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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Lakewood Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,744 students in Lakewood, NJ (there are 71 private schools, serving 19,753 private students). 22% of all K-12 students in Lakewood, NJ are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
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
Lakewood Early Childhood Center
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
Piner Elementary School
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
Spruce Street Elementary School
90 Spruce Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 905-3660
Gr: 1-2 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%

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?
22% of all K-12 students in Lakewood are educated in public schools (compared to the NJ state average of 87%).
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?

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