Bergen and Hudson Schools Shine in New Jersey’s Top Rankings

Thirteen public elementary schools in Bergen County and five in Hudson County made the top 100 in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 rankings released this week. The publication based its rankings on data from the U.S. Department of Education, including math and reading scores.

Two Hudson County schools landed in the top 10 statewide. Cornelia F. Bradford School in Jersey City ranked second. Sara M. Gilmore Academy in Union City came in ninth.

Alexander Hamilton School in the Glen Rock Public School District was the highest-ranked Bergen County institution at eighth place statewide. The rankings cover about 47,000 public elementary schools across the country.

School 28 in the Paterson Public School District took the top spot in New Jersey. Princeton Charter School ranked third, while Washington Elementary School in the Westfield Public School District came in fourth. Forrestdale School in Rumson Borough School District rounded out the top five.

U.S. News researchers based their ranking on information available to the public from the U.S. Department of Education. Elementary schools are considered K-6 in the analysis.

"The 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings highlight institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all," U.S. News said of the report, according to Patch.

The rankings method focuses on state tests of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading, while accounting for student background and achievement in core subjects. Student-teacher ratios are used to break ties in the score.