For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,147 students in South Orange, NJ (there are 4 private schools, serving 497 private students). 80% of all K-12 students in South Orange, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in South Orange, NJ are Stem Innovation Academy Of The Oranges, South Mountain Elementary School and South Orange Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Orange, NJ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the New Jersey public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in South Orange have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of New Jersey public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the New Jersey public school average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in South Orange, NJ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Stem Innovation Academy Of The Oranges
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
445 Scotland Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 677-4190
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 677-4190
Gr: 9-12 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #22.
South Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
444 West South Orange Ave
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-5216
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-5216
Gr: K-5 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
South Orange Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
70 North Ridgewood Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-2772
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-2772
Gr: 6-8 | 752 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: n/an/a
262 Grove Rd
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-7698
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 378-7698
Gr: K-4 | 504 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: n/an/a
358 Clark Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 762-5600
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 762-5600
Gr: PK | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in South Orange, NJ?
The top-ranked public schools in South Orange, NJ include Stem Innovation Academy Of The Oranges, South Mountain Elementary School and South Orange Middle School.
How many public schools are located in South Orange?
5 public schools are located in South Orange.
What percentage of students in South Orange go to public school?
80% of all K-12 students in South Orange are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Orange?
South Orange public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the New Jersey public schools average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in South Orange are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in South Orange include: Marshall Elementary School vs. South Mountain Elementary School, South Mountain Elementary School vs. Marshall Elementary School
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