School quality is the #1 factor driving home buying decisions in New Jersey, and Essex County delivers exceptional education at more affordable price points than neighboring Bergen County.
With Millburn ranked #1 in the entire state and Livingston at #5, Essex County proves you don't need to pay Bergen County premiums to access elite education. This comprehensive guide ranks all 22 Essex County school districts, breaks down what makes them excellent, and reveals the home prices for each district in 2025.
How We Rank Essex County School Districts
Our rankings consider: - NJ School Performance Report official state rankings - Graduation rates (4-year and 6-year) - College acceptance rates and quality of colleges attended - Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) - Student-to-teacher ratios - AP/Advanced course offerings - Extracurricular programs (sports, arts, clubs) - Parent satisfaction and community engagement
The Elite Tier: Top 3 Districts
#1: Millburn Township Public Schools
State Ranking: #1 in New Jersey Graduation Rate: 99% Median Home Price: $1,318,800 Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Why #1: Millburn consistently ranks as New Jersey's best school district with near-perfect graduation rates and Ivy League college placement. The district offers 28 AP courses, extensive arts programs, and championship-level athletics.
Key Stats: - Average SAT: 1380 - 95%+ attend 4-year colleges - 35%+ attend top-50 universities - $25,000+ per-pupil spending
Schools: - Millburn High School (grades 9-12) - Millburn Middle School (grades 6-8) - 4 elementary schools (K-5)
#2: Livingston Public Schools
State Ranking: #5 in New Jersey Graduation Rate: 97% Median Home Price: ~$700,000 Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Why Top-5: Livingston offers Millburn-quality education at $600,000 lower median price. Strong AP program (25+ courses), excellent STEM focus, and high college placement rates.
Key Stats: - Average SAT: 1340 - 94% attend 4-year colleges - 30%+ attend top-50 universities - $23,000+ per-pupil spending
Schools: - Livingston High School (grades 9-12) - Heritage Middle School, Mount Pleasant Middle School (grades 6-8) - 5 elementary schools (K-5)
#3: Montclair Public Schools
State Ranking: #21 in New Jersey Graduation Rate: 94% Median Home Price: $850,700 Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Why Top-25: Montclair combines academic excellence with exceptional arts programs. Diverse student body, progressive curriculum, and strong community support.
Key Stats: - Average SAT: 1270 - 90% attend 4-year colleges - 22 AP courses offered - Nationally recognized arts programs
Schools: - Montclair High School (grades 9-12) - 3 middle schools - 11 elementary schools
The Premium Tier: Ranks 4-7
#4: Glen Ridge Public Schools
State Ranking: Top 30 Median Home Price: $1,151,500 Why Excellent: Small district (1,100 students total), personalized attention, strong academics, 95%+ college attendance
#5: Caldwell-West Caldwell School District
State Ranking: Top 40 Median Home Price: $836,200 (Caldwell) / $550,000 (West Caldwell) Why Excellent: Shared district offers great value, strong community support, 93% college attendance
#6: Essex Fells School District
State Ranking: Top 50 Median Home Price: $1,547,000 Why Excellent: Ultra-small district (300 students K-6), sends to West Essex Regional for 7-12, elite elementary education
#7: Cedar Grove Public Schools
State Ranking: Top 60 Median Home Price: $759,350 Why Excellent: Safe, family-oriented, strong athletics, good college placement (88%)
The Solid Tier: Ranks 8-12
#8: Verona Public Schools **Median Price:** $670,800 | **College Rate:** 90%
#9: Roseland School District (K-8, sends to West Essex Regional) **Median Price:** $840,800 | **Strong elementary/middle**
#10: North Caldwell School District (K-8, sends to West Essex Regional) **Median Price:** ~$750,000 | **Small, personalized**
#11: West Essex Regional High School District **Serves:** Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland, Essex Fells (grades 7-12) **Good comprehensive high school**
#12: South Orange-Maplewood School District **Median Price:** $600,000-$650,000 **Progressive curriculum, diverse, strong arts**
The Improving Tier: Ranks 13-17
#13: Bloomfield Public Schools **Median Price:** $623,300 **Improving academics, 82% college rate, diverse**
#14: West Orange Public Schools **State Ranking:** #58 **Median Price:** ~$600,000 **Large district, improving, good value**
#15: Nutley Public Schools **Median Price:** $488,900 **Solid community school, 85% graduation rate**
#16: Belleville Public Schools **Median Price:** $450,000 **Improving programs, affordable entry point**
#17: Fairfield Public Schools **Median Price:** $450,000 **Part of West Essex Regional (7-12), improving**
The Urban Tier: Ranks 18-22
#18-22: Newark, East Orange, Orange, Irvington, West Caldwell **Median Prices:** $179,900-$550,000 **Challenges:** Lower test scores, funding issues, higher dropout rates **Opportunities:** Magnet schools, charter options, affordability
Note: These districts offer affordable entry points and some have excellent magnet/charter schools, but traditional public schools face challenges.
