Ocean County Schools & Education
Ocean County, New Jersey
School Score
85/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
92.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,447
National avg $13,239
State avg $13,088
School Score
85/100
Higher = better
State avg 80/100
State School Rank
#9
of 21 counties (1 = best)
Explore Ocean County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Ocean County, New Jersey
Expanding Education Near the Shore
Ocean County manages 116 public schools within 30 districts, serving a student body of 66,348. The county features a diverse mix of 64 elementary, 20 middle, and 24 high schools.
Strong Results and Consistent Funding
The county's graduation rate of 92.7% beats both the state average of 91.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $13,447, ensuring the county stays well-funded relative to the $13,000 national average.
Toms River and Brick Township Giants
Toms River Regional is the dominant district with 14,501 students across 18 schools, followed by Brick Township with 8,273 students. Only one charter school exists in the county, making traditional public districts the primary choice for residents.
A Substantial Suburban Footprint
Ocean County schools are mostly suburban (91) with 16 rural locations, averaging 587 students per school. Toms River High School North is the largest in the county, providing for 1,931 students in a bustling high school environment.
Coastal Living and Quality Classrooms
Ocean County's combination of high graduation rates and reasonable per-pupil spending offers great value for families. Look for homes in the Toms River or Jackson districts to find some of the county's most established school communities.
School Overview
Total Schools
116
in Ocean County
Total Enrollment
66,348
students
School Districts
30
districts
Charter Schools
1
1% of total
School Type Breakdown
30 School Districts in Ocean County
Toms River Regional School District
Brick Township Public School District
Jackson Township School District
Lakewood Township School District
Lacey Township School District
Barnegat Township School District
Manchester Township School District
Southern Regional School District
Point Pleasant Borough School District
Berkeley Township School District
116 Public Schools in Ocean County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toms River High School North | Toms River Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 1,931 |
| Southern Regional High School | Southern Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 1,845 |
| Central Regional High School | Central Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 1,606 |
| Toms River High School East | Toms River Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 1,520 |
| Jackson Memorial High School | Jackson Township School District | 9–12 | High | 1,499 |
| Lakewood High School | Lakewood Township School District | 9–12 | High | 1,423 |
| Toms River High School South | Toms River Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 1,359 |
| Brick Township Memorial High School | Brick Township Public School District | 9–12 | High | 1,320 |
| Toms River Intermediate School East | Toms River Regional School District | 6–8 | Middle | 1,294 |
| Brick Township High School | Brick Township Public School District | 9–12 | High | 1,267 |
| Lacey Township High School | Lacey Township School District | 9–12 | High | 1,222 |
| Jackson Liberty High School | Jackson Township School District | 9–12 | High | 1,141 |
| Pinelands Regional High School | Pinelands Regional School District | 9–12 | High | 1,069 |
| Toms River Intermediate School South | Toms River Regional School District | 6–8 | Middle | 1,048 |
| Toms River Intermediate School North | Toms River Regional School District | 6–8 | Middle | 1,012 |
| Lakewood Middle School | Lakewood Township School District | 6–8 | Middle | 995 |
| Carl W. Goetz Middle School | Jackson Township School District | 6–8 | Middle | 989 |
| Barnegat High School | Barnegat Township School District | 9–12 | High | 983 |
| Manchester Township High School | Manchester Township School District | 9–12 | High | 959 |
| Cedar Grove Elementary School | Toms River Regional School District | PK–5 | Primary | 937 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$13,447
State avg $13,088
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Ocean County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Ocean County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Ocean County, New Jersey — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Ocean County, New Jersey?
Ocean County manages 116 public schools within 30 districts, serving a student body of 66,348. The county features a diverse mix of 64 elementary, 20 middle, and 24 high schools.
How do schools in Ocean County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate of 92.7% beats both the state average of 91.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $13,447, ensuring the county stays well-funded relative to the $13,000 national average.
What are the major school districts in Ocean County, New Jersey?
Toms River Regional is the dominant district with 14,501 students across 18 schools, followed by Brick Township with 8,273 students. Only one charter school exists in the county, making traditional public districts the primary choice for residents.
What is the school experience like in Ocean County?
Ocean County schools are mostly suburban (91) with 16 rural locations, averaging 587 students per school. Toms River High School North is the largest in the county, providing for 1,931 students in a bustling high school environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Ocean County, New Jersey?
Ocean County's combination of high graduation rates and reasonable per-pupil spending offers great value for families. Look for homes in the Toms River or Jackson districts to find some of the county's most established school communities.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.