families/guardians a vast number of opportunities otherwise not provided by a traditional school district. Highland Park’s schools have taken advantage of its locale by forging a range of partnerships with the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education (learn more about the unique collaboration with Rutgers by clicking the following link, the Rutgers University Psychology Department, George Street Playhouse, and other regional organizations. 

The school district has rallied around the all-important need to strengthen the relationships between students and their schools. In doing so, Highland Park Public Schools has distinguished itself in a multitude of ways, winning honors and recognition for its achievement and the expertise of its faculty and leadership. All of Highland Park's schools are Bronze Certified Jersey Sustainable Schools. The Highland Park Middle School was awarded the Jefferson Award's top honor for its Students in Action win. Highland Park High School was recognized in 2017 by the College Board as one of only 477 schools in North America to have received AP District Honor Roll distinction for its commitment to increasing accessibility to the AP Test while holding among the highest average scores among its peer schools. The high school earned a U.S. News and World Report Gold Medal and is ranked 397 in the nation, 17 in New Jersey in 2018. Overall, the school district has received an A ranking from Niche.Com
 
Highland Park's schools are committed to collaborating with the entire community to chart its future. The Pathway to Excellence, the district's strategic plan, is framed by three goals that were identified by 61 residents, school personnel, and the board of education. All of the goals and action steps can be reviewed by going topathway.hpschools.net.