Emerson Junior-Senior High School at a Glance
| Metric | Value / Ranking* |
|---|---|
| Grades served | 7–12 (junior + senior high combined) Wikipedia |
| Enrollment (2023–24) | 446 students Wikipedia |
| Faculty / teachers (FTE) | 46.1 full-time equivalent Wikipedia |
| Student-teacher ratio | ~ 9.7 : 1 Wikipedia |
| Free lunch eligibility | 7.4% of students Wikipedia |
| Reduced-cost lunch eligibility | 1.6% of students Wikipedia |
| Accreditation | Middle States Association (since 1968) Wikipedia |
| State / peer rank (SchoolDigger) | # 75 out of 426 NJ high schools (4 stars) SchoolDigger |
| NJ Proficiency & Testing Rank (PublicSchoolReview) | In Emerson district, average math proficiency ~47%, reading ~60%; ranked ~ “Top 50%” for district high school Public School Review |
| Graduation / College Readiness | 96% 4-year graduation rate; ~87% of graduates pursue college or vocational programs GreatSchools.org |
| NeighborhoodScout comparison | Better than ~ 54.5% of NJ schools NeighborhoodScout |
* “Ranking / value” figures reflect the most recent sources cited.
Emerson Jr-Sr High is the sole secondary school in the Emerson Public School District, and it typically ranks among the stronger schools in the district and in Bergen County for its size.
Strengths & Academic Profile
Academic Performance & Rigor
- With a student-teacher ratio of about 9.7:1, the school offers relatively small classes, which can allow more individualized attention. Wikipedia
- Its graduation rate is strong: GreatSchools reports a 96% 4-year graduation rate. GreatSchools.org
- For those going on to higher education, ~ 87% of graduates pursue college or vocational programs. GreatSchools.org
- On state assessments and proficiency metrics, Emerson performs respectably: PublicSchoolReview notes ~ 47% math proficiency and ~ 60% reading proficiency for the high school. Public School Review
- On SchoolDigger, Emerson Jr-Sr High is ranked #75 of 426 NJ high schools, with a 4-star rating. SchoolDigger
Extracurriculars, Athletics & Programs
- Emerson has a number of athletic co-operative (co-op) programs with nearby schools. For example, it hosts co-op girls lacrosse and wrestling teams with Park Ridge High School, and serves as host for cross country, golf, and bowling. Wikipedia
- The school is part of the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference for most athletics. Wikipedia
- Emerson has a storied wrestling program: coach Stan Woods has led the program to many league, county, and sectional championships over decades. Wikipedia
- The baseball program is also notable: Emerson has won state-level championships in Group I several times (1982, 2000, 2015, 2019 among others). Wikipedia
- The school additionally features recognized programs in journalism (The Cavo Chronicles) and performing arts over the years. Wikipedia
Reputation & Community Lens
- On Niche, Emerson Junior/Senior High ranks #114 out of ~430 New Jersey public high schools. Niche
- For teaching quality, Niche ranks it #117 for “Best Public High School Teachers in NJ.” Niche
- The Emerson Public School District overall has a 4.9-year average rating, and is ranked around #78 of 243 NJ school districts. Niche
- On Homes.com, one parent review notes:“Warm and friendly faculty and community … you receive an amazing education … small town feel.” Homes
- On Trulia, some reviews affirm the community aspects, though others (older) mention issues of favoritism or uneven treatment. Trulia Real Estate Search
- In district rankings, Emerson’s public schools are somewhat above average: PublicSchoolReview gives the district a 7/10 overall test ranking. Public School Review
- The district’s average math proficiency (~52%) and reading (~58%) exceed statewide averages (math ~38%, reading ~49%) per district-level data. Public School Review+1
Overall, community reviews often highlight the “small town” feel and more personal relationships, which many families appreciate in a school of this size.
Comparison & Local Context
- Compared to the larger high schools in the Pascack Valley / Bergen County region, Emerson is much smaller and more compact — which tends to influence class variety, culture, and community closeness.
- Within its own district, Emerson Jr-Sr High is the standout secondary school, performing better in many academic metrics than its companion elementary schools in the district. SchoolDigger
- For families comparing to PV, PH, or Park Ridge, Emerson offers a more intimate setting; the tradeoff is likely in range of course offerings, electives, and specialized programs.
Conclusion
Emerson Junior-Senior High School may be modest in size, but it carries a strong reputation for academic performance, graduation outcomes, and community connection. With small class sizes, solid state testing and proficiency metrics, award-winning athletics, and a personal school culture, it offers an appealing option — especially for families who value closeness and support. If you’re exploring Emerson or comparing it to larger district schools like PV or PH, a visit, review of course catalogs, and conversations with current families will help you see how well the school aligns with your goals.