Skip To Main Content

About Tenafly Public Schools

The Tenafly Public School District, located in northern New Jersey, is known for its academic excellence and high student achievement.  The district has approximately 3,600 students attending our six schools - four elementary (K-5), one middle school (6-8), and one high school (9-12). 

Tenafly High School (THS) is consistently recognized as the top, open enrollment public school in Bergen County, and one of the leading secondary schools in the state and the nation (as ranked in national publications). Over 90% of our graduating seniors attend four-year colleges and our students perform exceptionally well on SAT exams. The school’s program of studies currently features more than 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a wide range of academic electives.  Many of our students choose to pursue a THS Performing Arts Endorsement which helps to develop a deep appreciation of, and skills in, the areas of music and theater. Each School Counselor is assigned to guide and assist students through their four years of high school, where they help students recognize and fulfill their many potentials.

THS students are also extensively involved in extracurricular activities. More than 50% of students participate in an athletic program, which includes 26 varsity sports. In addition, students participate in a variety of vocal and instrumental groups, more than 70 school clubs and organizations, as well as ongoing community outreach, and public service activities.

Tenafly Middle School (TMS) provides the knowledge, skills, and values students need to be successful learners. The TMS staff is skilled in dealing with the many intellectual, physical, emotional, and social changes early adolescents experience. One way we handle these challenges is to have our school organized by teams to nurture our students as they grow. The cross-curricular team teachers meet weekly to coordinate instruction and discuss the needs of individual students. Our guidance counselors attend these meetings and follow the students all three years, so they get to know each and every student very well. TMS offers several athletics programs and 18 extra-curricular clubs which include a mix of writing, math, science, drama and music.  The school also offers highly distinguished music programs in band, orchestra and chorus.

Our four elementary schools are Malcolm S. Mackay Elementary, Ralph S. Maugham Elementary, J. Spencer Smith Elementary, and Walter Stillman Elementary.  Each of these schools were named after Tenafly residents who made significant contributions to the borough and to the education of our children. Our K-5 schools focus on providing students with the best instructional practice in reading and writing, problem-solving, and the application of technology. Schools are dedicated to the development of each student – academically, socially, physically, and emotionally - while providing a warm, supportive atmosphere where each child can learn and grow.

All schools in the district have an active HSA (parent association) that supports the development of the full potential of each student – academically, socially, and emotionally.  

For more information on each school, please visit the NJ Schools Performance Reports.