Newark operates New Jersey’s largest public school district, enrolling nearly 44,000 students across more than 60 schools.
The state’s largest districts range from dense urban systems such as Union City to regional districts covering more than 50 square miles.
Their size creates major infrastructure demands involving school construction, maintenance, transportation, technology and classroom capacity.
From dense urban systems to sprawling suburban networks, New Jersey’s largest school districts serve hundreds of thousands of students across a diverse collection of classrooms and communities. New Jersey has more than 1.3 million public school students spread across more than 600 school districts. Some cover compact cities where space is at a premium; others operate dozens of buildings across large suburban communities.
Using New Jersey Department of Education enrollment data for the 2023–2024 school year, these are the 10 largest public school districts in the state.
Link to google map here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1OmhQ7RoAN7hwNHcas8uZPcKFw_z24yU&usp=sharing
Embed code:10. Hamilton Township School District (Mercer County)
Hamilton West is one of three high schools in this sprawling district. Google Earch
Enrollment: 12,377 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Suburban
Geography: 40 square miles in Mercer County
Communities served: Hamilton Township
Located just outside Trenton, Hamilton Township operates one of New Jersey’s largest suburban school systems. Its 23 schools include three comprehensive high schools, each serving a different part of the township.
The district’s size gives students access to a broad range of academic, athletic and arts programs. Partnerships with Mercer County Community College and other local organizations also provide pathways into college, technical training and careers.
9. Union City School District
Union City High school spans two buildings and features a rooftop athletic field designed to make the most of limited urban space. Google Earth.
Enrollment: 12,797 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Urban
Geography: 1.3 square miles in Hudson County
Communities served: Union City
Union City serves nearly 13,000 students within just 1.3 square miles, making it the most geographically compact district on this list. That density requires the school system to make creative use of limited land.
Union City High School provides perhaps the most visible example. The campus includes a full-sized athletic field constructed on its roof, allowing the district to provide modern recreational facilities in one of the most densely developed communities in the country. The district a
8. Woodbridge Township School District
Woodbridge High School is one of three public high schools serving the township. Google Earth.
Enrollment: 14,044 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Suburban
Geography: 24.2 square miles in Middlesex County
Communities served: Woodbridge Township
Woodbridge Township operates 24 schools across one of New Jersey’s largest and most populous municipalities. Its three public high schools serve different sections of the township, giving each campus a distinct identity while remaining part of a single district.
The system reflects the challenge facing many large suburban communities: maintaining neighborhood schools and local traditions while providing consistent programs and services across a township of more than 100,000 residents.
7. Toms River Regional Schools
Toms River High School North is the largest of the district’s three public high schools. Google Earth.
Enrollment: 14,594 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Suburban
Geography: 53 square miles in Ocean County
Communities served: Toms River Township, Beachwood, Pine Beach and South Toms River
Toms River Regional Schools is the largest suburban regional district in New Jersey. Its 18 schools, including three high schools, serve students across four Ocean County municipalities.
The district’s size and regional structure require it to operate an extensive network of classrooms, transportation routes, athletic facilities and support services. Toms River has also faced significant reductions in state aid, forcing district leaders to make difficult decisions about staffing, programs and building operations.
6. Trenton Public Schools
Caption: Trenton Central High School is a $155 million campus housing five specialized academic programs.
Enrollment: 15,459 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Urban
Geography: 7.6 square miles in Mercer County
Communities served: Trenton
New Jersey’s capital city operates a school system serving more than 15,000 students. One of its most significant recent infrastructure investments is the $155 million Trenton Central High School, which opened in 2019.
The modern campus houses five specialized academies focused on subjects including science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts. Trenton continues to contend with poverty and student mobility; its newer facilities and career-oriented programs are intended to provide students with stronger connections to college and employment.
5. Edison Township Public Schools
Edison High School is one of two public high schools in Edison, NJ.
Enrollment: 17,005 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Suburban
Geography: 30.7 square miles in Middlesex County
Communities served: Edison Township
Edison operates New Jersey’s largest suburban school district. Its buildings include two high schools, four middle schools and 12 elementary schools serving a township with more than 100,000 residents.
