Paterson Public Schools’ School No. 28 Named Best Elementary School in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for Second Consecutive Year
Paterson Public Schools’ School No. 28 Named Best Elementary School in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for Second Consecutive Year
![School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732715999/patersonk12njus/w9g2ofrzf7tucldj7mv7/SchoolNo28Building.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732715999/patersonk12njus/w9g2ofrzf7tucldj7mv7/SchoolNo28Building.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732715999/patersonk12njus/w9g2ofrzf7tucldj7mv7/SchoolNo28Building.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732715999/patersonk12njus/w9g2ofrzf7tucldj7mv7/SchoolNo28Building.jpg","width":1200}])
Paterson, NJ (October 29, 2025) – Paterson Public Schools’ School No. 28 has once again earned the prestigious title of Best Elementary School in the state of New Jersey, as announced by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the second consecutive year that School No. 28 has received this honor. The respected publication also ranked School No. 28 as the second-best middle school in the Garden State.
“I want to congratulate the staff and students at School No. 28 on this amazing accomplishment,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Laurie W. Newell. “To sustain this level of excellence year after year is a testament to the work that Principal Nancy Castro, teachers, parents, and our young learners put forth every day. The staff and students at School No. 28 continue to set the standard for what is attainable for all our district, as Paterson Public Schools continues to raise the bar for student achievement.”
“The entire School No. 28 community is honored and humbled to once again be named the No. 1 elementary school in the state, and to be recognized as the second-best middle school in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report,” said School No. 28 Principal Nancy Castro. “Together, our staff, families, and students are committed to creating a positive learning environment where students grow academically and socially. These honors reflect our shared dedication, and we look forward to continuing our important work to prepare and nurture all students for success.”
Overall, School No. 28 ranked first out of 2,339 elementary schools and second out of 1,436 middle schools stateside. The school is home to the district’s Paterson Academy of the Gifted & Talented (PAGT) program, which serves students grades 2 through 8 from across the city. PAGT students are carefully screened for their ability to excel in a rigorous curriculum and are provided with a learning environment that addresses their unique social, emotional, and academic needs. For students in grades 4 through 8, the curriculum is compacted and accelerated to meet individual student needs, while a variety of clubs during the school day further enhance their academic experience.
Source:
2026 Ranked No. 1 Elementary School in New Jersey (US News & World Report)
2026 Ranked No. 2 Middle School in New Jersey (US News & World Report)
Contact: Aida E. Rosario
aerosario@paterson.k12.nj.us