Burlington County is home to some of the best school districts in New Jersey, including the nationally recognized Moorestown Township Public Schools, the highly rated Medford and Mount Laurel systems, and the Lenape Regional High School District serving four of the county's top communities. Choosing the right school district is one of the most important decisions a family makes when moving to Burlington County. The district your children attend shapes not only their education but also your home's long-term value and your daily quality of life.
I have helped hundreds of families navigate this decision over my career. Some families arrive knowing exactly which district they want and need help finding the right home there. Others are open to multiple districts and want to understand the differences. This guide breaks down every top district in Burlington County so you can make an informed choice.
How to Evaluate School Districts in Burlington County
Before we dive into specific districts, it helps to understand what makes a school district great. Every family prioritizes different things. Here is what I encourage families to consider:
- Academic performance: State test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics matter, but they are not the only measure of a good school
- Extracurricular offerings: A strong sports program, music and arts curriculum, theater productions, and academic clubs can make a huge difference in your child's experience
- Class sizes: Smaller class sizes often mean more individual attention for your child
- Community involvement: Active parent-teacher organizations and strong community support correlate with better outcomes
- Feeder patterns: Which elementary schools feed into which middle and high schools matters, especially if you plan to stay in one home through your children's school years
- Facilities and technology: Modern classrooms, updated science labs, and good technology infrastructure enhance the learning environment
Moorestown Township Public Schools
Moorestown is consistently ranked among the top school districts in New Jersey, and for good reason. The district serves approximately 3,800 students across three elementary schools (K-3), one upper elementary school (4-5), a middle school (6-8), and Moorestown High School (9-12). The district benefits from strong community support and a dedicated teaching staff.
Moorestown High School offers an extensive Advanced Placement program with over 20 AP courses. The school is known for its high graduation rate and college acceptance rate, with students regularly admitted to top-tier universities. The athletic program is among the best in South Jersey, and the performing arts program, including the nationally recognized marching band, is excellent.
What parents consistently tell me they love about Moorestown is the sense of community. The parent-teacher organizations are deeply involved, and there is a genuine partnership between the schools and the families they serve. The main trade-off is the cost of homes. Moorestown commands a significant premium over surrounding towns, but for many families, the investment is well worth it.
Medford Township Schools (Lenape High School)
Medford operates its own K-8 district with several elementary schools and a middle school, then feeds into Lenape High School, part of the Lenape Regional High School District. Medford's K-8 schools are well-regarded, with strong academic programs and supportive parent communities.
Lenape High School is consistently ranked among the top high schools in New Jersey. The school offers a comprehensive AP program, excellent athletic facilities, and a strong arts curriculum. One of the advantages of the Lenape Regional system is the variety of programs available across the district's four high schools. Many Medford families specifically choose the town for access to Lenape High School.
Home prices in Medford span a wide range, from more affordable ranches and colonels to large estate properties on acreage. This variety makes Medford accessible to a broader range of buyers than some of the higher-priced premium districts. The trade-off is property taxes, which in Medford are among the higher end for Burlington County.
Mount Laurel Schools (Lenape High School)
Mount Laurel operates its own K-8 district with five elementary schools and one middle school, then feeds into Lenape High School. The Mount Laurel school district is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and excellent facilities. The district has invested significantly in technology and modern learning environments.
For families who want access to Lenape High School without paying Moorestown or Medford home prices, Mount Laurel offers an excellent value. The town has a broad range of housing options from affordable townhomes and condos to larger single-family homes, making it one of the most accessible top-tier school districts in Burlington County.
Evesham Township Schools (Cherokee High School)
Evesham Township, commonly known as Marlton, operates its own K-8 district with six elementary schools and a middle school. Students then feed into Cherokee High School, part of the Lenape Regional High School District. Cherokee High School is well-regarded, known for its strong academic programs and excellent athletic tradition.
Marlton offers something that many of the other top districts do not: a wider range of housing choices at more moderate price points. The town has a mix of older established neighborhoods and newer developments, giving buyers more options. Marlton is also home to the popular Marlton Farmers Market and has excellent access to shopping and dining along Route 73 and Route 70.
Shamong Township Schools (Seneca High School)
Shamong operates its own K-8 district featuring Indian Mills Elementary School and Indian Mills Middle School. Students then attend Seneca High School, the fourth school in the Lenape Regional High School District. Seneca has built a strong reputation for academic achievement and offers a close-knit school community.
