Photo: KForce at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0Hackensack’s public schools score below 78% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
19% of students in Hackensack’s public schools are proficient in math, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Hackensack, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New Jersey, not nationally.
From New Jersey state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Hackensack’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 321 New Jersey towns with household incomes within a quarter of Hackensack’s, its schools beat 31%, higher than their 22% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 32% of tested students were proficient in reading and 19% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
88% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $29,264 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 5 the district’s path is Hackensack Middle School, then Hackensack High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Ycs George Washington School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Hackensack’s grade
C−: better than 22% of New Jersey school districts, #380 of 465 New Jersey towns. Both inputs trail the New Jersey average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Hackensack, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,399 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,399 students · 11:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,399 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 1,399 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,813 students · 13:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,813 students · 13:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,813 students · 13:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Hackensack
Hackensack High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,813 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Hackensack’s public schools are run by Hackensack City School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Hackensack vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Hackensack’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Hackensack | C− | Hackensack City |
| Maywood | A− | Maywood Borough |
| River Edge | A | River Edge Borough PK–6 · River Dell Regional 7–12 |
| Paramus | B+ | Paramus Borough |
| Teaneck | C+ | Teaneck Township |
| Bogota | B− | Bogota Borough |
| Ridgefield Park | B− | Ridgefield Park Township |
| South Hackensack | B+ | South Hackensack Township |
| Hasbrouck Heights | B+ | Hasbrouck Heights Borough |
| Lodi | B+ | Lodi Borough |
Every school in Hackensack
8 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New Jersey’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Hackensack’s schools
Are Hackensack’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Hackensack children attend score below 78% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #380 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 31%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Hackensack in?
Hackensack City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 5,376 students in 6 schools (2024–25).
Where do Hackensack kids go to high school?
Hackensack High School, with 1,813 students; its own test results earn a C+.
What is Hackensack’s graduation rate?
88% of the class of 2023 in Hackensack City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Hackensack spend per student?
$29,264 in Hackensack City School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Hackensack?
Yes: Ycs George Washington School (special education, grades 1–8, 39 students).
Parents talk
What Hackensack families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Hackensack → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New Jersey. Stars are from neighbors.