U.S. News Ranks Top New Jersey Public Schools
Paterson's School 28 secures the top spot in the latest statewide rankings for public elementary institutions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Primary Education
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U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026-27 public elementary and middle school rankings for New Jersey. School 28 in Paterson earned the first-place ranking among the state's public elementary schools.
Why it matters
These rankings evaluate schools based on student proficiency in math and reading, while also accounting for student backgrounds and absolute performance on state assessments. The data is compiled using information collected from the U.S. Department of Education and state education agencies.
School 28 maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio for its 469 students. Other top performers include Glenwood School in Millburn Township, which serves 315 students with a 13:1 ratio.
The players
School 28
This is a Paterson public school that currently enrolls 469 students and holds the top ranking for elementary education in New Jersey.
U.S. News & World Report
This is an American media company that publishes news, consumer advice, and authoritative rankings of educational institutions.
Infinity Institute
This is a Jersey City school that holds the top ranking among New Jersey public middle schools.
The details
Infinity Institute in Jersey City topped the list for New Jersey middle schools, while School 28 in Paterson also ranked second in the middle school category. The Paterson school district intends to restructure, planning to split older students from the Gifted & Talented Academy at School 28 into two separate facilities.
Timeline
The rankings represent the 2026-27 academic year.
The Paterson school district implementation for the student split is set for the 2027-28 academic year.
Culture Shift
The assessment methodology for these school rankings follows the data collection and accountability frameworks established by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This focus reflects a broader shift toward using standardized performance metrics to drive transparency and competition within the public education sector.
Families in Paterson should note that the district's planned restructuring will change school assignments for older students starting in 2027. Parents in the area may also see changes to local options as the district prepares to launch eight regional middle schools.
The takeaway
Understanding these school rankings can help parents evaluate the performance metrics of local institutions relative to statewide benchmarks. Families should look beyond the top-ranked schools to consider how specific student-teacher ratios and district-wide facility plans will impact their child's daily learning environment.
What happens next
The Paterson school district is scheduled to implement its student split for the Gifted & Talented Academy during the 2027-28 academic year. Additionally, the district plans to establish eight regional middle schools in a forthcoming phase of its infrastructure reorganization.
Further reading
For more information on state educational standards, visit the New Jersey Primary Education section.
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