The Big Picture: Why Hillsborough Is the Smart Money Move
Here's the conversation we have with almost every family that walks through our door: "We want great schools in Somerset County, but we don't want to spend $900,000+ to get them." The answer is almost always Hillsborough.
Hillsborough Township Public School District serves approximately 7,263 students across 9 schools from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district earned an overall "A" grade from Niche, ranks #36 in New Jersey and #4 in Somerset County. Hillsborough High School ranks #74 statewide with a 96% graduation rate and 52% AP participation — numbers that put it in the top tier of NJ public schools.
The value proposition is simple math: Hillsborough's median home price hovers around $566,000–$595,000. Montgomery's is $880,000–$955,000. West Windsor-Plainsboro runs $810,000–$950,000. That's $250,000–$400,000 in savings — enough to fund a college education — while still accessing a top-40 school district in the state. This is why we chose to live here ourselves.
The district is a single-high-school system: every Hillsborough student attends Hillsborough High School regardless of which neighborhood they live in. Students from neighboring Millstone Borough also attend Hillsborough schools, merged into the district since 2009.
District Snapshot
Elementary Years: Six Neighborhood Schools (K–4)
Unlike Montgomery (which funnels every child through one elementary building) or other single-school districts, Hillsborough has six elementary schools with attendance zones based on your home address. This means your neighborhood choice actually determines which elementary school your child attends — a critical detail for home buyers.
The district is currently undergoing a redistricting process for the 2026-27 school year due to new housing developments in the township. If you're buying now, ask us about the redistricting plan — some zones are shifting and we stay current on which addresses map to which schools.
Sunnymead Elementary School
530 students · 55 Sunnymead Road, Hillsborough
One of the top-rated elementaries in the district, Sunnymead consistently earns high marks on state assessments. The school serves one of the more established residential areas of the township.
Woods Road Elementary School
415 students · Hillsborough
Another strong performer, ranked among the top elementary schools in the district. Woods Road has a 5-star SchoolDigger rating and serves the areas around its namesake road.
Hillsborough Township Elementary School
480 students · 435 Route 206, Hillsborough
82% math proficiency and 71% reading proficiency — among the highest in the district. This school has the interesting distinction of having previously served as the high school (pre-1969), then the middle school, before becoming an elementary school. Located along the Route 206 corridor.
Amsterdam Elementary School
376 students · 301 Amsterdam Drive, Hillsborough
Opened in 1990 to serve the growing western sections of the township. Amsterdam serves newer housing developments in that area.
Triangle Elementary School
364 students · 156 South Triangle Road, Hillsborough
One of two schools offering pre-kindergarten, Triangle serves the areas around Triangle Road and the southern sections of the township.
Woodfern Elementary School
313 students · Hillsborough
The smallest and most rural-feeling of Hillsborough's elementary schools, Woodfern serves the Sourland Mountain area of the township. A quieter, more intimate setting.
Because Hillsborough has 6 elementary schools with separate attendance zones, which home you buy determines which elementary school your child attends. This is different from Montgomery, where every child goes to the same school regardless of address. When house-hunting in Hillsborough, always verify the attendance zone — and ask us about the upcoming 2026-27 redistricting plan, which may shift boundaries for some addresses.
The Transition: Auten Road Intermediate (5–6)
After four elementary schools, all Hillsborough students converge at one building for 5th and 6th grade. This is the first "big school" transition.
Auten Road Intermediate School
1,112 students · 281 Auten Road, Hillsborough
Originally opened as a K-5 elementary, Auten Road was expanded and converted to an intermediate school in 2002-03 to manage the district's rapid growth. Today it houses all 5th and 6th graders in the township — over 1,100 students. This is where students begin departmentalized instruction and where initial academic acceleration decisions start to take shape. The 2024 NJDOE recognized 6th-grade science teacher Mary Beth Hughes at Auten Road for excellence in teaching.
Middle School: Hillsborough Township Middle (7–8)
Hillsborough Township Middle School
1,246 students · 260 Triangle Road, Hillsborough
59% math proficiency and 68% reading proficiency — solid numbers that outperform state averages. The middle school ranks #114 in New Jersey. This is where academic tracks solidify: students place into math courses that determine whether they reach AP Calculus or AP Statistics by graduation. The middle school also fields competitive sports teams and feeds into the high school's award-winning athletics and marching band programs.
