The Top New Jersey Public High Schools 2018

Our bi-annual list of the best high schools in the state.

The Top High Schools 2018: McNair in Jersey City Soars to #1

“Open and curious” students thrive at this Jersey City magnet school.

Top Schools 2018: Methodology

How did we determine the rankings in our list of top schools? Read our methodology and find out.

In the Wake of Parkland, Districts Ask: Are Our Schools Safe?

To arm or not to arm: That’s the question roiling many New Jersey districts.

The Vaping Epidemic That’s Fogging Up NJ Schools

Odorless and easy to hide, e-cigarettes are a growing source of teenage kicks. Snuffing out the problem is the latest uphill battle for Jersey schools.

How NJ Schools are Exploring the STEM Frontier

Around the state, schools are using new learning concepts to better prepare students in science and tech. But innovation is never easy—and finding the right teachers is a challenge.

The Untold Story of The Real Lolita

In “The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World,” author Sarah Weinman shines a light on the New Jersey girl who inspired the controversial novel.

Monmouth University Pollster Patrick Murray is Making Numbers Meaningful

Pollster Patrick Murray earned a reputation for his dead-on projections. Then came the 2016 presidential election, when most polls missed the mark. Here’s what he learned—and how polling has changed.

Behind the Curtain at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey needed a place for its stuff. It found that, and rehearsal and design space to boot, in an old valve factory in Florham Park.

Cape May’s Seafood Jewel: Louisa’s Café in Cape May

Louisa’s Café has just 34 seats (up from the original 20, when it opened in 1980), but the reason the BYO is packed is the quality of its seafood.

A Greek Chorus for Today: Elia in East Rutherford

In a space with a vaunted history, new owners introduce a classic cuisine, imaginatively updated.

Foodstock is a Food Drive with a Rock Beat

As bands play, the Swisher family’s Foodstock fest aims to pull in 100,000 pounds of donated goods this year.

Japan Rises to Rival Scotch

Japanese whisky (which adopts the Scotch spelling) isn’t exactly new. But it’s taken off as a category in recent years, and demand has outpaced what was already a limited supply.

Spanish, With a Galician Accent: Casa d’Paco in Newark

At Casa d’Paco in the Ironbound section of Newark, the Leston family prepare the food of their native region, Galicia, on the northwest coast of Spain.

Grand Old Flags Fly in Clifton

On Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, the September 11 anniversary and Veterans Day, volunteers plant flags on the lawns of Clifton’s sprawling municipal complex, each bearing a nameplate identifying a local vet, living or deceased.

A Showcase For Military Tech in Wall

The Military Technology Museum of New Jersey has about 100 U.S. and foreign military vehicles, spanning from World War II to the Cold War. It also showcases New Jersey’s contribution to wartime manufacturing.

Now Hear This: Spotlight on Sound Start Babies Foundation

Foundation assists infants with hearing loss during crucial early years of development.

Kara Walker’s Latest Exhibit is Visual Art That Angers

“Kara Walker: Virginia’s Lynch Mob and Other Works,” opens September 15 at the Montclair Art Museum.

Helping Monarch Butterflies, One Hatch & Release at a Time

Kathleen Palmer’s Bernardsville garden serves as a waystation with Monarch Watch, an organization dedicated to assuring a future for monarch butterflies facing habitat loss.

In Touch With Lace at Hunterdon Art Museum

“Lace, Not Lace: Contemporary Fiber Art From Lacemaking Techniques” will be exhibited at Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton September 23-January 6.

Banjoist Cynthia Sayer Plays it Cool

Scotch Plains-born Cynthia Sayer is one of the world’s most accomplished jazz banjoists.

Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet is an Open Book

New Jersey’s new education commissioner shares his thoughts on testing, pre-K, charters and more.

8 Denim Items that are True Blue

Lovin’ It Local: Princeton

This walkable town, home to Princeton University, offers abundant shopping and dining along historic Nassau Street and nearby Palmer Square. Discover a treasure trove of boutiques and bistros as you explore charming colonial streets and tree-shaded sidewalks.

Bashing Breakables is All the Rage at The Rage Room

I took my rage to the Rage Room and smashed it to bits. Glass and plastic surrendered to my blows. Now I feel a whole lot better.