Carmela Pereira
Real Estate Professional
Realty Executives Elite Homes
One of the area's educational standouts is Morris Hills High School, located right here on West Main Street in Rockaway. The school serves students from Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township and Wharton, and is part of the Morris Hills Regional School District.
But Morris Hills has another distinction that is especially noteworthy: it is home to the Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering, one of the most highly ranked STEM programs in the country.
According to Niche's 2026 rankings, the Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering was ranked #1 among public high schools in New Jersey and #1 among STEM high schools in New Jersey. Nationally, it ranked #2 among STEM high schools in America, placing it among thousands of schools evaluated nationwide.
The Academy is a specialized, full-time program operated through the Morris County Vocational School District. Students from communities throughout Morris County can apply, making it different from the traditional Morris Hills High School program.
Students interested in mathematics, science, technology, engineering and related fields receive an intensive curriculum that incorporates advanced coursework, technology and hands-on learning. The program also provides opportunities for students to work with professionals and complete internships with scientists and engineers.
Having a program with this level of recognition located right here in Rockaway Borough is certainly something our community can be proud of.
For families considering buying a home in Rockaway NJ, the educational opportunities are just one piece of the bigger picture.
Morris Hills is part of a regional school district that serves several local communities and offers students a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The high school currently serves more than 1,200 students and offers 28 varsity sports, along with its specialized academic programs.
That combination can be appealing to families who want their children to have access to both traditional high school experiences and specialized academic opportunities.
And beyond the schools, Rockaway Borough offers the kind of community atmosphere that many families are looking for—a walkable downtown, local restaurants and businesses, parks, community events and a strong sense of neighborhood.
When I talk with people about living in Rockaway Borough, I often point out that buying a home is about more than the house itself. It's about the community you're becoming part of.
Schools, neighborhoods, recreation, local businesses, commuting options and community connections all play a role in determining whether a town feels like home.
Morris Hills High School and the Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering are just two examples of the educational resources available in and around Rockaway. For families researching Rockaway NJ real estate, they're certainly worth knowing about.
After 26 years of calling Rockaway Borough home, I know there are plenty of reasons families choose to put down roots here. And having a nationally recognized STEM program right in our backyard is definitely one of them. ??
Thinking about making Rockaway Borough your home? I'm happy to help you explore the neighborhoods, homes and community that make Rockaway such a special place to live.
