Best Schools in Bergen County, NJ: Why Allendale Stands Out in 2025
When families search for the best schools in Bergen County, one name often flies under the radar — Allendale, NJ. Nestled in the northern part of the county, this charming town quietly ranks among the top places for academic excellence, family life, and small-town community living.
Whether you’re relocating within New Jersey or moving here from out of state, this guide walks you through why Allendale offers access to some of the best schools in Bergen County NJ, especially for families looking for a strong K–12 journey.
Bergen County Schools: What Makes Them Special?
Bergen County is often regarded as a top education hub in New Jersey. The county is home to high-performing public school districts, nationally recognized magnet schools, and some of the most competitive private institutions in the state.
Parents looking for the best schools in Bergen County NJ often prioritize:
- Academic performance
- College readiness
- Student-teacher ratios
- Safety and community involvement
Among the many excellent towns in the region, Allendale consistently ranks high — offering a well-rounded public school system and access to one of the best high schools in Bergen County.
Why Allendale Is a Hidden Gem for Education
With just under 7,000 residents, Allendale offers a tight-knit, family-friendly environment without compromising on educational quality. The town has its own PreK–8 district and feeds into the highly regarded Northern Highlands Regional High School.
Allendale Public School District: Small Size, Big Excellence
The Allendale Public School District serves students from Pre-K through Grade 8 across two schools: Hillside School (PreK–3) and Brookside School (4–8). The district consistently earns high marks for academics, community involvement, and personalized learning environments.
Key Stats:
- Total students: ~859
- Student-teacher ratio: 12.4:1
- Math proficiency: 81%
- Reading proficiency: 85%
- Overall grade on Niche: A
What makes Allendale schools special is their close-knit classroom setting and the strong community-school relationship. Teachers are well-supported, the curriculum is modern, and enrichment programs are embedded into student life from an early age.
“From attending Allendale schools for my whole life, I can say with full confidence that this is a great school with a great community behind it.”
— Review by former student
Visit the official district website for the latest info:
Allendale School District (Public PreK–8)
Hillside School (Grades PreK–3)
Located in the heart of Allendale, Hillside School is where young learners build a strong foundation in academics and social development.
Highlights:
- Focus on early literacy, numeracy, and SEL (social-emotional learning)
- Responsive classroom approach
- Speech therapy, special education, and enrichment support
- Engaged PTA and frequent parent-school activities
With small class sizes and a focus on developmental learning, Hillside makes the transition into formal education smooth and joyful.
Brookside School (Grades 4–8)
For older students, Brookside offers a bridge between foundational learning and high school preparation. With roughly 525 students and an 11:1 student-teacher ratio, kids receive focused academic attention.
What Sets It Apart:
- High test scores: 80%+ proficiency in both Math and Reading
- Electives in arts, music, Spanish, coding, and more
- STEM clubs, academic teams, and field-based learning
- Guidance counseling and mental health resources
Brookside’s tight-knit environment ensures kids are not just ready for high school—they’re confident, collaborative learners.
Northern Highlands Regional High School (Grades 9–12)
Upon graduating from Brookside, Allendale students attend Northern Highlands Regional High School—one of New Jersey’s top-ranked public high schools.
By the Numbers:
- Total enrollment: ~1,261 students
- Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
- Graduation rate: ~92%
- Math proficiency: 69% (vs. NJ avg. 36%)
- Reading proficiency: 82%
- State ranking: 14th out of 429 high schools (SchoolDigger)
“Northern Highlands is truly exceptional. I absolutely love my school and everything it provides—from the clubs to the academics.”
— Junior, Niche.com review
The school offers a diverse curriculum including over 20 AP courses, dual enrollment options with local colleges, and extensive extracurriculars—ranging from robotics and journalism to varsity athletics.
It’s also known for its strong college counseling team, ensuring seniors are well-prepared for admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
For comprehensive academic programs, student activities, and school contact details, visit the school’s official page:
Northern Highlands Regional High School
Specialized Options Nearby: Magnet & Private Schools
Allendale families looking for alternative education routes have excellent choices within a short commute.
Bergen County Academies (BCA) – Hackensack
A selective public magnet high school with competitive admissions, BCA offers focused “academies” in:
- Engineering & Design
- Business & Finance
- Medical Science
- Computer Science
BCA is consistently ranked among the top 5 high schools in New Jersey and the top 50 in the U.S.
Nearby Private Schools:
- Saddle River Day School (PreK–12, co-ed, college prep)
- Don Bosco Prep (All-boys, Ramsey, Catholic, grades 9–12)
- Academy of the Holy Angels (All-girls, Demarest, Catholic, grades 6–12)
These schools often appeal to families seeking religious affiliation, smaller class sizes, or a specific extracurricular focus.
What Parents Love About Allendale Schools
Here’s what stands out from reviews across Niche, GreatSchools, and community forums:
- Safe, supportive environment
- Strong academic foundations
- Holistic development—arts, sports, nature integration
- Tight community and active PTA involvement
- Focus on both gifted learners and those needing support
“Teachers here really care and push you to succeed, but they also give you room to grow as a person.”
— Student at Northern Highlands
Bonus: School Quality = Higher Home Value
Educational excellence in Allendale doesn’t just benefit students—it increases property values and demand in the housing market. In fact, school quality is one of the top search filters for real estate in the area.
If you’re a parent planning to move, choosing a home within the district can be a smart long-term decision—both for your children and your investment.
Final Thoughts
Allendale may look like a small town, but its schools deliver big. From nurturing early learners to preparing high-achieving high school grads, the public education system here is truly top-tier.
Whether you’re relocating to Bergen County or just exploring neighborhoods with excellent schools, Allendale deserves a serious look.
Quick Summary: Why Choose Allendale for Schooling?
| Feature | Highlight |
| Public Schools | Rated A by Niche, high academic scores, strong support services |
| Class Size | ~12:1 ratio means more individual attention |
| Performance | Top 15 high school in NJ, top 5% in reading, top 20% in math |
| Community | Active parent involvement, safe environment, strong local pride |
| Real Estate | School quality directly supports property value |
Ready to explore homes near Allendale’s top schools?
Contact our local real estate experts for a school zone map, listings near Brookside and Hillside, and insider advice on school registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best schools in Bergen County, NJ?
Bergen County offers many excellent public school districts. Towns like Tenafly, Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Allendale are especially known for their high-performing schools. In Allendale, students benefit from Hillside School, Brookside School, and access to the highly rated Northern Highlands Regional High School.
2. Is Northern Highlands High School a good school?
Yes, Northern Highlands Regional High School is consistently ranked among the best high schools in Bergen County. It offers over 20 AP courses, strong college counseling, and exceptional academic performance in math, reading, and science.
3. Why do families move to Allendale for schools?
Families are drawn to Allendale for its safe environment, small class sizes, strong community support, and direct access to Northern Highlands. The town combines high-quality education with a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle.
4. How do Bergen County schools compare to others in NJ?
Bergen County schools are among the top-performing in New Jersey. Many districts here exceed state averages in testing, graduation rates, and college readiness, making the county one of the most sought-after locations for education-focused families.
5. Are there private or magnet school options in Bergen County?
Yes. Bergen County Academies is a top-ranked magnet school, and private options like Saddle River Day School, Don Bosco Prep, and Academy of the Holy Angels are also popular among families looking for alternatives to public education.
