Princeton High School
Located at 151 Moore Street in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey, Princeton High School (PHS) is a distinguished public institution known for its rigorous academic standards and a rich history of student achievement. Guided by the motto "Live to Learn, Learn to Live," the school serves as a cornerstone of the community, fostering both intellectual growth and competitive spirit.
As of the 2023–24 school year, PHS supports an enrollment of 1,532 students. With a dedicated faculty of 130.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers, the school maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 11.8:1, ensuring personalized attention and high-quality instruction.
Key Facts
- Established: 1898
- Motto: Live to Learn, Learn to Live
- Colors: Blue and White
- Mascot: Little Tigers
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11.8:1
- Principal: Cecilia Birge
Institutional History
The Nassau Street Era (1898–1929)
Princeton High School began its journey in 1898 as a branch of the Princeton Model School on Nassau Street. Its humble beginnings saw an initial class of only four 9th-grade students. While enrollment grew to 80 students by 1912, the curriculum was demanding, with only 40% of students successfully completing their studies that year.
The Moore Street Campus (1929–Present)
The school eventually transitioned to its current Moore Street location. For several decades, PHS served as a regional hub; until September 1973, students from West Windsor and Plainsboro Township attended PHS through sending/receiving relationships. When West Windsor-Plainsboro High School opened, PHS continued to support the juniors and seniors from those townships until their graduation.
Academic Recognition and Rankings
Princeton High School is consistently recognized as one of the premier public schools in the United States. In 2021, Niche ranked it as the 47th best public high school in America, awarding it an "A+" overall grade. The school has also frequently appeared on the top lists of Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and The Washington Post.
The school's ability to prepare students for elite higher education is well-documented. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal ranked PHS #27 nationally based on the percentage of seniors matriculating to eight highly selective colleges, including Harvard, Princeton, and MIT. Within New Jersey, U.S. News & World Report has previously recognized PHS as the highest-ranked open-enrollment high school in the state.
Athletics and Extracurriculars
The Little Tigers compete in the Colonial Valley Conference and the West Jersey Football League, operating under the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). The school fields a wide array of teams, including baseball, basketball, fencing, soccer, and swimming.
PHS has a storied tradition of state championships:
- Boys Track: A powerhouse program with 10 state titles, tied for the eighth-most in New Jersey.
- Boys Soccer: Recent successes include a Group IV state title in 2023 and a Group III title in 2009.
- Boys Tennis: Multiple state championships across various groups, including titles in 1972, 1984, 1986, 1987, and 2002.
- Boys Swimming: Claimed the NJSIAA Public B state champion title in 2012.
Arts and Student Media
Beyond athletics, PHS is known for its vibrant arts scene. The choir-affiliated a cappella groups, such as the all-girls The Cat's Meow and the pop-oriented Around Eight, are staples of the school's musical culture. Students also engage in journalism through The Tower (the school newspaper) and The Prince (the yearbook), as well as the Tiger News program.
School Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Princeton, Mercer County, NJ |
| Enrollment (2023-24) | 1,532 students |
| Faculty | 130.2 FTEs |
| Athletic Conference | Colonial Valley Conference / WJFL |
| Notable Publications | The Tower, The Prince |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Princeton High School?
As of the 2023–24 school year, the student-to-teacher ratio is 11.8:1.
Which athletic conferences does PHS participate in?
The Little Tigers participate in the Colonial Valley Conference for general athletics and the West Jersey Football League for football.
How has PHS been ranked nationally?
PHS was ranked as the 47th best public high school in America by Niche in 2021 and has been ranked by The Wall Street Journal as #27 for sending students to selective colleges.
What are the school's official colors and mascot?
The official colors are blue and white, and the athletic teams are known as the Little Tigers.
What are some of the school's notable musical groups?
The school features the PHS Choir and specialized a cappella groups including The Cat's Meow and Around Eight.