Shamong appeals to families who want more space and a quieter lifestyle while still having access to a strong high school. The town is known for its rural character, larger lots, and proximity to Wharton State Forest and the Pine Barrens. Home prices are generally more moderate than in Moorestown or Medford, making Shamong an attractive option for value-conscious families.
Delran Township School District
Delran operates its own pre-K through 12 school district, which is somewhat unusual in Burlington County where many towns send their high school students to Lenape Regional. Delran High School is well-regarded and has invested heavily in facilities and programs in recent years. The district benefits from a supportive community and strong local tax base.
For families who want a solid school district with more affordable home prices than the premium Lenape towns, Delran is an excellent option. The town is also popular with Philadelphia commuters thanks to its location near Route 130 and the River LINE train.
Cinnaminson Township Schools
Cinnaminson operates its own K-12 district, feeding from four elementary schools into Cinnaminson Middle School and Cinnaminson High School. The district is well-regarded for its strong academics, competitive athletic programs, and excellent music and arts curriculum. Cinnaminson High School consistently performs well on state assessments.
Cinnaminson is another excellent value proposition for families who want good schools without the premium price tag of Moorestown or Medford. The town also offers easy access to Philadelphia via the River LINE and Route 130, making it popular with commuters.
Lumberton Township Schools (Rancocas Valley Regional)
Lumberton operates its own K-8 district, then sends students to Rancocas Valley Regional High School, which also serves Mount Holly, Hainesport, and Westampton. Rancocas Valley is a well-regarded high school with strong academic programs and a diverse student body. The school has invested significantly in STEM programs and college readiness.
Lumberton is growing in popularity with families who want access to a strong regional high school at more affordable home prices. The town has a suburban feel with larger lots and excellent access to outdoor recreation at the Rancocas State Park.
District Comparison Table
| District | High School | K-8 Structure | Home Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moorestown | Moorestown HS | Own K-12 | $550K - $1.2M+ |
| Medford | Lenape HS | Own K-8 | $400K - $900K+ |
| Mount Laurel | Lenape HS | Own K-8 | $350K - $750K+ |
| Evesham (Marlton) | Cherokee HS | Own K-8 | $350K - $700K+ |
| Shamong | Seneca HS | Own K-8 | $400K - $800K+ |
| Delran | Delran HS | Own K-12 | $300K - $550K+ |
| Cinnaminson | Cinnaminson HS | Own K-12 | $325K - $600K+ |
| Lumberton | Rancocas Valley | Own K-8 | $350K - $650K+ |
How School Quality Affects Home Values in Burlington County
The relationship between school quality and home values is especially strong in Burlington County. Homes in the Moorestown and Medford/Lenape school districts consistently command a significant premium over comparable homes in neighboring towns. This premium is not new and has held steady through multiple market cycles.
One important dynamic to understand is what I call the "school district halo effect." Even towns that feed into strong regional high schools benefit from the district's overall reputation. Mount Laurel homes, for example, benefit from the Lenape High School reputation even though the town operates its own K-8 system. This halo effect makes investing in a home within a strong feeder pattern a smart long-term decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best school district in Burlington County?
Moorestown Township Public Schools is consistently ranked as the top district in Burlington County based on academic performance, college readiness, and community satisfaction. Medford (Lenape High School) and Mount Laurel are also excellent options.
Which Burlington County high school is best?
Lenape High School and Moorestown High School are both nationally recognized. Cherokee High School and Seneca High School, also part of the Lenape Regional district, are strong alternatives. Rancocas Valley Regional High School and Cinnaminson High School are also well-regarded.
Are there affordable school districts in Burlington County?
Yes. Delran, Cinnaminson, Lumberton, and the Evesham (Marlton) portion of the Lenape district offer strong schools at more moderate home prices than the premium towns like Moorestown and Medford.
How do feeder patterns work in Burlington County?
Some towns like Moorestown, Delran, and Cinnaminson operate their own K-12 districts. Others like Medford, Mount Laurel, Evesham (Marlton), and Shamong operate K-8 districts, then send students to the Lenape Regional High School District. Understanding your feeder pattern helps you predict which high school your child will attend.
Do property taxes in Burlington County fund schools?
Yes. A significant portion of property taxes in every Burlington County town goes directly to funding the local school district. This is part of why districts with strong community support tend to have excellent schools.