Photo: DiskFool · Public domainPennington’s public schools outscore 78% of New Jersey districts
In Pennington, 55% of tested students are proficient in math, above the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Pennington, 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 94% 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.
Pennington’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 198 New Jersey towns with household incomes within a quarter of Pennington’s, its schools beat 49%, lower than their 78% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 64% and math 55% in spring 2022, against 49% and 36% statewide; 97% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $32,404 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Timberlane Middle School, then Hopewell Valley Central High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
The Pennington School (private) and Cambridge School (private) are 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 Pennington’s grade
A−: better than 78% of New Jersey school districts, #87 of 465 New Jersey towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the New Jersey average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Pennington, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Pennington
Toll Gate Grammar School
Grades PK–5 · 299 students · 8:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Pennington
Toll Gate Grammar School
Grades PK–5 · 299 students · 8:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Pennington
Toll Gate Grammar School
Grades PK–5 · 299 students · 8:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Pennington
Toll Gate Grammar School
Grades PK–5 · 299 students · 8:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Pennington
Toll Gate Grammar School
Grades PK–5 · 299 students · 8:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Pennington
Toll Gate Grammar School
Grades PK–5 · 299 students · 8:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Pennington
Timberlane Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 803 students · 10:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Pennington
Timberlane Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 803 students · 10:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Pennington
Timberlane Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 803 students · 10:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Pennington
Hopewell Valley Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,068 students · 10:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Pennington
Hopewell Valley Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,068 students · 10:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Pennington
Hopewell Valley Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,068 students · 10:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Pennington
Hopewell Valley Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,068 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Pennington’s public schools are run by Hopewell Valley Regional School District, which also serves Hopewell and Hopewell. 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 above the state in reading
Pennington vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Pennington’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Pennington | A− | Hopewell Valley Regional |
Every school in Pennington
5 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 Pennington’s schools
Are Pennington’s schools good?
By New Jersey’s own tests, yes: the public schools Pennington children attend outscore 78% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #87 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 49%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Pennington in?
Hopewell Valley Regional School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,423 students in 6 schools (2024–25).
Where do Pennington kids go to high school?
Hopewell Valley Central High School, with 1,068 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Pennington’s graduation rate?
97% of the class of 2023 in Hopewell Valley Regional School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Pennington spend per student?
$32,404 in Hopewell Valley Regional School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Pennington?
Yes: The Pennington School (religious, grades 6–12, 537 students) and Cambridge School (special education, grades 1–12, 113 students).
Parents talk
What Pennington families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Pennington → 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.