If you’re a parent in New Jersey, chances are you’ve already googled ‘best school districts in NJ’ more than once. Maybe you’re thinking about moving. Perhaps you’re already living in a good district, but you’re wondering: is there something better out there?

Well, as you can imagine, there’s no single “perfect” district—no matter what a spreadsheet or ranking site tells you. What looks top-tier on paper might feel too competitive for your child. Or, a smaller district you’ve barely heard of could offer exactly the kind of support and enrichment your kid thrives in. That’s why this guide is a breakdown of what makes each of the leading districts unique, based on the latest data from Niche.

At the end of the day, finding a district where your child feels safe, challenged, supported—and maybe even excited to go to school, is all that matters.

Northern Valley Regional High School District (Demarest)

Northern Valley Regional in Demarest is ranked the #1 public school district in New Jersey, according to Niche’s 2025 report. It earns that top spot with its strong academic performance, college credit access, and a smaller-scale environment that some families will prefer over larger districts.

The district serves just over 2,200 students across three schools and keeps a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. That’s lower than what you’ll find in West Windsor-Plainsboro or Livingston, and it can make a difference—especially for students who do better with more direct support in the classroom.

One of Northern Valley’s biggest strengths is its approach to college readiness. Students have access to 55 dual-enrollment options through partnerships with Bergen Community College, NJIT, Seton Hall, and Fairleigh Dickinson—a large number—more than many other top-ranked districts offer—and it gives students a chance to earn college credit before they graduate.

Advanced Placement courses are also widely available here. 87% of students are enrolled in AP classes, which shows how much the district encourages academic stretch. And based on test scores, students are doing well: 57% are proficient in math, and 72% in reading—both are above the state average.

Outside of academics, the district offers over 60 student clubs and more than 20 varsity sports. Recent state titles in volleyball and tennis reflect the strength of the athletics program, but, beyond competition, there’s support for a wide range of interests.

What Makes This District Unique

• One of the only public districts in NJ where college-level courses are part of the mainstream track
• Maintains intensive academics (87% AP enrollment) while staying non-selective and accessible
• Leverages its smaller size to create a predictable academic structure without sacrificing opportunity
• Offers real pathways into college without needing to leave the public system or apply to a magnet

Best For

• Parents who want college credit opportunities built directly into the public school experience — no need for early college programs or magnet applications
• Students who benefit from consistent structure and strong teacher access — especially those who prefer smaller class sizes and defined academic tracks
• Families who prioritize readiness for college admissions — and want AP, dual-enrollment, and advising to be part of the default school experience, not something you have to push for

Millburn Township School District

Millburn has a long-standing reputation for academic strength, and it’s still one of the best NJ school districts—ranked #3 statewide in Niche’s 2025 report. Families looking for high performance in a traditional, structured public school setting will find a lot to like here.

It serves just under 4,800 students across eight schools, with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio—slightly higher than smaller districts like Northern Valley, but still in a range that allows for direct support and classroom engagement.

Test scores here are among the strongest in the state: 77% of students are proficient in math, 86% in reading, and the average SAT score is 1410. The graduation rate sits at 98%, and ACT scores average 32, which is notably high even compared to other top-performing districts.

Millburn High School offers 30 AP courses, and while fewer students take AP overall compared to some peer schools (38% participation), those who do tend to succeed—a 97% pass rate.

Unlike districts that have invested heavily in dual-enrollment programs, Millburn has stayed focused on traditional classroom instruction and test-based college preparation—a model that works for a lot of students—especially those who prefer clear structure and steady academic expectations.

Millburn students have access to loads of extracurriculars, including academic teams like robotics and math league, a performing arts program, and community service groups. Most activities are tied closely to academic or professional skill-building, which fits the school’s overall emphasis on preparation and performance.

