Pascack Hills High School at a Glance
| Metric | Value / Ranking* |
|---|---|
| Enrollment (2023–24) | 767 students Wikipedia+1 |
| Student-teacher ratio | ~ 9.9 : 1 Wikipedia+1 |
| Free / reduced lunch eligibility | ~ 0.7% / 0.7% Wikipedia |
| Niche “Best Public High Schools in NJ” | # 64 of 428 Niche+2Niche+2 |
| Niche “Best Public High School Teachers in NJ” | # 76 of 418 Niche+1 |
| Percent proficiency (Math, Reading) | ~ 62% each Niche+2Niche+2 |
| Graduation rate | ~ 95% SchoolDigger+3Niche+3Niche+3 |
| GreatSchools rating | 7 / 10 (“above average”) GreatSchools.org+2GreatSchools.org+2 |
| Schooldigger academic rank (2023–24) | Frequently among top schools for subgroup performance (English, geometry) SchoolDigger |
| NJ PublicSchoolReview “top 20%” | Ranks in top 20% of NJ public schools by test scores Public School Review |
* All figures are “as of” the most recent data published in sources above.
From a pure data standpoint, Pascack Hills is solidly in the upper tier among New Jersey public high schools, especially in its home region.
Strengths & Academic Profile
Academic Performance & Rigor
- Around 62% proficiency in both math and reading is strong relative to many NJ averages. Niche+2Niche+2
- The school offers a meaningful AP / honors curriculum: Niche notes a 30% AP enrollment, and many reviews highlight the strength of honors & AP courses. Niche+2Homes.com+2
- In Schooldigger’s 2023–24 metrics, the school ranks well across subgroups (e.g. female, male, Hispanic, students with special needs) and shows extremely high achievement in geometry proficiency (94.7%) in some reporting. SchoolDigger
- Low student-teacher ratio (~10:1) supports more personalized attention. Wikipedia+1
Extracurriculars & Programs
- Pascack Hills participates in districtwide activities such as Pascack Pi-oneers Robotics (Team 1676) along with its sister school. Wikipedia
- The school has an active theater / performing arts program (“Pascack Hills Players”) with recognition (e.g. a student receiving a Rising Star award). Wikipedia
- Sports are robust: e.g. baseball has won state championships (Group II) in recent years. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
- The school changed its athletic team name to “Broncos” (from “Cowboys”) in 2021, following district policy changes. Wikipedia
Reputation & Local Standing
- Niche gives PHHS a 4.09 / 5 rating (grade A), based on 149 reviews. Niche
- In those reviews, ~ 76% of students/parents agree that “teachers genuinely care about students” and ~ 76% say “teachers give engaging lessons.” Niche
- In student polls on Niche: ~ 90% say they feel safe at school. Niche
- PHHS is rated #13 in Bergen County among public high schools by some Niche rankings. Niche+1
What People Are Saying: Reviews & Voices
Here are samples of what students, parents, and community members say about Pascack Hills — both praise and criticisms.
Positive Feedback
- “I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Pascack Hills … I have been treated wonderfully all three years by the teachers … never felt unsupported.” — Senior student review (Niche) Niche
- “The most supportive staff I’ve ever encountered and a very safe and encouraging environment for the students. Also the teachers are exceptional at engaging the students!” — Parent review on Trulia / GreatSchools Trulia Real Estate Search+1
- “Excellent courses, teachers and administration — particularly for Honors and AP courses. Great balance of academics and extra-curricula activities. Excellent for college prep.” — Community review (Movoto / GreatSchools) Movoto Real Estate
- On Niche’s review section: of 149 reviews, many 4- or 5-star entries; 52 gave 5 stars, 73 gave 4 stars. Niche
How Pascack Hills Compares Locally & vs. Pascack Valley
- In the Pascack Valley Regional district, PHHS often ranks slightly higher on Niche in terms of state rankings. Niche+1
- In direct comparisons: PublicSchoolReview notes PHHS ranks in the top 20% in NJ for overall test scores, math proficiency, reading proficiency, and graduation. PVHS also ranks well, but often in the top 30% bracket in some categories. Public School Review
- Differences are usually marginal — both schools maintain strong performance, but PHHS tends to edge ahead in some ranking lists.
Things to Watch & Questions to Ask
When using rankings + reviews to evaluate PHHS, keep these caveats in mind:
- Ranking methodology matters. Differences between U.S. News, Niche, Schooldigger, etc., lead to shifts in where PHHS lands.
- Experience varies. Not every student or parent will have the same journey. Some praise the school’s support, others flag concerns around discipline or support for special needs.
- Recency matters. Reviews older than 5–10 years (e.g. from 2008) are less relevant today. Focus on recent feedback.
- Visit and talk. Tour the school, meet staff, ask about discipline policies, inclusion, support services, diversity efforts.
Conclusion
Pascack Hills High School stands out as a high-performing, well-regarded public high school in the Montvale / Woodcliff Lake area. With strong academic metrics, honors/AP course rigor, favorable student/parent reviews, and a culture that many describe as caring and supportive, PHHS is a key attraction for families in the region. That said, it’s not flawless: concerns about equity, discipline consistency, and differing experiences underline the importance of a school visit and conversations with current families.