10 Best High Schools in Ocean County, NJ for 2026

When it comes to raising a family in Ocean County, there are plenty of things we love about living here. The beaches, the small towns, the restaurants, the parks and, of course, our schools.

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For parents, finding a great high school can be a pretty big deal. Academics matter, but so do extracurricular activities, teachers, college preparation, athletics and the overall experience students have during those important four years.

So, which Ocean County high schools are standing out right now?

According to Niche's 2026 rankings, these are the top 10 high schools in Ocean County. Niche uses a combination of school data and reviews when putting together its rankings.

1. Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science

Taking the No. 1 spot is Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science, better known as MATES.

Located in Manahawkin, this specialized public high school is part of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District.

2. Ocean County Christian Academy

At No. 2 is Ocean County Christian Academy in Toms River.

This private Christian school offers education from preschool through 12th grade.

3. Point Pleasant Beach High School

Coming in at No. 3 is Point Pleasant Beach High School.

If you like the idea of a smaller high school where students aren't simply one face in a huge crowd, Point Pleasant Beach certainly stands out.

4. Donovan Catholic High School

Toms River's Donovan Catholic High School takes the No. 4 spot.

The private Catholic high school serves students in grades 9 through 12 and combines academics with athletics, clubs and other activities.

5. Jackson Memorial High School

Jackson Township makes the list at No. 5 with Jackson Memorial High School.

This large public high school gives students plenty of choices when it comes to classes, sports, clubs and activities.

6. Toms River High School North

Coming in at No. 6 is Toms River High School North.

Toms River North is one of Ocean County's larger high schools, and that size means students have a wide variety of programs and activities available to them.

7. Southern Regional High School

Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin takes the No. 7 spot.

The school serves a large student population and offers students a wide selection of academic programs, sports, clubs and other activities.

8. Calvary Academy

Calvary Academy in Lakewood comes in at No. 8.

The private Christian school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and offers families an alternative to the traditional public school setting.

9. Brick Township Memorial High School

Brick Township makes the top 10 with Brick Township Memorial High School, which lands at No. 9.

Brick Memorial offers students a traditional public high school experience with academics, athletics, clubs and extracurricular activities.

10. Toms River High School East

Rounding out the list at No. 10 is Toms River High School East.

Located in Toms River, High School East offers students a variety of academic courses along with athletics, clubs and extracurricular activities.

Ocean County Has Plenty to Be Proud Of

One thing that really stands out about this list is just how different these schools are.

You have a highly specialized STEM-focused school at the top, private religious schools, small public high schools and some of Ocean County's biggest traditional public high schools.

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That's a pretty good snapshot of the educational choices available to families across Ocean County.

Of course, no ranking can tell a family which school is going to be the perfect fit for their child. Every student is different, and what works wonderfully for one student might not be the right choice for another.

So, Ocean County, did your high school make the list?