What Makes This District Unique

• Prioritizes traditional academic performance over program variety — no dual enrollment, no alternative tracks
• Offers deep AP course options (30 total), with a 97% pass rate — success is prioritized over participation volume
• One of the highest average SAT (1410) and ACT (32) scores in the state
• Consistent performance across schools with tight academic expectations and a clear college-prep focus
• Emphasizes structured, test-based achievement over flexible learning paths

Best For

• Students aiming for highly selective colleges and who perform well in structured, exam-based environments
• Families who want a school where academic rigor is the priority, and where nearly every course, club, and extracurricular supports college admissions
• Parents looking for measurable academic outcomes — like a 1410 SAT average and 97% AP pass rate — rather than broad programming or alternative tracks

Bonus: Have you been to the best 10 places to visit in New Jersey?

Princeton Public Schools

Princeton Public Schools is ranked #2 in Niche’s 2025 list of the best NJ school districts. It earns that position not by maxing out on test prep or rigid structure, but by offering high academic standards in a district that still leaves room for exploration.

The district serves about 3,800 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, and the numbers are strong: 1370 SAT average, 31 ACT, and 75% reading proficiency. Math proficiency is slightly lower at 58%, but still well above the state average.

It has to be said that Princeton is different in how it handles advanced coursework. Students can choose from 24 AP classes, and 51% of high schoolers do, but the district doesn’t push AP enrollment as a badge of success. It rather focuses on making sure students who take APs are prepared—which shows in the 98% AP pass rate. That’s a higher success rate than Millburn, despite Princeton having a less aggressive approach to AP participation.

Princeton’s extracurricular scene is where a lot of students find their stride. The performing arts program is unusually strong for a public district, with consistent support and high turnout across schools. Academic and civic clubs are just as active—students regularly qualify for national competitions in science, debate, and the humanities, giving kids serious outlets to explore beyond the standard curriculum.

And then there’s the location. Being based in a university town gives students access to public lectures, events, and enrichment that other districts simply don’t have.

While it’s not a formal partnership with Princeton University, students benefit from programs like the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), which offers rigorous academic and cultural enrichment to high-achieving, low-income high school students from local districts.

Additionally, the Emma Bloomberg Center for Access & Opportunity provides summer programs that prepare first-generation and lower-income students for college success.

Here, students are expected to take their work seriously—but they’re not micromanaged. That’s a good thing for kids who want to stretch without being boxed in.

What Makes This District Unique

• AP participation is optional — but those who take them succeed: 98% AP pass rate across 24 courses
• One of the only districts where students benefit from proximity to a major university — access to Princeton University events, talks, and academic programs adds real-world depth
• Strong across academic subjects, but also especially strong in the arts, writing, and civic programming — national-level success in humanities competitions reflects that
• Runs on structure, not strictness — students are expected to perform, but given room to explore

Best For

• Families with academically strong students who prefer autonomy over constant oversight
• Students interested in liberal arts, writing, or performing arts, who want access to well-supported programs and national competitions
• Parents who want their child to benefit from living in a university town, where enrichment opportunities and academic exposure extend far beyond the classroom

West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District

Ranked #5 in Niche’s 2025 list of the best schools in New Jersey, West Windsor-Plainsboro is one of the few large districts on this list—and still manages to offer structure, flexibility, and high-level academics without getting impersonal.

The district serves just under 9,400 students across ten schools, including two high schools: WW-P North and WW-P South. The 12:1 student-teacher ratio is better than average for a district this size, and both schools consistently perform near the top of the state in testing. Students average a 1400 SAT and 31 ACT, and the graduation rate is over 95%.

Advanced Placement is a real strength here. Both high schools offer a wide selection—25+ AP courses, including AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Economics, and AP Statistics. Participation is high, and AP pass rates are strong—95% at South and 96% at North, according to Niche. Course guides emphasize access rather than gatekeeping, and there are clear systems in place for students to map out multi-year academic paths based on their goals.

Outside the classroom, extracurriculars are well-established and well-funded. WW-P South’s Model UN team is nationally ranked and regularly competes at high-profile conferences. The orchestra and band programs are among the most competitive in New Jersey, with students performing at regional and state-level festivals every year.