The community’s growth and diversity have shaped the district’s academic programs and facility needs. Edison places a strong emphasis on science and technology, a fitting connection to the township’s namesake, Thomas Edison, whose laboratory helped make the community an early center of American innovation.
4. Paterson Public Schools
Eastside High School is one of 11 public high schools serving Paterson. Google Earth.
Enrollment: 24,692 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Urban
Geography: 8.7 square miles in Passaic County
Communities served: Paterson
Paterson Public Schools enrolls nearly 25,000 students across 43 schools. The district spent decades under state intervention before regaining full local control in 2021.
Its schools offer programs ranging from STEM and technical education to performing arts and bilingual instruction. Eastside High School remains one of the district’s best-known buildings, in part because of its portrayal in the 1989 film Lean on Me. Today, Paterson continues to expand early childhood education and specialized programs for a largely Hispanic and immigrant student population.
3. Jersey City Public Schools
Caption: William L. Dickinson High School is one of six public high schools serving Jersey City.
Enrollment: 26,293 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Urban
Geography: 21.1 square miles in Hudson County
Communities served: Jersey City
Jersey City Public Schools serves the state’s second-largest city and one of its fastest-changing communities. In 1989, it became the first New Jersey district placed under state control; local governance was fully restored nearly three decades later.
The district operates neighborhood schools alongside specialized and selective programs. McNair Academic High School is regularly recognized among the state’s highest-performing public schools, while other campuses prepare students for careers in technology, the arts and public service.
2.Elizabeth Public Schools
Elizabeth has eight public high schools and numerous charter and trade schools. Google Earth
Enrollment: 28,334 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Urban
Geography: 13.7 square miles in Union County
Communities served: Elizabeth
Elizabeth operates New Jersey’s second-largest public school district and serves one of its most diverse student populations. Students come from more than 50 countries and speak dozens of languages at home.
As a former Abbott district, Elizabeth has received substantial state support for school construction, preschool and other educational programs. Its schools offer International Baccalaureate coursework, specialized academies and other programs intended to provide students with multiple paths toward college and careers.
1. Newark Public School District
Caption: In Newark, charter and vocational schools outnumber traditional public high schools. Malcolm X Shabazz High School, shown here, stands within New Jersey’s largest district yet serves just over 350 students. Google Earth
Enrollment: 43,810 students, pre-K through grade 12
Setting: Urban
Geography: 25.9 square miles in Essex County
Communities served: Newark
With nearly 44,000 students enrolled across more than 60 schools, Newark operates the largest public school district in New Jersey. It is also one of the oldest school systems in the country, with roots extending to the 17th century.
Newark spent more than two decades under state control before regaining local governance in 2018. The district now operates neighborhood schools alongside specialized campuses such as Science Park High School and Arts High School. It has also expanded services for students with disabilities, including a school created specifically for children on the autism spectrum.
Running a system of this scale requires far more than classroom instruction. Newark must maintain an extensive network of aging and modern school buildings, transportation services, athletic facilities, technology systems and student-support programs across the state’s largest city.
Largest Charter School
North Star Academy Charter School of Newark
North Star Academy operates neighborhood campuses throughout Newark rather than concentrating students at one location. Google Earth.
Enrollment: Approximately 6,476 students
Setting: Urban
Structure: 13 elementary, middle and high school campuses
North Star Academy, part of the Uncommon Schools network, was among the first charter schools established in New Jersey. Instead of concentrating students on one large campus, the network operates smaller schools in neighborhoods throughout Newark.
North Star emphasizes college preparation, structured academic support and high expectations. Its distributed campus model also illustrates how charter networks can grow within a city without developing a single district-sized facility.
Largest Private School
Paramus Catholic High School
Google Earth.
Enrollment: Approximately 1,570 students in grades nine through 12
Setting: Suburban
Structure: 27-acre campus
Paramus Catholic operates one of the largest private high schools in New Jersey. Its 27-acre campus includes a music conservatory, amphitheater, athletic fields, tennis courts, track and a 1,500-seat football stadium.
