Public Schools in Jersey City 

Here is the full list of Public Schools in Jersey City that you can consider in your area for your child.

Public Schools in Jersey City are an important consideration for families when they move here or when they have kids. Jersey City has some fantastic parks and playgrounds for children. Let us also take a look at the school system available for our children.

Jersey City has experienced impressive population growth in the past decade. From 2010 to 2020, the city’s population increased by around 18%, from about 247,597 to 292,449 residents. This growth reflected the city’s attractive location of the river Hudson across Manhattan and the massive development that has taken place.  

In the last five years, however, the population growth seems to have stabilized since the growth is at a slower pace.   From 2018 to 2023, the population increased by around 3.8%, reaching approximately 291,657 residents in 2023 – a modest increase compared to the previous years. 

One of the key factors that resulted in this growth is the real estate development that took place here. The massive boom as seen in the construction of multiple high-rise multi-use projects and other infrastructure investments aided the overall development of the city. It attracted an affluent, young populace who found the luxury buildings comfortable to stay in and the location convenient to go back and forth from NYC where many of the jobs were at. 

All this growth meant the city had to take a major look at its school infrastructure. Jersey City Board of Education had to plan for this evolving growth of population and families with kids in the city. The impact of this growth has been both positive and challenging for the schools.

The rapid population growth prompted the need for expanded facilities and resources. They have had to construct and renovate the school buildings to accommodate the growing student population.  

Jersey City Public Schools has increased Advanced Placement (AP) exam participation and partnerships with local universities for afterschool programs. Despite financial challenges the district endeavors to provide scholarships and academic enrichment programs for the city’s children.

In the last 10 years, some new schools have been added to the existing rooster of schools, which include Mahatma K. Gandhi School (P.S. 23), Christa McAuliffe School (P.S. 28), and Innovation High School. 

The Jersey City Public Schools have 14 Elementary Schools (Pre-K–5), 13 Grammar Schools (Pre-K-8), 4 Middle Schools (6-8), 6 High Schools (9-12), 1 Secondary School (6-12), 1 Alternative Program (serving grades 6-12), 4 Early Childhood Centers and several Contracted Early Childhood Centers. 

Elementary Schools in Jersey City

Frank R. Conwell School – PS 3,

Charles E. Trefurt School – PS 8

Julia A. Barnes School – PS 12

Cornelia F. Bradford School – PS 16

Dr. Maya Angelou – PS-20

Rev. Dr. Ercel F. Webb School – PS 22

Nicolaus Copernicus School – PS 25

Patricia M. Noonan school – PS 26

Gladys Nunery School – PS 29

Alexander D. Sullivan School PS30

Dr. Michael Conti School – PS 5

182 Merseles Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Office-201-714-4300
Fax-201-659-5717

Mission: “To ensure that all children; regardless of race, socio-economic class, language, or learning diversity have equal access to all educational opportunities.”

PS 5 believes that a nurturing and productive environment where students can feel safe and motivated results in children being successful. Academics are focused on the lines of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. They endeavor to stress empathy, compassion, and civic responsibility along with the academic development of the students. A collaborative environment between the families, school, and community is what will take the students to better heights.

They offer a dual language program from PK to 5th grade. A project-based and culturally responsive curriculum is in place.

Martin Luther King, Jr. School – PS 11

886 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office-201-915-6521
Fax-201-418-8582

Mission statement: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education. – Martin Luther King, Jr.”

PS-11 is a multi-racial, multi-lingual school with bilingual programs in Arabic, Urdu, and Gujarati. They offer academic services to both gifted students and also kids with disabilities.

Ollie Culbreth, Jr. School – PS 14

153 Union Street
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Office-201-915-6430
Fax-201-333-7255

Mission Statement: “To encourage academic excellence and prepare young minds for the 21st Century.”

Their motto is to envision equity and excellence everywhere. PS-14 believes in fostering accountability, confidence, self-discipline, creativity, and more. The school collaborates with the families and the community in bringing the best for the students.