WW-P also benefits from being one of the most diverse public school districts in the state, which is reflected in its leadership programs, student initiatives, and parent engagement.

What Makes This District Unique

• Over 25 AP courses are offered, with strong participation and access across both high schools
• SAT and ACT scores among the top in the state: 1400 and 31 averages
• Nationally ranked Model UN team and award-winning performing arts programs
• One of NJ’s most diverse districts, with programming that reflects it

Best For

• Students who want to excel in academics but also have space to pursue music, Model UN, or long-term extracurricular commitments
• Families who want a top academic district without the rigidity of Millburn or the smaller scale of Northern Valley
• Parents seeking a diverse public school community where high test scores and strong arts programming can go hand in hand

Tenafly Public Schools

Tenafly ranks #6 in New Jersey for overall district performance in Niche’s 2025 report. With just under 3,500 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, it’s one of the smallest high-achieving districts on this list—and that size shapes everything from classroom access to how programs run.

Academically, Tenafly students post standout results: the average SAT score is 1350, ACT is 30, and the graduation rate is 98%.The high school offers 20+ AP courses, and while AP enrollment isn’t as aggressive as Northern Valley or Millburn, the district maintains high pass rates and clear course support.

Among the top schools in NJ, Tenafly stands out for how it handles global education. Nearly half the students speak a second language at home, and that diversity is built into the curriculum—not solely demographics. Language instruction starts early, and multicultural programming runs through every grade.

Clubs and extracurriculars reflect that same approach: more than 50 student-led organizations and 25 varsity teams, with a heavier emphasis on academics, music, and civic groups than on high-profile athletics. The orchestra program consistently earns statewide recognition, and arts funding holds up well from elementary through high school.

Compared to Ridgewood or Livingston, Tenafly doesn’t offer the same size or range—and it doesn’t have dual-enrollment options like Northern Valley. But for families looking for a quieter, high-performing district with a global perspective and day-to-day structure, this is one worth considering.

What Makes This District Unique

• One of the smallest academically elite districts in NJ, with just 3,487 students and an 11:1 ratio
• Strong test scores without the high-pressure culture
• Early language education and real multicultural integration — nearly 50% of students speak a second language at home
• Stronger in music and academic programming than athletics — the orchestra is a standout here

Best For

• Parents moving from private to public school who still want small class sizes and a close-knit academic setting without sacrificing results
• Students who may feel out of place in ultra-competitive districts but still want strong outcomes — Tenafly is structured, but not high-pressure
• Multilingual families or international professionals seeking a school community where cultural diversity is the norm and not a sidebar

Choosing the Best School District in New Jersey

Naturally, there is no universal “best”—only what’s best for your family, your student, and your priorities.

Every one of these districts delivers results. But the real question is what kind of experience you want your child to have on the way there.

Use this breakdown to cut through the noise, narrow your list, and you’ll be one step closer to finding the best district for your family.

P.S. Perhaps you’re moving to the Garden State; if so, here’s what every home buyer in NJ needs to know.

Sports betting has come a long way – from dice games in ancient Mesopotamia to AI-powered bets on esports.

While pinpointing the first wager is impossible, early forms of gambling appeared in civilizations like Ancient China, Greece, and Rome, where chariot races and gladiator fights drew crowds and coins.

Despite opposition during the Middle Ages, betting persisted and found new life in Renaissance-era horse racing. By the 19th century, bookmakers, odds, and regulation began shaping the industry we know today.

The 20th century saw betting go mainstream thanks to radio and TV, but the real game-changer was the internet. Online sportsbooks turned betting into a global phenomenon.

Today, mobile apps, live data, AI, and crypto are redefining the rules yet again.

Join us as we trace the wild evolution of sports betting – from ancient rituals to digital revolutions.

Where It All Began: Early Gambling in Ancient Civilizations

Before the emergence of great civilizations, humans may have been rolling the dice, literally.. Archaeological findings in Mesopotamia, which date back to circa 3000 BCE, reveal objects fashioned out of astragali, or ungulate ankle bones, that closely resemble dice.

