Best 07079 New Jersey Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,147 students in 07079, NJ (there are 4 private schools, serving 497 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in 07079, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in 07079, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 07079 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 07079, NJ 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 07079, NJ Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Stem Innovation Academy Of The Oranges
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
445 Scotland Road
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:
9/
10
Top 20%
444 West South Orange Ave
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:
7/
10
Top 50%
70 North Ridgewood Road
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
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
Gr: PK | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 07079, NJ?
How many public schools are located in 07079?
5 public schools are located in 07079.
What percentage of students in 07079 go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in 07079 are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in 07079?
07079 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).

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
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
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
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.

Quick Links