very top school districts in New Jersey. SchoolDigger gives it a 5-star rating and ranks it 37th of 609 districts statewide.

Academics, teachers, college prep, and diversity all earn top sub-grades. In short, high performance is the norm here, not the exception.

The Four Elementary Schools: All A+

Tenafly's four elementary schools all earn A+ ratings on Niche and rank among the top elementary schools in New Jersey. They are Malcolm S. Mackay, Ralph S. Maugham, Walter Stillman, and J. Spencer Smith, each serving a neighborhood of the borough in the elementary grades.

Because the borough is compact, most kids walk to class. Which school your address feeds into depends on your block, so confirm the boundary with the district office before you buy.

Tenafly Middle School: A Genuine Standout

Tenafly Middle School serves grades 6 through 8 and is one of the best public middle schools in the state. Niche ranks it among the top dozen public middle schools in New Jersey with an A+ grade, and U.S. News has it near the top of the New Jersey list as well.

Consolidating the upper grades into one strong middle school gives families a shared academic program and a smooth path to high school, with teachers who know students by name.

Tenafly High School: Elite Academics

Tenafly High School serves grades 9 through 12 and carries an A+ rating on Niche, ranking among the top high schools in New Jersey and in the top tier nationally. It offers a broad list of AP courses, a motivated student body, and a strong college placement record.

U.S. News consistently ranks it among New Jersey's leading high schools and in the top tier nationally. For families aiming at a competitive college application, that is exactly the environment that helps.

The Hidden Factor: A Motivated Parent Community

Tenafly's school performance does not happen by accident. The community is deeply invested in education, and Tenafly's Korean-American community has built a robust network of supplementary programs, including hagwons and tutoring centers, that families often cite as an additional academic resource.

That culture shows up in the classroom. When parents are this involved, students arrive prepared and engaged, which lifts the entire district.

How Do Tenafly Schools Compare to Nearby Towns?

Tenafly sits at the top of the Bergen County pack alongside Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and a few other elite districts. Towns like Fort Lee deliver very solid A- level academics at a more accessible price point, while Tenafly commands a premium for its top-tier reputation. For a countywide ranking, see our guide to the best schools in Bergen County.

That premium shows up in both home prices and property taxes. Before you commit, weigh the school advantages against the real cost of living here, which we break down in our guide to Tenafly property taxes.

What the Ratings Do Not Tell You

A district grade is a snapshot, not a promise. Boundaries and staffing 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. Tenafly's full appeal includes the Manhattan commute, the quiet suburban feel, and the 400-acre Tenafly Nature Center right in town.

The Bottom Line for Tenafly Families

Tenafly is one of the best school towns in New Jersey: an A+ district, four A+ elementary schools, a standout middle school, and an elite high school. If schools are your top priority and the price fits, it is hard to do better.

If you are comparing Tenafly 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.