New Jersey is known for its strong public education system, especially in urban areas like Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson. Many middle schools across the state focus on academic rigor, small class sizes, and supportive learning environments. This 2026 list of the best middle schools in New Jersey highlights top public and charter schools that help students in grades 6–8 (and similar ranges) build a solid foundation for future academic success.
Best Middle Schools in New Jersey– Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Academy I | Jersey City | 6–8 | 450 | 16:1 |
| #2 | Explore Middle School | Jersey City | 6–8 | 151 | 10:1 |
| #3 | Discovery Charter School | Newark | 4–8 | 530 | 17:1 |
| #4 | Franklin L. Williams School | Jersey City | 6–8 | 441 | 14:1 |
| #5 | Link Community Charter School | Newark | K–8 | 179 | 12:1 |
| #6 | Young Men’s Academy | Paterson | 3–8 | 30 | 9:1 |
| #7 | Joseph A. Taub School | Paterson | 6–8 | 484 | 18:1 |
| #8 | Ezra L. Nolan School | Jersey City | 6–8 | 218 | 9:1 |
| #9 | New Roberto Clemente School | Paterson | 6–8 | 545 | 10:1 |
| #10 | Kindle Education Public Charter School | Jersey City | 6 | 66 | 6:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Middle Schools in New Jersey
1. Academy I
Address: 209 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Ranking: #1 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6–8
Students: 450
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Academy I is a public magnet middle school in Jersey City serving students in grades 6–8. With approximately 450 students and a student–teacher ratio of about 16:1, the school provides focused academic instruction and structured learning. Academy I emphasizes core subjects while encouraging student participation, making it a strong choice for families seeking a balanced and academically driven middle school environment.
2. Explore Middle School
Address: 180 9th St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ranking: #2 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6–8
Students: 151
Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Link: Visit this school
Explore Middle School in Jersey City is a public middle school serving grades 6–8 with a notably small student population. With only about 151 students and a low student–teacher ratio of 10:1, the school offers personalized instruction and close teacher-student interaction. This environment supports academic growth, individualized attention, and a strong sense of classroom community.
3. Discovery Charter School
Address: 240 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102
Ranking: #3 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 4–8
Students: 530
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
Discovery Charter School is a public charter school in Newark serving students in grades 4–8. With a student–teacher ratio of about 17:1, the school fosters a close-knit learning environment despite serving a larger student body. Discovery Charter School focuses on academic consistency, classroom structure, and supporting students through personalized instruction and engagement.
4. Franklin L. Williams School
Address: 222 Laidlaw Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Ranking: #4 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6–8
Students: 441
Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
Franklin L. Williams School is a public middle school in Jersey City serving students in grades 6–8. With approximately 441 students and a student–teacher ratio of 14:1, the school offers a structured academic environment with consistent teacher support. The school focuses on core learning areas and helps students build confidence and readiness for high school.
5. Link Community Charter School
Address: 23 Pennsylvania Ave, Newark, NJ 07114
Ranking: #5 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: K–8
Students: 179
Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Link: Visit this school
Link Community Charter School in Newark serves students from kindergarten through grade 8. With a student–teacher ratio of about 12:1, the school provides strong academic support and small class sizes. The middle school grades benefit from personalized instruction, structured routines, and an emphasis on academic achievement and student responsibility.
6. Young Men’s Academy
Address: 45 Smith Street, Paterson, NJ 07501
Ranking: #6 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 3–8
Students: 30
Student–Teacher Ratio: 9:1
Link: Visit this school
Young Men’s Academy in Paterson is a public school serving students in grades 3–8 with an exceptionally small enrollment. With only about 30 students and a student–teacher ratio of 9:1, the school offers highly personalized instruction. This close learning environment supports academic focus, mentorship, and strong teacher-student relationships.
7. Joseph A. Taub School
Address: 202 Union Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07502
Ranking: #7 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6–8
Students: 484
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
Joseph A. Taub School is a public middle school in Paterson serving students in grades 6–8. With approximately 484 students and a student–teacher ratio of 18:1, the school emphasizes structured academics and classroom consistency. Teachers work to support student engagement and help learners strengthen core academic skills.
Historical & Interesting Facts About New Jersey Middle Schools
- New Jersey consistently ranks among the top U.S. states for public education.
- Charter and magnet middle schools are common in urban districts like Newark and Jersey City.
- Small class sizes are linked to improved student engagement and academic outcomes.
- Many New Jersey middle schools emphasize early college and career readiness.
- Personalized learning models are growing across the state.
8. Ezra L. Nolan School
Address: 88 Gates Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Ranking: #8 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6–8
Students: 218
Student–Teacher Ratio: 9:1
Link: Visit this school
Ezra L. Nolan School in Jersey City is a public middle school serving grades 6–8 with small class sizes. With 218 students and a low student–teacher ratio of 9:1, the school provides individualized academic attention. Teachers focus on student growth, classroom participation, and building a supportive learning environment.
9. New Roberto Clemente School
Address: 482–506 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07501
Ranking: #9 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6–8
Students: 545
Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Link: Visit this school
The New Roberto Clemente School in Paterson serves students in grades 6–8 and emphasizes academic engagement and student support. With approximately 545 students and a student–teacher ratio of 10:1, the school offers manageable class sizes that allow teachers to focus on individual learning needs and classroom collaboration.
10. Kindle Education Public Charter School
Address: 373 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Ranking: #10 Middle School in New Jersey
Grades: 6
Students: 66
Student–Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Link: Visit this school
Kindle Education Public Charter School in Jersey City serves sixth-grade students only. With just 66 students and a very low student–teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides highly personalized instruction. This structure allows teachers to closely support academic development and ensure a strong transition into middle school education.
Conclusion
The best middle schools in New Jersey provide strong academics, supportive environments, and personalized instruction. Whether families prefer magnet, charter, or traditional public schools, these top-ranked institutions across Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson help students build confidence and academic skills essential for long-term success.
Recommended Reading: Best Elementary Schools in New Jersey
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FAQs About Middle Schools in New Jersey
Most middle schools serve grades 6–8, though some include grades 3–8 or K–8.
Yes, charter schools are publicly funded and tuition-free.
It allows teachers to give more individual attention and academic support.
Yes, magnet schools offer specialized programs and selective enrollment.
Parents should review academics, class size, location, and support services.
