When one performs a Google search seeking the best high schools, the first result shown is a website called Niche—the top-rated, and only, website devoted to listing the best in public and private schools in the United States. Niche recently listed the top private high schools in New Jersey for 2016, and the Jewish community has much to be proud of. Among elite schools that make the top 25 of that list—such as the Dwight-Englewood School, Princeton Day School and the Lawrenceville School—there is one yeshiva high school to make the top 25, as well. That school? Frisch.
Niche’s rankings of the overall excellence of the schools were calculated using key factors such as SAT/ACT test scores, college matriculation rates, the quality of colleges that students consider and attend, school culture and student and parent reviews. Some of the student and parent reviews on Niche praise Frisch for its use of a wide range of teaching levels for different types of learners; understanding faculty and the close relationships forged with students; diverse range of extracurricular activities; and the beautiful, sprawling campus.
“The administration really listens to your concerns and needs,” one parent commented on the site. “Frisch offers a wide range of academic levels to fit different types of students,” reported another parent.
Students, too, had only good things to say about Frisch on Niche. “I love the extracurricular activities at Frisch,” wrote a student. “There was so much for me to choose from, and I’m picky. I love that no one judged you on what club you belonged to, whether it was chess or engineering.”
“Our ranking confirms the vision set forth by headmaster Dr. Kalman Stein that an excellent academic reputation need not come at the expense of a yeshiva high school experience that focuses on religious growth and joyful learning,” declared Rabbi Eli Ciner, principal of Frisch. “What the ranking did not highlight, however, is what we consider our most important element: our students simply love coming to school every day, which allows our vision to take hold and flourish. I’m so proud that the tireless efforts of Frisch’s faculty and the hard work of our students are being recognized nationally.”