Some of the school achievements include championships in Project A Girls Basketball, Lego Robotics working for a better Jersey City, and grades 4 to 8 students participating in laboratory experiments with state-of-the-art labs.

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Community School – PS 15

135 Stegman Street
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-369-3724
Fax-201-433-6939

Mission: “All stakeholders (community, students, support staff, parents, teachers, and administrators) take an active role in nurturing and developing students to become productive members of society. ”

PS-15 believes in collaborating with all stakeholders, acquiring and implementing best practices, team approach to instructions, and improving opportunities for parental involvement. They encourage all stakeholders to take ownership of the academic, social, and emotional success of the students. They believe all students can and will succeed.

Joseph H. Brensinger Elementary School, PS 17

600 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6120
Fax-201-434-2824

PS-17 was awarded the Porticus Grant. This is a tri-state alliance of 18 schools coming together to improve the school through character education. This school has received many Promising Practice Awards. In 2019 they were the National Division Flag Football champions. 

Mahatma K. Gandhi School, PS 23

143 Romaine Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office-201-915-6490
Fax-201-435-8514

PS-23 prides itself in calling itself a Community school.  They believe in providing multiple opportunities to families to keep their children safe and motivated to attend school.  The focus is not just on what the kids do in school but on what can be done for the community and how the community can get stronger since after all the kids are also a part of the community. 

PS-24 calls itself a community of learners and leaders. The school has pre-k to 8th grade. They encourage children with events like Talent and Fashion Showcase, Multicultural Day when the students and staff get to wear outfits representing their country or culture, Family STEM night and more.

Alfred Zampella School, PS-27

201 North Street
Jersey City, NJ 07307
Office-201-714-4350
Fax-201-420-9082

Mission: “To provide a safe and nurturing learning environment where every student can reach their full potential.”

Named after life-long Jersey City and a school principal for 27 years, Alfred Zampella, Ps-27 was built in 1966 and caters to students from K to 8.

PS-27 has a student-centric focus. They focus on giving all-round development for the young minds – that means mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially strong students. They strive to create an environment that encourages personal growth, academic excellence, and civic engagement. Their vision states “We see a future where every student at Alfred E. Zampella, PS #27, reaches their full potential and graduates as confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals, who are ready to positively impact the world.”

They have a set of core values that dictate their interaction with students, parents, and the community, bringing all into the fold of working together.   

Christa McAuliffe School, PS-28

167 Hancock Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07307
Office-201-714-4360
Fax-201-656-0225

PS-28 is a nationally recognized STEAM school and as proof, it was the grand finalist at STEAM Tank Challenge 2024. Technology is well-adapted to the needs of the classroom. The school’s acclaimed academic and arts program is believed to allow students to reach their full potential. Partnering with the parents and community, the school embarks on nurturing the diverse students as achievers and agents of change. 

President Barack Obama Community School, PS-34

1830 Kennedy Boulevard,
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6550
Fax-201-915-6553

Mission Statement: “To nourish the minds of our students in order to prepare them for college and career readiness in an environment that is respectful, supportive, and disciplined.”

PS-34 strives to achieve success and nothing less! It helps students develop academically and socially so that each student can achieve their future goals. They serve students from Pre-K to 8th grade.

Cordero Community School, PS-37

158 Erie Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Office- 201-714-4390
Fax- 201-222-9055

Mission Statement: “Our mission is for all students to become responsible, fulfilled, and successful global citizens.”

Located in the Hamilton Park area of Jersey City, PS-37 serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade. It has partnered with parents to provide the best in STEM and extended learning for the students. It provides accelerated project-based learning for students from 3rd grade to 8th grade through the HOPE program.

The students are diverse with varying needs and Cordero provides the best for all. They provide students with real-world experiences and standards-based instruction. Throughout each month their calendar is full of activities and events for kids like celebrating Earth Day, Junior Achievement Job Shadow Day for K-5, Spring Book Fair, Field trips, Dinner & Dance, Random Acts of Kindness Week, Winter STEM day, and many more.

