TOP RATED SCHOOLS
 

RIDGEWOOD 

The Ridgewood school system has a national reputation for excellence. Families are attracted to Ridgewood by the outstanding education it offers including extensive programs for those with special needs, the gifted, and ESL students. 

Ridgewood has six elementary schools (Hawes, Ridge, Somerville, Travell, Orchard and Willard), which offer an excellent education for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade. While each elementary school has its own identity, there is a uniformity of excellence that encompasses them all. 

The primary mission of Ridgewood's elementary schools is to identify and maximize the individual potential of all students through the acquisition of the basic tools necessary to become caring, responsible citizens and independent lifelong learners. 

Benjamin Franklin Middle School is a Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence and a New Jersey Star School. Teachers utilize a variety of effective techniques and philosophies including social/emotional learning, interdisciplinary planning, multiple intelligences, constructivism, and authentic assessment. Opportunities are given for students to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For example, BFBN broadcasts a daily, live, student-produced Morning Report to all students and to the community via Cable Channel 19. There is a wide array of athletic, social and creative co-curricular activities. 

George Washington Middle School is honored by the State of New Jersey as a STAR school. Each year, parents and professionals from other school districts in the New York/New Jersey area visit to observe the dynamics of a "lighthouse" middle school. The school has a new enrichment program entitled "Stepping Stones." Stepping Stones includes fostering the ability to think critically and solve problems; public speaking -- both formal and informal; and an opportunity for students to explore their "passions?; to become expert in a high interest area, utilizing traditional print and Internet research resources, culminating in a formal presentation. 

ALLENDALE 

Northern Highlands in Allendale ranked among the state?s top high schools. Over 97 percent of its graduates go to college. Allendale, the community with a heart! With 100% of the seniors taking the SAT, the cumulative score was 1118. Formal computer education begins in Kindergarten. Northern Highlands offers a choice of 4 different languages and students may participate in any of the 13 interscholastic sports teams. 

Hillside is for grades K-3, Brookside for grades 4-8. The academic program is strong and provides a nurturing environment for children while encouraging them to be independent. The language arts curriculum emphasizes phonics and grammar skills, as well as creative writing and research. Social studies and science are taught through class discussion, hands-on experimental activities, literature, and written assignments. 

Northern Highlands Regional High School (9-12) is noted for the high academic achievement of its students. It serves the communities of Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Saddle River and Upper Saddle River. It was ranked by NJ Monthly as the #1 high school in Bergen County and #4 in New Jersey, and was also cited 1st in New Jersey among 9-12 districts. The current school enrollment is 982. 

Advanced Placement courses are offered in English, American history, European history, calculus BC & AB, biology, chemistry, physics, French, Spanish, Latin, economics, music theory, and art. 106 students sat for 185 AP exams in 16 subjects with 90% scoring 3 or above. 

Northern Highlands offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including vocal and instrumental music, dramatics, creative writing, environmental awareness, and debate. The interscholastic athletic program offers thirteen sports each for boys and for girls, on the varsity and sub-varsity levels. In addition, an Intramural sports program was introduced in September of 2001. More than 85% of students participate in one or more extracurricular activities. 

MAHWAH 

Mahwah?s school system is comprised of a high school, three primary schools and an intermediate middle school. Mahwah Public Schools are committed to providing a comprehensive educational program at all levels from pre-K through grade 12 in safe and high quality facilities by well trained and dedicated administrators, teachers and support staff. Students are provided the necessary tools to become free, critical thinkers and problem solvers who make intelligent evaluations and choices for themselves. 

Mahwah elementary schools include Betsy Ross School (pre-K-3), Commodore Perry School (K-2), George Washington (K-2), Joyce Kilmer Elementary School (3-5). 

Ramapo Ridge Middle School (6-8) has an enrollment of 600 students. Its core curriculum includes Mathematics (general math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra), Science (physical science, earth science and life science), Social studies (world history, geography and United States history and current events), language arts, World Language (French and Latin), and physical education and health. The eighth graders supplement their study of government and U.S. history with a trip to Washington, DC. 

Mahwah High School (9-12) sends over 90% of its graduates to some form of higher education with recent alumni attending schools some of the country's finest colleges and universities. Through partnerships with Ramapo College and Seton Hall, many students receive actual college credit while taking courses at Mahwah High School. Others receive credit by scoring well on the Advanced Placement tests. 

Mahwah High School houses three computer labs, which are in constant use for a variety of instructional purposes. These include C++, computer applications and desktop publishing courses, Internet research across the curriculum, and interactive software for world languages. There is a hub of computer workstations in the library/media center, which students utilize before and after school, as well as during study hall periods. All social studies classrooms have five networked computers for student use, and science labs are equipped with current technology that allows students to analyze data through a variety of means. 

Extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics continue to provide students with diverse opportunities for exploring learning experiences and developing their talents. Students are extremely active in such things as volunteer work, community problem solving, environmental projects, dramatic productions, academic competitions, award-winning publications, and class activities.