The school offers 141 courses, including 33 honors courses and 21 Advanced Placement courses. According to the school, 99 percent of its graduates continue to four-year colleges.
Summary Table: 10 Biggest School Districts in New Jersey
| Rank | District | Enrollment | Setting | Structure (Sq. Miles, Type) | Key Notes |
| 10 | Hamilton Township School District (Mercer) | 12,377 | Suburban | 40 sq mi, single municipality (Mercer County) | 23 schools, including 3 high schools; strong athletic & arts traditions; college partnerships |
| 9 | Union City School District | 12,797 | Urban | 1.3 sq mi, single municipality (Hudson County) | One of the densest U.S. districts; bilingual & preschool focus; rooftop stadium at Union City HS |
| 8 | Woodbridge Township School District | 14,044 | Suburban | 24.2 sq mi, single municipality (Middlesex County) | NJ’s oldest township; 24 schools, 3 rival high schools; strong STEM and arts |
| 7 | Toms River Regional Schools | 14,594 | Suburban | 53 sq mi, multi-municipality regional district (Ocean County) | Largest suburban regional; 18 schools, 3 high schools; state aid cuts have challenged funding |
| 6 | Trenton Public Schools | 15,459 | Urban | 7.6 sq mi, single municipality (Mercer County) | NJ capital’s district; new $155M Trenton Central HS; career-focused academies |
| 5 | Edison Township Public Schools | 17,005 | Suburban | 30.7 sq mi, single municipality (Middlesex County) | Largest suburban district; diverse population; strong STEM and tech focus |
| 4 | Paterson Public Schools | 24,692 | Urban | 8.7 sq mi, single municipality (Passaic County) | Returned to local control in 2021; wide range of magnet programs; Eastside HS in Lean on Me |
| 3 | Jersey City Public Schools | 26,293 | Urban | 21.1 sq mi, single municipality (Hudson County) | First NJ district under state takeover (1989–2018); home to McNair Academic HS |
| 2 | Elizabeth Public Schools | 28,334 | Urban | 13.7 sq mi, single municipality (Union County) | Highly diverse; former Abbott district; IB program and Blue Ribbon schools |
| 1 | Newark Public Schools | 43,810 | Urban | 25.9 sq mi, single municipality (Essex County) | NJ’s largest district; one of the oldest in U.S.; regained local control in 2018; notable magnet & autism programs |
Largest Charter and Private Schools in New Jersey
| Type | School | Enrollment | Setting | Structure / Notes |
| Charter | North Star Academy (Newark) | ~6,476 | Urban | Multiple campuses (K–12); part of Uncommon Schools; college-prep focus; nationally recognized |
| Private (High Only) | Paramus Catholic High School (Paramus) | ~1,570 | Suburban | 27-acre campus; 141 courses, 33 honors, 21 AP; 99% college-bound; extensive facilities |
Sources:
Fazelpoor, M. (2025, July 8). Toms River, NJDOE clash over school budget crisis. NJBIZ. https://njbiz.com/toms-river-njdoe-school-budget-crisis/
New Jersey Department of Education. (2024c). Charter school enrollment data, 2023–2024. Trenton, NJ: Author. https://www.nj.gov/education/data/enr/charter/
New Jersey Department of Education. (2024a). Fall enrollment reports, 2023–2024 school year. Trenton, NJ: Author. https://www.nj.gov/education/data/enr/
New Jersey Department of Education. (2024b). School performance reports: District profiles, 2023–2024. Trenton, NJ: Author. https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/
Paramus Catholic High School. (2024). Academics at Paramus Catholic. Paramus, NJ: Author. https://www.paramuscatholic.com/apps/pages/academics
Toms River Regional Schools. (2025, June 30). Resolution Regarding District Budget for 2025-26. Toms River, NJ: Author. https://www.trschools.com/administration/docs/2025/07/Resolution-Regarding-District-Budget-2025_2026.pdf
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). QuickFacts: New Jersey municipalities. Washington, DC: Author. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/
