The Unseen Excellence: 5 Shocking Facts About Tenafly High School’s 2025 Academic Powerhouse
Tenafly High School (THS), a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School, is currently operating at the peak of its academic and athletic performance, marking the 2024-2025 school year with significant achievements and community-driven developments. This Bergen County institution, renowned for its commitment to excellence, continues to set a high bar for public education in New Jersey, with recent updates ranging from major campus renovations to unparalleled student-athlete success.
The latest data and news, as of December 2025, confirm that THS maintains its elite standing, consistently ranking among the top public high schools in the state. From its aggressive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings to a landmark town referendum that secured critical funding for campus upgrades, Tenafly High School remains a focal point for academic ambition and community engagement in the affluent New Jersey borough of Tenafly.
Tenafly High School: The Comprehensive Profile (2025)
To fully appreciate the scope of Tenafly High School’s influence, a detailed look at its fundamental structure and leadership is essential. The school serves the community of Tenafly, New Jersey, and operates as the sole comprehensive high school in the Tenafly Public School District.
- School Name: Tenafly High School (THS)
- Location: 19 Columbus Drive, Tenafly, NJ 07670
- Established: 1924
- Grades Served: 9–12
- Enrollment (Approx.): ~1,180 students
- Mascot: Tigers
- Principal: James Morrison
- Superintendent (District): Michael Ben David
- District: Tenafly Public School District
- Recognition: National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Notable Alumni: A Legacy of Excellence
Tenafly High School boasts an impressive list of graduates who have achieved prominence in various fields, underscoring the school’s long-standing tradition of nurturing talent. The following are just a few of the many notable figures who walked the halls of THS:
- Edie Adams: Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer.
- Ed Harris: Academy Award-nominated actor known for roles in films like Apollo 13 and The Truman Show.
- Lea Michele: Actress and singer, best known for her role on the TV series Glee.
- Mark Attanasio: Investment manager and principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
- Hope Davis: Tony Award-nominated actress.
- Josette Andrews (née Norris): Professional middle to long-distance runner, Class of 2014.
The 2025 Academic Edge: AP Capstone and Science Research Program
Tenafly High School’s reputation as an academic powerhouse is not merely based on history; it is actively reinforced by its current, rigorous curriculum. For the 2024–2025 school year, the school's program of studies highlights a deep commitment to advanced learning and independent scholarship.
Unrivaled Advanced Placement Offerings
THS offers a staggering 24 distinct Advanced Placement (AP) courses, providing students with college-level instruction and the opportunity to earn college credit before graduation. This extensive catalog ensures that students across all disciplines—from STEM to the Humanities—can pursue their highest academic potential. The school's philosophy is centered on developing the "highest degree of individual excellence" in every student.
The Prestigious AP Capstone and Science Research Programs
Beyond standard AP courses, THS features two highly selective and unique programs that significantly boost a student's profile for competitive college admissions:
- AP Capstone Program: This diploma program focuses on developing essential research, collaboration, and presentation skills, culminating in the AP Seminar and AP Research courses. It’s a major draw for college admissions officers looking for evidence of independent, sustained scholarship.
- Science Research Program: This unique offering allows students to engage in multi-year, authentic scientific research, often mentored by professionals and culminating in presentations at major regional and national science competitions.
The school’s academic performance is reflected in its high standardized test scores, with a reported average SAT score of 1318 for the Class of 2024 (based on 2022-23 data), placing it among the highest-performing schools in the state. The school's profile, which serves as a crucial document for college applications, clearly communicates this high level of achievement, although it notably does not report class rank.
Recent Developments and Community Impact (2024–2025)
The 2024-2025 school year has been marked by several key events that highlight the dynamic relationship between the school and the Tenafly community, demonstrating the district's continuous effort to modernize and improve its facilities and culture.
The Post-Referendum Campus Upgrades
A major development occurred in September 2024 when Tenafly voters participated in a town-wide referendum regarding the future development of the Tenafly Public Schools. Following the referendum's passage, Tenafly High School immediately began implementing key infrastructure improvements. Over the summer, the main gymnasium underwent a significant renovation, which included upgrading the bleachers, flooring, and overall design. This investment, funded through the community vote, directly enhances the experience for the school's student-athletes and the broader community that uses the facilities.
The Tigers Roar: Athletic and Coaching Changes
The THS Tigers athletics program has seen notable success and new leadership. The Boys Soccer team made history by achieving its first-ever undefeated regular season, showcasing the competitive spirit of the school. Furthermore, the school board approved Matthew LaQuaglia, a social studies and economics teacher, as the new head football coach, signaling a fresh direction for the program. The school's commitment to its athletes was further recognized in June 2025, with four students nominated for the prestigious NorthJersey.com High School Sports Awards.
Curiosity and Community: The Guidance Counselor Petition
In a powerful display of student advocacy, a growing online petition was launched to urge school administrators to reverse a decision regarding a beloved guidance counselor at Tenafly High School. This event underscored the deep emotional connections between staff and students, and the willingness of the THS community to rally for its members. Such internal events, while sometimes challenging, demonstrate a vibrant, engaged, and passionate student body.
Tenafly High School’s Ongoing Relevance in New Jersey Education
Tenafly High School continues to be a benchmark for educational excellence in New Jersey, consistently earning high marks from independent ranking organizations. Niche, a prominent school ranking platform, gives THS an overall grade of A+, placing it highly in multiple categories.
- #14 Best College Prep Public High Schools in New Jersey.
- #17 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey.
The school's success is rooted in its comprehensive approach, which combines rigorous academics—such as the AP Capstone and Science Research Program—with a vibrant extracurricular life and strong community support, epitomized by the 2024 referendum. The commitment of Principal James Morrison and Superintendent Michael Ben David to maintaining this high standard ensures that THS graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for top-tier universities and future careers. As the Tenafly Public School District continues to evolve, THS remains a shining example of what a public high school can achieve.
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