Here's How Barnegat, Stafford K-8 Schools Rank: U.S. News

BARNEGAT-MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Barnegat and Stafford schools are average according to the latest education rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

The news outlet based its 2024 Best Elementary and Middle School rankings on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on student proficiency in core subject areas. It compares the schools to others within the state.

READ MORE: These Are The Best Elementary, Middle Schools In NJ: New Ranking

LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News, said the state and district-level rankings are intended to give parents a snapshot of their child’s school and how well it’s doing within its community.

“Easily accessible data on student-teacher ratio, district spending, and the number of school counselors available at the school can keep parents informed and involved,” Jones said.

To be included in district-level rankings, at least two of the top performing schools must rank in the top 75 percent of the overall elementary or middle school rankings to qualify for district-level recognition.

Here are the individual school rankings, out of 2,294 elementary schools and 1,385 middle schools.

Barnegat Township School District

• Lillian M. Dunfee Elementary School - unranked
• Cecil S. Collins Elementary School - unranked
• Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School - 696, overall score 47.39/100
• Robert L. Horbelt Elementary School - 603, overall score 54.43/100
• Russell O. Brackman Middle School - 360, overall score 48.27/100

Stafford Township School District

• Ocean Acres Elementary School - unranked
• Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center - unranked
• McKinley Avenue Elementary School - 613, overall score 53.67
• Stafford Intermediate School - 437, overall score 37.18/100

Southern Regional School District

• Southern Regional Middle School - 409, overall score 41.07/100