Each of the four bones had four useful sides, and each was allotted a point value depending on where it last rested when landed. These results indicate that the early people played games that involved skill and chance, which implies that gambling may have existed even before written history.

While Mesopotamian bones represent the oldest physical records, the earliest recorded history of sports betting, or at least betting of any kind, is in Ancient China, circa 1200 BCE. Archaeologists have found dice made from astragali as well as tiles made of bone, wood, and clay, bearing symbols and characters. These tiles are likely to be the antecedents of early lottery-type games.

By 800 BCE, betting had taken root in Ancient Greece, albeit in a non-formal way.

Without official rules or supervision, friends, colleagues, and spectators bet among themselves. The then-popular Greek Olympics, with its plethora of sports events, quite naturally served as a venue for such informal betting, laying the seeds for what would later become sports betting.

The Roman Empire carried on this custom, in spite of official efforts to restrict gambling activity. By about 500 CE, laws existed that punished unlawful betting; however, gambling prospered at festive occasions and public celebrations.

Gladiator games and chariot racing emerged as popular locations for unofficial betting, where the common people willingly placed bets on their preferred warriors and steeds.

From the Mesopotamian bones to the Roman arenas, the story of gambling is one of human nature’s unquenchable interest in chance, risk, and reward.

The Stakes Shift: Gambling, Morality, and the Rise of Horse Racing in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE ushered in an era of unstable power structures and spiritual influence in Europe.

As the Middle Ages began, gambling encountered strong opposition. The Christian Church, which had a large influence on political and moral issues, condemned all forms of betting. Furthermore, Charlemagne, the powerful king of the Carolingian Empire, allied with the Church in rejecting gambling as a vice filled with corruption and immorality.

Laws were passed, prohibitions grew stricter, and sermons promised spiritual damnation. Yet still, despite pressure from the pulpit and the palace, gambling refused to vanish.

By the 15th century, things were dramatically changing. Despite the strong opposition from the Church, the Renaissance set in motion a cultural revival, which introduced new gambling traditions. Every form of entertainment, such as card games, lotteries, and horse racing, started to appear throughout Europe.

Initially viewed as an upper-class activity, horse racing soon became popular, and it became a focal point at fairs and national celebrations. These events would provide the basis for the eventual development of organized betting and authorized bookmaking.

A milestone occurred in 1638 with the launch of the Ridotto, the world’s first public casino, in Venice, Italy. Conceived and controlled by the Venetian state, the Ridotto aimed to regulate gambling at Carnival, raise state revenues, and suppress unlicensed gaming.

Featuring velvet curtains, a formal dress code, and state control, it was more than a basic gambling establishment, embodying the model of today’s casinos.

What had begun as a practice condemned from pulpits had, by the 17th century, entered royal palaces and legislatures.

How Sports Betting Started: The Establishment of Legalized Betting in the 19th Century

As the 19th century progressed, gambling in both the United States and Europe underwent a transformation characterized by more organization, spectacle, and social acceptability, best exemplified by horse racing and bookmaking as activities.

In America, the Mississippi River turned into a floating frontier of wealth. Riverboats filled with travelers served as gaming havens. At the same time, cities such as San Francisco, New Orleans, and St. Louis witnessed the establishment of gambling saloons.

A major milestone was achieved in 1863, the year the Saratoga Race Course was opened in New York. The track immediately attracted gamblers, society, and bookmakers, hence solidifying itself as a part of American horse racing and legalized gambling.

With the adoption of a formal race calendar and its increasing popularity, Saratoga assisted in changing the sport to an organized, high-stakes business.

Across the Atlantic, the nobility of Europe embraced the turf with the same zest. Horse racing was dubbed the “Sport of Kings,” and royal patronage gave the sport cachet. By the 1860s, casual, informal betting gave way to more structured systems of wagering.

Bookmakers introduced set odds and spreads, making way for today’s sportsbook.

