People of all backgrounds and ages enjoy living in Bergen County, but parents of school-age children especially love the area for its top-ranked educational system. A wide selection of nationally recognized public and private schools prepares students of all levels and abilities for future success. Rigorous academics, innovative teaching and outstanding extracurricular activities make Bergen County and its schools a leading choice for families who put their children first.
School quality ranks as one of the top concerns for families considering a move to a new home and location. On this question, Bergen County consistently attracts parents and guardians who want the best for their children’s education, whether they choose to attend a public, private or religious school. All three settings are available to serve diverse types of students with excellence in many municipalities.
Bergen County schools are open to children in the primary, middle and high school years. The schools strive to maintain teacher-to-student ratios that encourage individualized attention and help students make the most of their time with caring and dedicated educators. As students progress through grade levels, honors courses, advanced placement, gifted and talented programs, and athletic and extracurricular activities remain widely available.
In the critical rankings of high schools, Bergen County stands out from other counties in New Jersey. In fact, seven of the county’s high schools rank among the top 20 in the state, more than any other county, according to a biennial survey published by New Jersey Monthly magazine in 2008. This means that high school students have the strongest opportunities to acquire the credentials they need for college admissions, such as competitive SAT scores and high achievement on related national tests. High test scores, solid academic preparation and extracurricular contributions are key to earning admission to the country’s elite colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools.
The proximity of Bergen County to New York City also makes it an attractive choice for families who care about education. Imagine the enrichment possibilities for youngsters with so many of the world’s cultural treasures, such as leading museums, artistic performances and industry, within easy reach. One day your children will thank you for the chance to experience the city’s offerings.
Back in Bergen County, family members also find centers for higher education, whether they want a new degree or coursework to update their resume and jumpstart a career. Local institutions include the Educational Technology Training Center of Bergen County in Hackensack, Bergen Community College in Paramus, Bergen Campus of Berkeley College in Paramus, the Metropolitan Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck and Hackensack, the Lodi and Rutherford campuses of Felician College, and Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah.
In our increasingly challenging world, few decisions rate as highly as the choice of schools. Many parents and guardians choose Bergen County because it offers a sound answer to the question of their children’s future.