Best Lakewood Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,744 students in Lakewood, NJ (there are 100 private schools, serving 31,294 private students). 13% of all K-12 students in Lakewood, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Lakewood, NJ are Ella G Clarke Elementary School, Clifton Ave Grade School and Oak Street Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lakewood, NJ public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the New Jersey public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Lakewood have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public school average of 63% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Lakewood, NJ (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ella G Clarke Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
455 Manetta Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3620
Gr: 3-6 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22.
Clifton Ave Grade School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
625 Clifton Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3650
Gr: 3-6 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #33.
Oak Street Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
75 Oak Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3670
Gr: 3-6 | 513 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Ocean Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1650 Massachusetts Ave.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 987-6525
Gr: K-9 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Lakewood Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
755 Somerset Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3600
Gr: 7-8 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #66.
Lakewood High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
855 Somerset Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3500
Gr: 9-12 | 1,295 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: n/an/a
100 Linden Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3626
Gr: PK-K | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: n/an/a
1141 E County Line Road
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3566
Gr: PK-K | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
90 Spruce Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3660
Gr: 1-2 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Lakewood, New Jersey

Lakewood, New Jersey Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Merdian Acad-lakewood (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
150 Oberlin Avenue North
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-1228
Gr: Inquire with school | 34 students Minority enrollment: 53%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Lakewood, NJ?
The top-ranked public schools in Lakewood, NJ include Ella G Clarke Elementary School, Clifton Ave Grade School and Oak Street Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Lakewood?
9 public schools are located in Lakewood.
What percentage of students in Lakewood go to public school?
13% of all K-12 students in Lakewood are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lakewood?
Lakewood public schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public schools average of 63% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lakewood are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.

Quick Links