Jersey City Public Schools: The Ultimate Guide for Families

Jersey City is all about providing excellent quality of life, and part of that is offering quality education to its young residents. If you’re looking to move here, this is your comprehensive guide to the city’s school system - from standout schools to key dates and other valuable resources.

What We’ll be Covering
Jersey City Public Schools
School Ratings
Inside the Classroom
Jersey City School Calendar Highlights
Additional Resources for Parents
Q&A
Why Move to Jersey City?
Making the Move to Jersey City?

Jersey City Public Schools

Driven by the mantra “Mission Forward,” the Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) is committed to delivering world-class education to every child. In line with this, it strives to provide new learning opportunities for its diverse and fast-growing population. Below are some standout schools:

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School – One of the top-ranked high schools in New Jersey, it offers a challenging curriculum designed for college preparedness and intellectual excellence. (Ranked 6th best high school in New Jersey.)

Infinity Institute – The only secondary magnet school in the JCPS system, this school boasts a future-forward program that breeds lifelong learners. It accepts only about 50 students for 6th grade each year.

Cornelia F. Bradford School – This school offers holistic education, giving equal focus to academics, cultural appreciation, and social awareness. (Ranked 5th best elementary school in New Jersey)

For a full list of schools and curricula, visit the Jersey City Public Schools website.

School Ratings

In addition to competitive and comprehensive curricula, JCPS also offers a multicultural learning environment, earning an A+ on diversity from Niche.com. Moreover, students in the school district scored an average of 1160 on the SAT (higher than the national average of 1060).

Blue Ribbon Schools – Five of the school district’s schools have been given Blue Ribbon designation, including most recently Soaring Heights Charter School.

Generous Scholarships – The school district has received over $3 million in merit-based scholarship funding for its JC Arts Program alone.

Strategic Partnerships – Partnerships with Verizon and Saint Peter’s University equip students with the skills to thrive in a tech-focused, global world.

To learn more about the school district’s plans, check out its 2023-27 Strategic Plan.

Inside the Classroom

Jersey City strives to provide a conducive environment for your child to learn.

Classroom Size – With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, each pupil gets the attention and focus they need to succeed.

Teacher Salary – Teachers employed by JCPS earn about $77,000 on average - a competitive figure that attracts talented educators.

Special Programs – Achievers are given the opportunity to hone their knowledge through JCPS’ gifted program: Honors, Opportunity, Potential, Enrichment (H.O.P.E.).

Jersey City School Calendar Highlights

Here are key dates that parents should know about the 2024-2025 school year:

September 5: First Day of School

October 9: Indigenous/Columbus Day (no school)

November 1: Diwali

November 4-8: Election & Conventions (no school)

November 11: Veterans Day

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Recess (early dismissal on the 27th)

December 23: - December 31: Winter Recess (early dismissal on 23rd)

January 1: New Year's Day (no school)

January 2: School Resumes

January 20: Martin Luther King Day (no school)

February 14-17: Presidents’ Day (no school)

March 31: Eid-al-Fitr (no school)

April 17-25: Good Friday / Spring Break (early dismissal on the 17th)

May 26: Memorial Day

June 9-13: Finals Week

June 24: Last Day of School (early dismissal)

Note: Please check the Jersey City Public Schools website for the latest updates.

Additional Resources for Parents

Finding the best school for your kids in Jersey City is easier when you have the right resources—here are a few that can help.

Jersey City Free Public Library – With multiple branches across the city, the library offers free tutoring programs, homework help, and engaging activities for kids of all ages.

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) – Many schools have active PTAs that provide support, organize events, and offer a platform for parents to connect with teachers and administrators.

Jersey City Public Schools Website – The district’s official website provides up-to-date information on enrollment, school calendars, policies, and academic programs.

Local Facebook & Community Groups – Online groups like "Jersey City Moms" and "Parents of JC" are great for networking, school recommendations, and staying informed about school events.

After-School & Enrichment Programs – Organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County and local recreation centers offer extracurricular activities that support learning beyond the classroom.

Q&A: Common Questions for Families Interested in Jersey City Public Schools

Does Jersey City have good public schools?

Yes! Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) offers a strong education system with a variety of programs to meet different student needs. Many schools in the district have earned recognition for their academic performance, innovative teaching methods, and extracurricular offerings. Families appreciate the diversity of educational options, including magnet schools, specialized academies, and advanced placement programs.

How many public schools are in Jersey City?

Jersey City is home to nearly 40 public schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition to traditional neighborhood schools, JCPS offers several specialized institutions, such as high-achieving magnet schools and early childhood centers.

How many students are in Jersey City Public Schools?

JCPS serves over 30,000 students, making it one of the largest school districts in New Jersey. With such a diverse and vibrant student population, the district focuses on fostering an inclusive learning environment that prepares students for future academic and career success.

How do I enroll in a Jersey City Public School?

Enrolling in a JCPS school is a straightforward process. Parents can visit the Jersey City Public Schools website (jcboe.org) to find enrollment forms, deadlines, and required documents. Kindergarten registration typically begins in the spring, while new students in other grades can enroll year-round. For magnet and specialized programs, additional requirements like entrance exams may apply. Families are encouraged to reach out to their zoned school or the district office for assistance with enrollment.

Why Move to Jersey City?

An excellent school system is just one of the many reasons to buy real estate in Jersey City. The city is about 15 minutes away from Manhattan via PATH train. Its stunning view of NYC’s skyline is a sight to behold and its waterfront area offers a wealth of recreational amenities. Avid foodie? Taste the world with the city’s impressive array of restaurants. And this diverse community is brought together by beloved events like Jersey City Night Market, All About Downtown Street Fair, and JC Fridays.

Making the Move to Jersey City?

With its excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and unbeatable access to Manhattan, it’s no wonder so many families are choosing to settle in Jersey City. If you need help buying or renting a house in a good school district, let the Jill Biggs Group help!

Drawing on 20+ years of local real estate knowledge, we help families find the ideal home in the best neighborhoods at the right price. Reach out today, and let’s start your journey to finding the perfect place in this incredible city!