Best Schools in Union County, NJ

Union County, NJ

Top Elementary, Middle, & High Schools

Whether you are planning a move across the state, or across the country, finding a new place to call home can be stressful. If you have children, you also will need to learn about the schools and whether or not they will fit your child’s needs. We’ve listed the best schools near our Union County apartments to help with your decision.

Elementary & Middle Schools


Howard B. Brunner Elementary School

Address: 721 Westfield Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

Phone: 908-889-2148

Source: thealternativepress.com

Quick Numbers

  • 8/10 rating on greatschools.org
  • 92% math proficiency rating
  • 417 students

Nearby Communities

Grades: PK-4*

The Howard B. Brunner Elementary School is “a community of learners seeking excellence together.” This school is part of Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools and performs 95 percent better on standardized testing compared to other schools in New Jersey, according to schooldigger.com. Before and after school care is available in the school through the YMCA.


L.C. Johnson Summit Middle School

Address: 272 Morris Ave., Summit, NJ 07901

Phone: 908-273-1190

Source: Summit Public Schools

Quick Numbers

  • 9/10 rating on greatschools.org
  • 89% proficiency in reading
  • 1006 students

Grades: 6-8*

Each grade at LCJ Middle School is split into three different teams: A, B, and C. Classrooms are equipped with iPads, where students can access a variety of resources to help them with essays and projects. LCJ Middle School also has an active PTO that plans activities such as class trips and book fairs. Students who graduate from this school proceed to Summit High School.


Livingston Ave. School

Address: 75 Livingston Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016

Phone: 908-709-6248

Source: cranfordschools.org

Quick Numbers

  • 9/10 rating on greatschools.org
  • 13:1 student ratio
  • 93% math proficiency

Nearby Communities

Grades: 3-5*

For over 50 years, the Livingston Ave. School has focused on providing education to each student based on his or her “particular developmental needs.” This school has a thriving music program that includes band, orchestra and chorus. There are also other activities such as the science club, newspaper club, and events throughout the year for the entire family.


High Schools

Elizabeth High School

Address: 447 Richmond Street, Elizabeth, NJ, 07202

Phone: 908 436-5860

Source: Facebook

Quick Numbers

  • 8/10 rating on greatschools.org
  • 95% reading and math proficiency according to niche.com.
  • 8th best high school in NJ according to U.S. News.

Nearby Communities

Elizabeth High School was considered one of the academically toughest high schools in the entire Northeast by The Washington Post. The school offers 16 Advanced Placement courses and approximately 91 percent of students attend a four-year college after graduation. The Elizabeth School District also offers different “academies” based on skill sets and interests, to prepare students for careers after high school. Sports wise, the school is known for its rugby team, who played in a national championship in 2006.


Summit Senior High School

Address: 125 Kent Place Blvd., Summit, NJ 07901

Phone: 908-273-1494

Source: Summit Public Schools

Quick Numbers

  • 8/10 rating on greatschools.org
  • 17th best high school in NJ, according to The Washington Post
  • 96% graduation rate, according to U.S. News

Nearby Communities

Summit Senior High School has 1201 students and received a gold medal from U.S. News based on test scores and college preparation efforts. In sports, Summit Senior High School has won numerous championships in football, cross-country, women’s lacrosse, and men’s lacrosse. In 2015, the school won the 2014-15 ShopRite Cup, finishing with 67 points. Notable alumni from this school include Dennis Ritchie, who created the C programming language and co-invented the UNIX operating system, and former MLB player Willie Wilson.