For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,903 students in Carteret, NJ (there are 2 private schools, serving 196 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Carteret, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carteret, NJ are Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School and Carteret Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carteret, NJ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the New Jersey public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Carteret have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public school average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carteret, NJ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
83 Post Blvd
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: PK-4 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #22.
Nathan Hale Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
678 Roosevelt Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: PK-4 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #33.
Carteret Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 Carteret Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: 5-6 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #44.
Columbus Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1 Carteret Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: PK-4 | 642 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #55.
Carteret High School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
199 Washington Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: 9-12 | 1,188 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: n/an/a
195 Washington Ave
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: 7-8 | 568 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carteret, NJ?
The top-ranked public schools in Carteret, NJ include Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School and Carteret Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Carteret?
6 public schools are located in Carteret.
What percentage of students in Carteret go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Carteret are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carteret?
Carteret public schools minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public schools average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Carteret are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carteret include: Columbus Elementary School vs. Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School vs. Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School vs. Nathan Hale Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.