James F. Murray School, PS-38

339 Stegman Parkway
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6620
Fax-201-333-6044

Their mantra is “  I Believe I can Achieve. I Strive to Inspire others. I Care about my Success!”

PS-38 believes in embracing the value of education every day. Student well-being comes from collaboration between teachers, administrators, and students.

Dr. Charles P. DeFuccio School, PS -39

214 Plainfield Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office-201-915-6560

Mission Statement: “To provide each student a foundational education that is relevant to the real world, which reflects the knowledge and skills that our children need to develop for success in college and careers.”

PS-39 strives for students to develop skills to become independent and self-sufficient citizens. They would contribute responsibly to a global community. All this can be achieved with the collaboration of the school, parents, and community. 

Their motto is to ‘Envision Equity and Excellence Everywhere.’

Fred W. Martin Center for the Arts, PS-41

59 Wilkinson Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6590
Fax-201-915-6596

Mission Statement: To provide all students with a high-quality education that enables them to be contributing members of society.  

PS-41 strives for an environment of equity so that students are successful achievers and contributing members of society. They focus on Respect Integrity, Self-control, and Empathy as exemplified by their motto. 

Jersey City Middle Schools

Frank R. Conwell, Middle School – MS4

107 Bright Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Office-201-946-5740
Fax-201-209-1293

Mission Statement: “To build persistent, lifelong learners who are empowered to take risks in order to succeed through interactive learning experiences.”

MS-4 is located on Bright Street. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and 99% attendance, this middle school has the motto of “We can succeed and we will succeed.” They are big on sports with 12 Football championships and 12 sports teams. 

The school endeavors to help students discover who they are and what they enjoy doing by providing them with avenues to try different things. Their after-school programs reflect this. The extra-curricular clubs are varied. They include Calligraphy, Carpentry, Chess, Coding, Debate, Drama/Music, Robotics, etc. 

Ezra L. Nolan Middle School MS-40

88 Gates Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6570
Fax-201-369-3749

Mission Statement: “To foster each student’s innate curiosity and joy of discovery.”

In Ms-40 students are prepared for academic success, social awareness, and scientific literacy. They are taught to be respectful and responsible citizens. Active involvement of parents and the community is encouraged. The school focuses on project-based and interest-based learning experiences. They understand that each student is unique and each has his/her own needs and motivations that need to be taken into account for their overall growth. Clubs include chess, Lego robotics, Soccer, Track, and Volleyball.

Academy 1 Middle School

209 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6500
Fax-201-435-9224

Mission Statement: “To develop the whole child- academically, socially and emotionally by providing meaningful experiences that empower students to be independent thinkers, innovative problem solvers, and conscious participants in their school and future communities.“

 Academy 1 endeavors to achieve its mission by focusing on offering robust learning experiences and a comprehensive curriculum to the students thus spearheading their development into future leaders of the world.  

Infinity Institute

193 Old Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-1404
Fax-201-433-9456

Mission Statement:  “Infinity Institute aims to provide a learning environment that develops students’ intellectual, technological, emotional, and social skills to live successfully as responsible global citizens.”

Children are challenged through a course of study with high standards, making them responsible learners who the importance of working collaboratively, and are cognizant of the accountability of their own academic and developmental progress. Infinity Institute strives for students to become lifelong learners, making valuable contributions to society. For this,  it is important that there is collaboration between families, the school, and the community. 

This institute was a 2019 Blue Ribbon School recipient. This is the only secondary magnet school in Jersey City that serves students from 6th grade to 12th grade. It has a track record of a 100% graduation rate since it’s first graduating class in 2014.

