Wayne Valley High School
General Information
About (Overview)
Wayne Valley High School is a public four-year high school located in Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey, serving students in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1952, the school has grown into a comprehensive, highly-resourced institution with a broad academic, extracurricular, and athletics program. It is accredited by the New Jersey Department of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
With a mission to “inspire individual success by creating a safe educational environment that promotes tolerance and respect for others,” the school emphasizes not only academic rigor but also character, community engagement, and preparation for college and careers. Students benefit from a robust curriculum including advanced placement courses, STEM initiatives, arts and athletics, and leadership opportunities. Located in a suburban setting, Wayne Valley offers a supportive but challenging environment where the approximately 1,200-student enrollment allows for many course and activity choices while still maintaining a sense of community and individualized support.
Contact Information
- Address: 551 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey 07470
- Phone Number: (973) 317-2200
- Email Address: wvhs@wayneschools.com (Main school contact)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1952 |
| Motto | “The Tribe with Pride” |
| Grades Served | 9–12 |
| Enrollment (2023-24) | 1,235 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 10.4 :1 |
| School Colors | Blue and White |
| Mascot / Team Name | Indians |
Wayne Valley High School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Best Public High Schools in New Jersey | No. 108 of ~428 (per Niche) |
| Best High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey | No. 19 of ~531 |
| Best College Prep Public High Schools in New Jersey | No. 152 of ~407 |
Wayne Valley High School Academics
Wayne Valley High School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies (World & U.S. History, Government)
- World Languages (Spanish, French, etc.)
- Fine Arts (Music, Visual Arts, Theatre)
- Technology & Engineering / Computer Science
- Physical Education & Health
- Guidance & College Counseling
- Career & Technical Education
Wayne Valley High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses (11+ offered)
- STEM initiatives including engineering, computer science electives
- Gifted & Talented honors courses
- College preparatory track with guidance on four-year university matriculation
- Extracurricular enrichment programs (debate, orchestras, robotics, athletics)
Online Learning
Wayne Valley High School supports blended learning through its 1:1 device program and digital resources for research, homework and teacher-student collaboration. Although the core instruction is in-person, the school uses online platforms to support flipped-classroom models and independent learning modules.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1,240 (based on 482 responses) |
| ACT | 27 (based on 70 responses) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Wayne Valley High School reports a strong graduation rate around 97%, which is above the state average. The school maintains high retention through the four-year program by utilizing academic support, counseling services, and extracurricular engagement to ensure students remain on track for graduation.
Wayne Valley High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public school within Wayne Township Public Schools, Wayne Valley does not have a selective admissions process; all eligible residents of the school’s attendance zone may enroll. Typical successful students present strong prior performance and standardized test scores in the range of SAT ~1200-1300 and ACT ~26-30.
Wayne Valley High School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not applicable (public school) |
Wayne Valley High School Application Requirements
Since Wayne Valley High School is a zoned public high school, students residing within the district’s attendance boundaries may enroll without a competitive admissions process. Families typically complete the district’s registration and enrollment forms, provide proof of residency, prior school records, immunization and health documentation, and possibly attend orientation for incoming students.
Application Process
- Confirm residence falls within Wayne Valley High School attendance zone.
- Complete district registration/enrollment application for grade 9.
- Provide required documents: proof of address, previous transcripts, health/immunization records.
- Attend orientation or incoming freshman transition programs.
- Review student schedule and begin school year.
Wayne Valley High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Timing / Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | February-March prior to grade 9 year |
| Orientation for Freshmen | Late August |
| First Day of School | Early September |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable — admission is based on district zoning rather than selective application.
Wayne Valley High School Scholarships
As a public high school, Wayne Valley does not offer school-based scholarships for incoming students. However, graduating seniors may access external scholarship opportunities via college counseling.
Wayne Valley High School Tuition and Fees (Costs)
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 (public school for district residents) |
| Fees | Materials or activity fees may apply but vary by semester and program |
Wayne Valley High School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population at Wayne Valley High School is diverse in gender and ethnicity: approximately 54% male and 46% female. Ethnically, around 68.6% of students identify as White, 19.4% Hispanic, 7.5% Asian, 2.2% African American and 1.9% multiracial.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 8.9% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a lower proportion of economically disadvantaged students relative to state averages. The school also serves students with disabilities via district support services and inclusion programs.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 1,235 students |
| International Students | Data not specified |
University Diversity
Wayne Valley High School fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment by welcoming students from a variety of racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The ethnic mix—with significant White, Hispanic and Asian representations—brings rich perspectives to academic discussions, extracurricular activities and community life. The school’s array of clubs, athletics and STEM programs enables students to collaborate across backgrounds and develop understanding of global and local issues.
Diversity is not only represented in student demographics but also encouraged in student leadership, elective offerings, service initiatives and community engagement. This mix of backgrounds aids in preparing students to thrive in a diverse society and work collaboratively in team-based environments, a critical skill for college and career readiness.
Average Earnings
While high school-level institutions do not typically publish alumnus earnings directly, the strong academic foundation and college preparatory focus at Wayne Valley High School suggest students are well placed for college matriculation and future earning potential. Graduates often attend four-year universities and pursue degrees in fields such as engineering, business, healthcare and the arts. The school’s support in advanced coursework, counseling and extracurricular development sets students on a trajectory toward meaningful careers and the ability to achieve competitive earnings over the long term.
Wayne Valley High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Wayne Valley employs a dedicated professional teaching staff with approximately 118.7 full-time equivalent teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 10.4:1. This relatively low ratio enables smaller class sizes and more individualized support for students across academic levels. The support staff includes guidance counselors, special education staff, technology coaches and coaches/advisors for athletics and extracurricular clubs.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty at Wayne Valley High School represents experienced educators who are engaged in professional development and curriculum enhancement. Many teachers lead advanced placement classes, STEM labs, and honors programs. Recognized for fostering student success, teachers also mentor extracurricular teams, guide college readiness, and contribute to school culture and student growth. The stable team of educators supports consistent instructional quality and student achievement over time.
Wayne Valley High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Wayne Valley High School is a day school only and does not offer on-campus housing. The campus offers modern facilities including academic wings, science labs, technology/engineering suites, arts and performance spaces, athletic fields and courts, and student commons areas. Student life is enriched by extensive clubs, service organizations, competitive athletics (with a strong sports tradition in the local region), performing arts ensembles, robotics teams and a variety of leadership opportunities. The school’s house-style spirit (‘Tribe with Pride’) and community traditions support a cohesive student experience beyond the classroom.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via major roadways in Wayne Township, and the school district provides bus transportation for eligible students residing in the attendance zone. Families may utilize car-drop off or park in designated areas. For afternoon and evening activities, late-bus or designated pickup zones may be offered depending on district arrangements. The suburban location provides safe and efficient commuting for students living in the area.