Princeton Public Schools
Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is a premier community public school district located in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey. Serving a diverse student body from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, the district is recognized for its academic rigor and commitment to student development. In addition to serving local residents, the district maintains a sending/receiving relationship with Cranbury Township, allowing their students to attend the district's high school.
The district's administrative hub is located at 25 Valley Road in Princeton. Its reach extends to include residents of Princeton University's graduate family housing complexes, specifically the Lawrence and Stanworth Apartments, which are zoned within the district.
Key Facts
- Enrollment: 3,827 students (as of 2023–24).
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10.83:1.
- District Composition: Six schools total (4 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high).
- Socioeconomic Status: Classified as District Factor Group "I" (the second-highest of eight groupings).
- Top Ranking: Ranked as the best school district in New Jersey by Niche in 2021.
District Structure and Schools
The district provides a seamless educational pathway from early childhood through graduation. The infrastructure reflects a blend of historic foundations and modern updates, with the high school dating back to 1927 and the middle school to 1965.
Elementary Schools (Grades PreK-5)
The district operates four neighborhood elementary schools, all completed between 1957 and 1962:
- Community Park School: Led by Principal Dineen Gruchacz.
- Johnson Park School: Led by Principal Stacy Young.
- Littlebrook School: Led by Principal Luis Ramirez; recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017.
- Riverside School: Led by Principal Max Actau.
Secondary Education
Students transition to a centralized middle school before concluding their studies at the district's high school.
- Princeton Middle School: Serving grades 6-8 under the leadership of Principal Jason Burr.
- Princeton High School: Serving grades 9-12 under the leadership of Principal Cecilia Birge.
Financial Overview and Spending
Princeton Public Schools invests significantly in its students and faculty. Based on data from the NJDoE Taxpayers' Guide to Education Spending, the district's spending often exceeds the K-12 average for districts of similar size (1,800-3,500 students).
| Spending Category | Per Pupil Cost | % vs. K-12 Average |
|---|---|---|
| Total Spending | $23,803 | +26.0% |
| Classroom Instruction | $11,304 | +29.0% |
| Support Services | $3,340 | +39.6% |
| Extracurricular Activities | $448 | +67.2% |
| Median Teacher Salary | $76,671 | +19.6% |
History and Evolution
The district has undergone several significant transformations to reflect the changing community. Originally known as the Princeton Regional School District, it was renamed Princeton Public Schools in July 2012. This change followed the consolidation of the Borough of Princeton and Princeton Township into a single municipality in January 2013.
The district also has a history of addressing social equity. The Witherspoon Street School for Colored Children served African-American students from 1858 until desegregation in 1948. Similarly, the Valley Road School became the district's first integrated elementary school in 1948. In 2021, the middle school was renamed Princeton Middle School (after a brief period as Princeton Unified Middle School) to remove the name of a former slave owner.
Administration and Governance
The district is led by Superintendent Michael LaSusa, who assumed the role on July 1, 2025, following a tenure in the School District of the Chathams. The business operations are managed by Business Administrator and Board Secretary Andrew Harris.
Governance is provided by a Board of Education consisting of ten members. Nine members are elected by voters to three-year staggered terms, while a tenth member is appointed by the Cranbury district to represent its interests. As a Type II school district, the board sets policy and oversees fiscal operations, delegating daily management to the superintendent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which students from outside Princeton attend the district?
Students from Cranbury Township attend Princeton High School as part of a formal sending/receiving relationship.
What is the current student-teacher ratio?
As of the 2023–24 school year, the student-teacher ratio is 10.83:1.
How is the district's socioeconomic status classified?
The New Jersey Department of Education classifies the district as District Factor Group "I", which is the second-highest of eight socioeconomic groupings.
What awards has the district received?
The district was ranked the best in New Jersey by Niche in 2021, Littlebrook School earned the National Blue Ribbon award in 2017, and the district received a Best Practices award in 2000-01 for its Jefferson Debates program.
Why was the middle school renamed in 2020-2021?
The school was renamed from John Witherspoon Middle School to Princeton Middle School because the original namesake was a slave owner.