Jersey City High Schools

Academy of Sciences at William L. Dickinson High School

2 Palisade Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office-201-714-4400
Fax-201-792-2292

With a motto of “Diversity, Honor, Success”, Dickinson High School believes that the student body is its greatest resource. It focuses not only on the academic needs of the students but also their social and emotional needs, thus preparing them to be productive citizens. The school strives to make sure that the students graduate career and college-ready. It brings together the families, community, teachers, and staff to create the best means of student development. 

Academy Of International Enterprise At James J. Ferris High School

35 Colgate Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Office-201-915-6660
Fax-201-451-6067

Ferris High School serves a diverse body of students and strives to make them workplace-ready. It aims to focus on creating well-rounded citizens with a social conscience that ensures they are an asset to the community and are ready to face all challenges when they step into the adult world. 

In sports, FHS has basketball, bowling, fencing, indoor track, swimming, and baseball. The clubs offered by FHS include Music, Photography, E-sports, gardening, visual arts, multicultural dance, yearbook, Latinx, and many more. 

Academy Of Governance And Social Sciences At Lincoln High School

60 Crescent Street,
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Office-201-915-6700
Fax-201-435-4493

Abraham Lincoln High School works to ensure every student has equal access and opportunity to a good education. The school’s JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) was formed in 1995 to prepare students for leadership roles while making them aware of their responsibilities and rights as American Citizens. At Lincoln High, JROTC is a course given to students during regular school hours. 

Academy Of The Arts At Henry Snyder High School

239 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-6600
Fax-201-435-5019

With a motto of “Every Student Known, Every Student Valued”, Snyder High School endeavors to make sure each student has equal access and opportunity to education. In sports, the school has basketball, track, and bowling. 

For a student interested in Arts, Snyder offers Arts experiences not offered in other schools. Many of the staff of Snyder are ex-students of the school. 

Infinity Institute

193 Old Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-1404
Fax-201-433-9456

For details of this High School, see above. This high school serves students from 6th grade to 12th grade.

Innovation High School

239 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Office-201-915-1504
Fax-201-369-6935

Established in 2014, Innovation High School is a school within a school since it is housed in Snyder High School. There is a lottery system to get into this school. It serves students who have an aptitude for STEAM branches of learning. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. It serves grades 9 to 12. For more information on the lottery, you can contact them at the office. They endeavor to make students college and career-ready with a focus on STEAM.

Liberty High School

299 Sip Avenue,
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office-201-714-4373
Fax-201-369-3714

Established in 1999, Liberty High School is unique in that it has a small learning community giving a family-like atmosphere. It has 100% graduation rate and a variety of AP classes are offered here.  Students are supported and challenged by a team of administrators, faculty, and staff who collaborate effectively with families and the community. The student-teacher ratio is 8:1. The school allows students to earn 24 college credits during high school.

McNair Academic High School

123 Coles Street,
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office-201-418-7617
Fax-201-792-1498

Mission Statement: “To provide a challenging college preparatory curriculum that maximizes intellectual excellence, personal development, and civic responsibility within an ethnically and racially diverse environment.”

The focus of McNair High School is intellectual excellence, personal development and civic responsibility. Established in 1976, this is a magnet public school. Students who wish to attend this school need to take the PSAT and based on the scores, they are admitted into the school. 21 AP classes are offered. They were ranked No. 1 in New Jersey in 2018 when they were also a National Blue Ribbon School. They were the first public school in Jersey City to offer varsity fencing.

Renaissance Institute

128 Duncan Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Office – 201 – 915 – 6610 or 201-338-7176
Fax – 201 – 938-1061

Mission Statement: “To prepare all students for lifelong learning.”

Renaissance Institute seeks to graduate responsible citizens who are ready to take up the challenges of the future. They encourage multiple learning styles and provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum. They have high expectations from the students and encourage personal responsibility. The school needs the students to wear a uniform. The details of the uniform purchase are on the school website. 

Gerard J. Dynes – N.J. Regional Day School

Make sure you also check out our blog about Public Schools In Jersey City – Student to Teacher ratios in the classroom!