Best Value: School Quality per Dollar
Top 5 Best School-to-Price Ratios: 1. Livingston (#5 schools, $700K median) = Exceptional value 2. West Caldwell (Shares with Caldwell, $550K median) 3. Nutley (Solid schools, $488K median) = Best entry-level 4. Cedar Grove (Top 60, $759K median) 5. Verona (Good schools, $670K median)
Private School Options
For families prioritizing private education: - Montclair offers proximity to multiple private schools - Short Hills has several elite private options - West Orange/Livingston near Jewish day schools
The School District Decision Framework
Choose Millburn If: - Budget $1M+, #1 schools non-negotiable - Want Ivy League pipeline - Can afford premium prices
Choose Livingston If: - Want top-5 schools at $600K less than Millburn - Strong STEM focus important - More diverse community desired
Choose Montclair If: - Arts/culture as important as academics - Want progressive education - Value diversity and inclusion
Choose Caldwell/West Caldwell If: - Want solid schools at mid-tier prices - Suburban lifestyle priority - Good value important
Choose Nutley/Bloomfield/West Orange If: - Budget under $600K - Decent schools sufficient (not elite) - Affordability and appreciation potential key
Hidden Gems: Up-and-Coming Districts
Watch These Districts (Improving Fast): 1. West Orange - Investment in facilities, improving test scores 2. Bloomfield - New leadership, community engagement 3. Fairfield - Benefits from West Essex Regional improvements
How to Research Schools Before Buying
1. Visit SchoolDigger.com - Detailed rankings and test scores 2. Check NJ School Performance Reports - Official state data 3. Attend school board meetings - Community engagement gauge 4. Tour schools - Request tours during school day 5. Talk to parents - Real experience insights 6. Review GreatSchools.org - Parent reviews and ratings 7. Check college matriculation lists - Where graduates attend
School District FAQs
Q: Can I choose which school my child attends? A: Generally no, you're assigned based on address. Some districts allow intra-district transfers.
Q: Do magnet schools require testing? A: Some do (especially in Newark), others use lottery systems.
Q: How much do schools really matter for resale value? A: Significantly. Homes in top districts hold value better and appreciate faster.
Q: Should I buy in a lesser district and use private school? A: Depends. Private school costs $15K-$40K/year. Calculate 13-year cost vs. premium for better district home.
Your Next Steps
School districts drive home values, quality of life, and your children's futures. Essex County offers the best of both worlds: elite districts (Millburn, Livingston) competitive with anywhere in NJ, and affordable entry points (Nutley, Bloomfield, West Orange) that still deliver solid education.
Ready to Buy in Essex County?
Whether you're targeting Millburn's #1 schools or Nutley's affordable entry point, I specialize in Essex County mortgages and can help you secure financing for any district. Get pre-approved in 24-48 hours and start touring homes with confidence.
Contact me today to discuss your Essex County school district priorities and get matched with the right mortgage program for your target district.