Summit High School landed at No. 30 in New Jersey and No. 499 nationally in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 Best High Schools rankings, released Tuesday, Aug. 18, earning an overall score of 97.22 out of 100.

That puts Summit in the top 3% of nearly 18,000 public high schools that received a numerical rank nationwide. U.S. News evaluated roughly 27,000 eligible schools using six weighted indicators: state assessment performance in math, reading and science; college readiness measured through AP and IB exam participation and scores; curriculum breadth; graduation rates; and how well schools serve historically underserved populations.

Summit High scored particularly well on graduation rates, AP participation and math and reading proficiency, according to Patch. Some Union County magnet schools ranked higher, including Union County Magnet High School in Scotch Plains at No. 3 statewide.

The rankings are based on 2023-2024 school year data, compiled with RTI International, a nonprofit research firm. New Jersey placed second nationally, with 44% of its ranked schools landing in the top quartile, trailing only Massachusetts at 47%.

Area schools also perform well

Two other Summit-area high schools made strong showings. New Providence High School jumped 12 spots to No. 48 in New Jersey and vaulted to No. 808 nationally, up from No. 1,276 the prior year, according to TAPinto New Providence. Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights ranked No. 60 in the state and No. 1,115 nationally, according to TAPinto Berkeley Heights.

LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News, said the rankings are designed to give families data and transparency when choosing schools.

Bus survey adds to budget debate

Separately, TAPinto Summit launched a community survey asking residents whether Summit should provide school bus transportation for students. The topic has already shaped local political conversation this year.

The $90.5 million 2026-27 school budget, certified earlier this year, restored programs cut the prior year, including summer school and in-school PSAT access, but did not fund additional non-mandated transportation.

No results are in yet. Residents can find the survey on TAPinto Summit's website; no closing date has been announced.