Page 14 - Princeton-Mercer - 2019 Regional Life

Education
Proud Schools, Universities Contribute to Mercer’s Appeal
EDUCATION IS WOVEN INTO THE FIBER OF MERCER COUNTY and particularly into Princeton, where Princeton University was founded in the mid- 1700s. Centuries later, Princeton, the university, and Princeton, the town, continue this proud partnership.
This pride extends throughout the county and into all educational levels. Mercer residents are among the most highly
educated in the country. Their schools are national models, and education brings jobs, economic health and innovation.
The more than 100 public elementary, middle and high schools in the county’s 11 districts typically rank at the top — or near the top — of state and national rankings. The public districts include one special education district with four schools and a vocational-technical district to address the needs and interests of diverse learners.
According to Niche.com, Princeton Public Schools, with 3,700 students in six schools, ranked first in the state
in 2018, with an A+ rating. With stellar scores on proficiency tests, high Advanced Placement participation and achievement and graduation rates well above state and national averages, Princeton schools clearly merit the accolades they receive. Several other districts, such as West Windsor- Plainsboro, have similar achievements.
Private Schools
Mercer County also has 75 private schools, and one-third of them have a religious affiliation. These private schools include many early learning centers and schools for students with learning and other disabilities.
Among them are:
The Lawrenceville School in the village of Lawrenceville traces its roots to 1810. Today it is a coed boarding and day school for 800 students in grades 9–12. Lawrenceville uses a special house system to create small groups of students within the larger school. Each student is assigned to a house, where boarding students live, and day students participate in all house activities, including meals.
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton is an all-girls school with 460 students in preschool through 12th grade. In addition to rigorous academics, Stuart has a full schedule
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