A recent study by Niche ranks the top 25 high schools in New Jersey for athletes based on various factors including state championships and student participation. The list highlights the state's strong tradition of producing elite athletic talent.
Key points
Niche ranks New Jersey high schools for athletes
Ranking based on student and parent feedback
Factors include state championships and sports participation
New Jersey has a rich tradition of athletic talent
Famous athletes from New Jersey include Rick Barry and Carl Lewis
The list of sports legends from New Jersey seems to be never-ending.
Whether it’s Rick Barry, Franco Harris, Carl Lewis, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone or the countless others who grew up in The Garden State, New Jersey’s sporting scene is a revolving door when it comes to producing elite athletic talent.
That success comes in large part due to the state’s rich high school traditions.
Which high schools in New Jersey are considered the best for athletes today?
According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Ramsey High School
Total number of sports: 15
Ramsey's Justus Favata (1) throws a pass during a North 1, Group 2 sectional final football game between Westwood and Ramsey at Westwood Regional High School on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
Ramsey's Justus Favata (1) throws a pass during a North 1, Group 2 sectional final football game between Westwood and Ramsey at Westwood Regional High School on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
24. Ridge High School (Basking Ridge)
Total number of sports: 32
23. Shawnee High School (Medford)
Total number of sports: 27
22. Saint Joseph Regional High School (Montvale)
Total number of sports: 13
21. Summit Senior High School
Total number of sports: 15
20. West Essex High School (North Caldwell)
Total number of sports: 33
19. Wayne Valley High School
Q&A
What are the top 25 high schools for athletes in New Jersey?
The top 25 high schools for athletes in New Jersey are ranked based on factors like state championships and student participation in sports.
How did Niche determine the best high schools for athletes in New Jersey?
Niche used survey feedback from students and parents, along with data from the U.S. Department of Education, to evaluate schools.
Who are some famous athletes from New Jersey high schools?
Famous athletes from New Jersey high schools include Rick Barry, Franco Harris, Carl Lewis, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
What factors contribute to a high school being ranked as the best for athletes?
Factors include reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered.
Related Articles
Sports
'As good as it gets' - Fitzpatricks win PGA pairs event
Historic win for Fitzpatrick brothers at Zurich Classic!
BBC Sport··1 min read
Sports
Hocevar claims first Cup victory at Talladega; massive wreck collects more than 20 cars
Carson Hocevar claims his first NASCAR Cup victory at Talladega amid a massive wreck involving over 20 drivers.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Braves vs. Phillies series recap: Atlanta navigates NL East gauntlet with flying colors
Braves navigate NL East gauntlet, defeating Phillies in series
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Ravens invite Heisman finalist QB Diego Pavia to rookie minicamp
Heisman finalist Diego Pavia gets rookie minicamp invite from Ravens
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Why Robert Lewandowski has not yet made a decision on his Barcelona future
Robert Lewandowski is yet to decide on his Barcelona future as he awaits clarity on his role.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MMA·Recap
Matches To Make After UFC Vegas 116
Highlights from UFC Vegas 116: Sterling, Edwards, and Spann shine!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Total number of sports: 23
18. Cedar Creek High School (Egg Harbor City)
Total number of sports: 26
17. St. Augustine Preparatory School (Richland)
Total number of sports: 21
16. Middletown High School South (Lincroft)
Total number of sports: 28
15. Christian Brothers Academy (Lincroft)
Total number of sports: 18
14. Gill St. Bernard School (Gladstone)
Total number of sports: 31
13. Wayne Hills High School
Total number of sports: 34
Wayne Hills senior Jake Minardi (0) passes the ball during a game against the Passaic Indians at Wayne Hills High School, Jan 27, 2026, Wayne, New Jersey, United States.
Wayne Hills senior Jake Minardi (0) passes the ball during a game against the Passaic Indians at Wayne Hills High School, Jan 27, 2026, Wayne, New Jersey, United States.
12. Ridgewood High School
Total number of sports: 28
11. Immaculate Heart Academy (Township of Washington)
Total number of sports: 16
10. Northern Highlands Regional High School (Allendale)
Total number of sports: 31
9. Ramapo High School (Franklin Lakes)
Total number of sports: 30
8. Westfield Senior High School
Total number of sports: 30
7. Haddonfield Memorial High School
Total number of sports: 23
6. Red Bank Catholic High School
Total number of sports: 29
5. Don Bosco Preparatory High School (Ramsey)
Total number of sports: 20
Michael Arment runs the second leg of the 4x400, for Don Bosco Prep, Friday, April 25, 2026, at the Penn Relays. Bosco finished in first place in their heat with a time of 3:24.01.
Michael Arment runs the second leg of the 4x400, for Don Bosco Prep, Friday, April 25, 2026, at the Penn Relays. Bosco finished in first place in their heat with a time of 3:24.01.