Dramatic changes were taking place in Britain. The legalization of betting on race courses, under controlled conditions, made it possible for a successful professional bookmaking class to develop. Having a backdrop of well-established racecourses and a tradition-rich culture, the United Kingdom became a hub for systematic horse betting.

Cumulatively, these changes made the 19th century a significant period where gambling transformed to racetracks, saloons, and public venues.

From Whisper to Broadcast: How Technology Reshaped the Game

During the early decades of the 20th century, the betting world stood at a crossroads. In the United States and Europe, there were waves of moral reform in politics and public life that pushed gambling enterprises underground.

Casinos were shuttered or tightly regulated, and public opinion increasingly characterized betting as a social vice that needed to be controlled.

Telephone Betting and Radio

But even as legislators clamped down, technology surreptitiously kept the game going.

As telephones became a common presence in both residential and commercial settings by the early 1900s, a novel approach to gambling was introduced.

Punters were no longer required to be physically present to make a wager. Instead, a simple telephone call sufficed to complete the transaction. Bookmakers responded promptly, utilizing telephone lines to conduct their operations with a degree of confidentiality.

The 1920s also witnessed another innovation: radio broadcasting. Sports fans could, for the first time, listen to live commentary as events unfolded. Radio introduced an immediacy that ushered in a surge of sports betting, with fans now able to monitor results as they happened in real time.

Legalized Gambling Jurisdictions

Following this, the 1930s saw a major change. Betting started to emerge from the shadows. In 1931, the state of Nevada legalized betting through legislation, opening the doors for Las Vegas to become the world’s premier gaming destination.

Over the Atlantic, the United Kingdom introduced controls over greyhound racing and legalized on-course betting, while other European nations passed laws to legalize regulated casino operations.

By the end of the decade, a revolutionary medium appeared in the sphere. In 1939, the advent of televised sport broadcasts represented the intersection of mass entertainment and betting in an essentially new way. No longer were audiences reliant solely on radio reports or printed scores; they were able to watch events as they unfolded in their own living rooms.

The most significant change came in 1960 with the passage of the UK Betting and Gaming Act. The act represented the first legalization of off-course bookmaking shops, bingo halls, and some casinos under an official regulatory framework. Bookmakers were licensed, which caused a gradual removal of the stigma of gambling.

The history of sports betting in the 20th century, from telephone communication to television broadcasting, is one of determination, adaptability, and ultimately change. With each new technological leap, gambling discovered a new avenue toward monetization.

Sportsbooks Go Live: The Internet Betting Boom That Changed How We Wager

It was the year 1990 when the world revolutionized with the advent of the World Wide Web. In 1996, InterCasino became the first real-money online betting website, a digital milestone. Also in 1996, Intertops became the first sportsbook to take bets on sporting events, a new age of convenience and connectivity for players worldwide.

What began as a novelty quickly spawned a digital gold rush.

Online sportsbooks mushroomed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, taking advantage of the growing availability of the internet. Secure payment systems evolved rapidly, allowing users to conduct transfers with more ease and confidence.

The early 2000s witnessed the advent of live betting, a game-changing feature that enabled players to bet while events unfolded in real time. Players were no longer restricted to making pre-game predictions; instead, they could now react to the action as it happened in real time.

Despite this, regulatory responses were soon to follow.

In 2006, the United States enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which pushed most gambling operations out of the American market.

The expansion of online gambling, however, proceeded unchecked in Europe and Asia. Legalities continued to adapt, and with the introduction of live streaming as well as in-play odds, online betting transformed to become a rich, immersive media experience.

As technology has evolved, so has its influence on culture. Sports and gambling, once distinct domains, have become increasingly intertwined. Today, with the advent of the internet, gambling is no longer merely background noise; it is now a component of how millions of individuals engage with, discuss, and consume sports.

Tap, Bet, Win: Mobile Betting Revolutionizes the Game

The iPhone launch in 2007 was a game-changer not only in mobile technology but also in how individuals engaged in gambling activities. Featuring comprehensive internet capabilities and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, the iPhone offered an ideal stage for the subsequent development of online gambling.

