For many homebuyers considering a move to northern New Jersey, local schools are an important part of getting to know a community. The newly released 2027 Niche Best Schools and Districts rankings put several communities in The Winterbottom Team’s market area among New Jersey’s highest-rated school districts.
From Summit and Short Hills to Chatham, Livingston, Westfield and New Providence, several nearby districts earned an A+ overall Niche grade and a place among the Top 20 school districts in New Jersey.
Here’s a closer look.
Summit Public Schools — #6 in New Jersey
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Summit Public School District ranks #6 among New Jersey school districts for 2027 and #1 in Union County.
Summit Senior High School also ranks #22 among New Jersey public high schools.
For buyers, Summit offers much more than its schools. A vibrant downtown, direct train service to New York City, beautiful residential neighborhoods, parks and a strong sense of community continue to make Summit a sought-after place to call home.
School District of the Chathams — #9 in New Jersey
Overall Niche Grade: A+
The School District of the Chathams ranks #9 in New Jersey and #2 in Morris County.
Serving both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township, the district received A+ grades from Niche in academics, teachers and college prep.
Chatham’s charming downtown, community atmosphere and proximity to Summit and Madison make it another community frequently considered by buyers looking in this part of New Jersey.
Livingston Public Schools — #12 in New Jersey
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Livingston ranks #12 among New Jersey school districts and #1 in Essex County.
Livingston High School also ranks among the state’s highly rated public high schools.
With a wide variety of housing, recreation, shopping and convenient access to neighboring Short Hills, Livingston is another community that attracts buyers exploring suburban Essex County.
Millburn Township Schools / Short Hills — #14 in New Jersey
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Millburn Township School District, which serves both Millburn and Short Hills, ranks #14 in New Jersey and #2 in Essex County.
Millburn High School ranks #20 among New Jersey public high schools in Niche’s 2027 rankings.
Short Hills is known for its distinctive neighborhoods, including Deerfield, Glenwood and Old Short Hills, along with convenient train service, proximity to downtown Millburn and a broad range of architectural styles.
Westfield Public Schools — #15 in New Jersey
Overall Niche Grade: A+
Westfield Public School District ranks #15 in New Jersey and #2 in Union County.
Westfield also received particularly strong Niche rankings for teachers and athletics.
Its bustling downtown, train station, parks and established residential neighborhoods have made Westfield another popular choice for buyers exploring Union County.
New Providence Schools — #18 in New Jersey
Overall Niche Grade: A+
New Providence School District rounds out the local districts in New Jersey’s Top 20, ranking #18 statewide and #3 in Union County.
Located next to Summit, New Providence offers its own downtown, train service and residential neighborhoods while remaining just minutes from many of Summit’s amenities.
More Highly Rated Communities in Our Area
Not every desirable local community landed in Niche’s statewide Top 20, and rankings are only one way to evaluate a school district.
Madison Public School District earned an A overall Niche grade and ranks #51 in New Jersey for 2027. Madison combines a vibrant downtown, train service and strong community feel with a variety of residential neighborhoods.
South Orange–Maplewood School District also earned an A overall Niche grade and ranks #54 in New Jersey. The district received an A+ for college prep and A grades for academics and teachers. South Orange and Maplewood are particularly known for their lively downtowns, distinctive older homes and strong community identities.
What Do School Rankings Mean for Homebuyers?
School rankings can be a helpful resource when researching a move, but they’re just one part of the picture.
Families may also want to consider individual school programs, extracurricular activities, commute, neighborhood character, housing inventory, property size, proximity to downtown and the lifestyle each community offers.
And that’s where local knowledge matters.
Thinking About a Move to Summit, Short Hills or the Surrounding Area?
From Summit and Short Hills to Chatham, Madison, Livingston, South Orange, Maplewood, Westfield and New Providence, northern New Jersey offers an exceptional variety of communities and neighborhoods.
The Winterbottom Team brings extensive local knowledge to help buyers understand not only the homes available, but also the neighborhoods and communities surrounding them.
Contact Elizabeth Winterbottom and The Winterbottom Team at 973-900-0337 to learn more about buying or selling a home in Summit, Short Hills and the surrounding New Jersey communities.
Source: Niche 2027 Best Schools and Districts rankings. Niche rankings are independently developed and may change. School rankings and ratings are one of many resources families may wish to consider. Buyers should confirm current school assignments and information directly with the appropriate school district.
