Of course, choosing the right school for your child is a big decision.
You want great teachers, a strong learning program, and a community that helps your child feel supported and inspired.
Luckily, Bergen County has some of the best elementary schools in New Jersey!
With small classes, caring teachers, and exciting programs like STEM, these schools offer everything kids need to learn and grow.
To make it easier for you, here’s a simple guide to the best elementary schools in Bergen County.
- Schools like Alpine and Orchard Elementary offer strong academics, small class sizes, and programs like STEM to help kids succeed.
- Schools such as Hawes and Cherry Hill are praised for their welcoming and inclusive environments, where children feel supported and happy.
- Many Bergen schools, including those in Ridgewood and Tenafly, are highly ranked for their focus on academics, activities, and student growth.
Bergen’s Top Schools According to U.S. News
Bergen County is home to some of the best elementary schools in New Jersey.
According to the 2025 U.S. News rankings, four schools made it into the top 25 out of more than 2,300 schools statewide.
These schools have earned their spots because of their strong academics, excellent teachers, and welcoming communities.
Let’s take a closer look at them.
1. Orchard Elementary School, Ridgewood
Ranked #10 in New Jersey, Orchard Elementary School is a favorite for families who want a balance between academics and a supportive community.
In fact, the school has 346 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, meaning kids get plenty of personal attention in class.
Orchard is known for its warm, friendly environment where children feel encouraged to learn and grow.
Due to its ranking, this could well be the best elementary school for your little one/s.
2. Brookside School, Allendale
Brookside School is ranked 17th in New Jersey and is known for balancing academics and fun activities.
As one of the top schools in NJ, they focus on nurturing students to feel confident and happy while learning.
Families praise Brookside for its strong support system that helps children succeed in and out of the classroom.
3. Alexander Hamilton School, Glen Rock
Coming in at #21 in the state, Alexander Hamilton School is where kids can thrive academically and explore their interests in extracurricular activities.
The school’s strong focus on learning and creativity gives students opportunities to excel in all areas of their education.
Parents appreciate its well-rounded approach since it, in turn, helps prepare kids for the future.
4. Cherry Hill School, River Edge
Ranked #25 in New Jersey, Cherry Hill School is one of the largest on the list, with 713 students.
Despite its size, the school maintains a close-knit, family-like atmosphere.
With a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, Cherry Hill ensures students receive the guidance they need to succeed.
Parents often highlight the caring and dedicated teachers who go out of their way to support every child.
The school’s strong sense of community and academic focus make it a top pick for families.
The Niche.com Top 10
Niche.com is like the Yelp for schools.
It uses data like academics, diversity, and parent reviews to grade schools.
Ten Bergen County elementary schools made the top of their list for 2025, proving they’re some of the best places for kids to learn and grow.
1. Alpine Public School (Alpine)
Ranked #2 in New Jersey, Alpine Public School is a top-notch school with only 165 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
And it’s amazing how its small size and personalized attention give it the feel of a private school.
Parents love how welcoming and down-to-earth the community is, even though the school is in one of the wealthiest areas.
Alpine also stands out for its strong STEM and STEAM programs, which prepare students for the future in fun and creative ways.
2. Orchard Elementary School (Ridgewood)
Orchard Elementary School is a star in the U.S. News and Niche.com rankings.
With 346 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, this school is known for its high academic standards and warm, supportive environment.
Parents praise the school for giving students a strong academic foundation while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
3. Hawes Elementary School (Ridgewood)
Hawes Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and is described by parents as a nurturing and supportive school.
Teachers here are known for going the extra mile to ensure every child feels valued and encouraged to succeed.
Families love how the school balances academics with opportunities for creativity and personal growth, which makes it a favorite in the Ridgewood area.
4. Cherry Hill School (River Edge)
Cherry Hill School made it onto both the U.S. News and Niche.com lists, and for good reason.
With 713 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, it combines strong academics with a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere.
Parents often highlight the school’s caring teachers and the sense of community that makes it a special place for kids to learn and grow.
5. Wandell School (Saddle River)
Wandell School is one of the smallest schools on the list, with just 107 students and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1.
Parents love the small class sizes because they allow teachers to give kids lots of individual attention.
Wandell is praised for creating a calm, focused environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
6. Ridge Elementary School (Ridgewood)
Ridge Elementary is well-loved for its amazing teachers and the strong involvement of parents in the school community.
Families appreciate how the school encourages kids to reach their full potential while teaching them the importance of teamwork and giving back to the community.
7. Willard Elementary School (Ridgewood)
Willard Elementary makes transitioning to a new school easy for kids and their families.
Parents share how quickly their children adjusted, thanks to the welcoming teachers and supportive environment.
Willard stands out for combining strong academics with a focus on student well-being, which makes it a top choice for Ridgewood families.
8. Edith A. Bogert Elementary School (Upper Saddle River)
Edith A. Bogert Elementary is known for providing a well-rounded education in a close-knit school community.
Parents praise the dedicated teachers who support their kids in every way, and the school’s enrichment programs allow students to explore their talents and interests beyond the classroom.
9. Malcolm S. Mackay Elementary School (Tenafly)
Malcolm S. Mackay Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, so kids get plenty of attention and care here.
Parents love the friendly and supportive atmosphere, along with the exciting after-school activities that help kids grow outside of academics.
Families often say this school does a great job preparing students for middle school and beyond.
10. Ralph S. Maugham Elementary School (Tenafly)
Ralph S. Maugham Elementary wraps up the top 10 list with 333 students and a glowing reputation.
Parents often talk about the passion and kindness of the teachers, who create a positive and encouraging place for kids to learn.
One parent said it best: “Great teachers and a loving community!”
But Wait, There’s More!
Aside from the top 10, there are so many other fantastic NJ schools.
Here’s a list of more schools that parents love:
- Walter Stillman Elementary School (Tenafly)
- J. Spencer Smith Elementary School (Tenafly)
- Somerville Elementary School (Ridgewood)
- Ho-Ho-Kus Public School (Ho-Ho-Kus)
- Travell Elementary School (Ridgewood)
- Haworth Public School (Haworth)
- Luther Lee Emerson School (Demarest)
- Lyncrest Elementary School (Fair Lawn)
- Roosevelt Elementary School (River Edge)
- Upper School (Englewood Cliffs)
- Oradell School (Oradell)
- Harrington Park School (Harrington Park)
- Henry B. Milnes Elementary School (Fair Lawn)
- Fort Lee School No. 1 (Fort Lee)
- Alexander Hamilton School (Glen Rock)
Your Child’s Future Starts Here
Every child deserves a school where they can learn, grow, and feel supported daily.
Bergen County’s top schools are ready to welcome your family with open arms and help your child reach their full potential.
These schools offer everything your child needs to succeed—great teachers, strong academics, and a caring community.
Start your journey now and give your child the bright, exciting future they deserve!