By 2008, major players in the betting industry, such as Betfair, William Hill, and Ladbrokes, began launching dedicated mobile apps for both the iOS and Android operating systems. These early apps acquainted consumers with in-play betting, allowing live wagers to be made during ongoing events, all through the convenience of a mobile phone.

Then from 2012 to 2015, mobile betting evolved from novelty to norm.

For the first time in history, mobile betting eclipsed desktop betting, as apps became sophisticated with live streaming, push notifications, instant deposit options, and in-play cash-out options. Punters were able to track stats, follow matches, and bet simultaneously – anywhere, anytime.

Later, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and thus gave the power to individual states to legalize sports betting. The ruling spurred a rush towards mobile betting nationwide, with smartphones becoming the preferred platform for millions of United States bettors.

The advent of mobile internet access has ushered in significant legal changes, which have essentially transformed how fans access and wager on sports.

Algorithms and Odds: The Rise of AI in Modern Betting

Although earlier forms of artificial intelligence (AI) had been around for several years, it wasn’t until after 2018 that the sports betting industry wholly adopted this technology, thereby revolutionizing the operations of bookmakers and punters alike.

For bettors, those are the days of dependence on instincts or pure statistics. Digital sports betting trends today mean predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and real-time data feeds to inform decisions, rendering betting a data-driven science.

Bookmakers have also utilized the strength of artificial intelligence. Based on real-time match statistics, betting behavior, and market fluctuations, AI allows odds to be updated in real time, particularly within the context of in-play betting, where circumstances alter quickly.

AI is also vital in detecting anomalies and controlling risk, thereby protecting sportsbooks from possible financial loss.

As data becomes more available and artificial intelligence models become more sophisticated, the gap between recreational hobbyists and serious gamblers is increasing. Meanwhile, bookmakers are applying AI technologies to remain competitive and in profit, thereby driving a high-tech arms race for both players and platforms.

The trajectory of sports betting is certain: human and artificial intelligence are now a part of every wager.

Betting’s New Frontier: Esports and Crypto Take Sports Betting Into New Territory

The roots of esports date back to titles like StarCraft and Counter-Strike, where early online tournaments sowed the seeds for a digital explosion. The breakthrough came in 2013, when Dota 2 hosted The International, an annual tournament with multimillion-dollar prizes.

The success of the tournament propelled competitive gaming into a worldwide phenomenon.

In the year 2017, there was a concurrent revolution. Cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, were gaining popularity in mainstream culture, and online gambling sites started adopting these digital currencies. With the promise of instant payments and greater anonymity, cryptocurrencies added a thrilling new dimension of convenience and excitement to online gambling.

By 2018, esports betting had found its own market niche. Franchises such as League of Legends, CS: GO, and Overwatch were integral parts of new betting platforms, drawing in a wave of digitally literate bettors.

The pandemic of 2020 was the trigger. As conventional sports shut down, esports filled the gap, pulling in millions of spectators and online gamblers. Meanwhile, crypto adoption also soared. Not only did bookmakers adopt cryptocurrencies, but they also promoted them through bonuses and promotions.

Moving to the present time and the future, the convergence of esports, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence is radically changing the face of sports betting. The use of real-time statistical tracking, interactive user interfaces, and decentralized networks has moved from speculative ideas to industry standards.

From Dice to Data: A Wager on the Future

From ancient Mesopotamian dice to apps on your smartphone and blockchain, the evolution of sports betting is a testament to human innovation and our endless appetite for risk and reward.

What began as informal wagers in arenas has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry shaped by regulation, technology, and cultural change.

Every period has ushered in new devices, from the phone and television to the internet and artificial intelligence, that have fundamentally transformed how we gamble. The emergence of esports and cryptocurrency now points to a new era, one that is characterized by an increasing convergence between gaming, finance, and entertainment.

As we look ahead, the betting industry stands at a digital crossroads, driven by real-time data, immersive experiences, and decentralized platforms. While the tools have changed, one thing remains constant: the thrill of the wager and the human instinct to bet on the uncertain.