TLDR
Montclair runs a districtwide magnet school system — you choose a program, not a neighborhood school. Montclair High School is rated 8/10 and sends graduates to top universities. The district is innovative but has ongoing equity debates. Overall, it's one of the top public school districts in Essex County.
Best Schools in Montclair NJ (2026 Guide)
Montclair's school system is unlike most NJ districts — it operates a choice-based magnet model where families rank their preferred programs rather than attending the nearest school. This creates an engaged parent community and diverse schools, but also complexity for newcomers navigating the process.
Montclair Public Schools at a Glance
District Rating
8/10 (GreatSchools)
Total Students
~6,200
Graduation Rate
94%
Elementary Schools
7
Middle Schools
2
High School
1 (Montclair HS)
How the Magnet System Works
Montclair pioneered the magnet school concept in the 1970s as a desegregation tool. Today, all K–8 students choose from themed programs rather than attending based on geography. You rank your top choices and the district places students using a lottery system, with siblings and in-district residents receiving preference.
Gifted & Talented (MAMS)
Edgemont, Nishuane, NortheastAccelerated curriculum. Competitive admission based on testing and assessment.
Montessori
Hillside, BradfordChild-led learning, mixed-age classrooms. Very popular — tends to be oversubscribed.
Inquiry/Project-Based
Watchung, RenaissanceHands-on, student-directed learning. Less structured than traditional programs.
Traditional
Northeast, BradfordStructured, teacher-led instruction. Closest to conventional public school model.
STEM Focus
Glenfield MiddleStrong math and science integration at the middle school level.
Montclair High School
All Montclair students attend a single high school — Montclair High School on Park Street. MHS is a comprehensive 9–12 school with roughly 1,900 students. It offers an exceptionally wide range of AP courses, dual enrollment at Montclair State University, IB-level coursework, and extensive arts and athletics programs.
US News Ranking
Top 15% in NJ
AP Courses Offered
30+
SAT Average
~1100–1150
College Acceptance
94%+ go to 4-year colleges
FAQ — Montclair NJ Schools
Are Montclair NJ schools good?
Yes — Montclair is consistently rated one of the top school districts in Essex County. Montclair High School earns an 8/10 from GreatSchools. The magnet system produces diverse, engaged schools with strong college placement rates.
Do you have to enter a lottery to get into Montclair schools?
Yes. Montclair uses a choice-based lottery system for K–8. You rank your preferred programs and the district places students. Siblings of current students and in-district residents get priority. Gifted & Talented programs have additional assessment requirements.
What is the best elementary school in Montclair NJ?
This depends on your child's learning style. Edgemont and Nishuane are highest-rated for traditional academics. Hillside Montessori is beloved by families who prefer child-directed learning. Renaissance at Rand is strong for project-based learners.
How do Montclair schools compare to other NJ towns?
Montclair's district ranks higher than most Essex County municipalities and outperforms its demographic peers. It falls below top-ranked districts like Millburn, Summit, or Westfield, but offers a more diverse and culturally rich environment that many families prefer.