One thing Hillsborough parents should plan for: your child will attend four different buildings from K through 12 (elementary → intermediate → middle → high school). That's more transitions than most districts. The upside is each school is sized appropriately for its age group. The downside is more adjustment periods. Most kids handle it fine, but it's worth knowing.
Hillsborough High School: The Full Picture
Every student in Hillsborough and Millstone ends up at one place: Hillsborough High School, home of the Raiders. Here's what the rankings tell you — and what they don't.
Hillsborough High School (Grades 9–12)
What Hillsborough High Does Well
The AP program is solid and accessible. With 52% participation and a 2024 AP Access Award with Silver Distinction, the school offers a broad range of Advanced Placement courses. The Algebra II and Geometry proficiency rates consistently exceed 90%, which speaks to the strength of the math program. Five consecutive College Success Awards from GreatSchools confirm that HHS graduates are genuinely college-ready.
Athletics and extracurriculars are a genuine strength. The girls' basketball team won the 2025 Group IV State Championship. The Raider Marching Band is one of the most decorated programs in New Jersey — multiple-time state champions and a Mid-Atlantic Regional champion. With 74+ clubs and activities, students have more options to find their niche than in smaller schools. The FIRST Robotics Team 75 is the oldest active FIRST team in New Jersey and helped pass state legislation recognizing FIRST.
The school's size creates opportunity. At 2,377 students, HHS is larger than Montgomery High (1,630). That size means more AP sections, more elective variety, more sports teams with deeper rosters, and more social options. For many students, a larger school means finding your people is easier, not harder.
What You Should Know (The Honest Part)
Hillsborough is not Montgomery or Ridge. Let's be real: the rankings are lower. Montgomery High is #23 in NJ; Hillsborough is #65-74. If maximizing school ranking is your top priority regardless of cost, Hillsborough isn't the answer. But if you're looking at outcomes relative to investment, the math favors Hillsborough decisively — you're getting a top-quartile NJ high school at a significantly lower price.
The academic culture is balanced, not intense. Compared to the high-pressure environments in Montgomery or West Windsor, Hillsborough offers a more relaxed academic culture. Some families see this as a weakness (less peer-driven academic intensity); others see it as exactly the right fit for kids who need room to develop without constant pressure. The outside tutoring culture exists here but isn't as pervasive.
The graduation rate has fluctuated. While currently at 96%, the rate has seen some variation in recent years, with graduation readiness rates dipping slightly. The district tracks this closely and it's a metric worth monitoring.
Some teachers are stronger than others. This is true everywhere, but student reviews consistently mention a mix — many caring, motivated teachers alongside some who are less engaging. The school's size means more variety in teaching quality across departments.
Culture & Community: What Living Here Actually Feels Like
We don't just sell homes in Hillsborough — we live here. So here's what daily life actually looks like.
The Growing Asian Community
Hillsborough's demographic shift has been significant and rapid. The district's student body is now 35.2% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander — up substantially over the past decade. Overall minority enrollment is 60%. The township has become increasingly attractive to Indian, Chinese, and Korean families who recognize the school quality-to-price ratio.
Cultural infrastructure is growing alongside the population: community organizations, language schools, and cultural events are expanding. Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses serve the community along the Route 206 corridor. For Chinese families, Hillsborough doesn't have the established infrastructure of West Windsor's Chinese community, but it's an emerging community with growing critical mass.
Sports, Marching Band & Student Life
This is where Hillsborough genuinely excels compared to smaller, more academically-focused districts. The Raider Marching Band is a point of community pride — state champions multiple times, with performances that draw large crowds. The girls' basketball state championship in 2025 energized the entire township. Friday night football games and hockey are community events that bring families together.
With 74+ clubs, students have options ranging from robotics to student diversity initiatives. The school's size means you can find a community within the community — whether that's competitive athletics, performing arts, STEM competitions, or social activism.
The Vibe: Suburban Comfort Without Pretension
Hillsborough has a distinctly different feel from Montgomery or Princeton. It's unpretentious. Families here are comfortable, but the culture doesn't revolve around competitive parenting or keeping up appearances. Duke Farms offers 20 miles of trails. Sourland Mountain Preserve has 8+ miles of hiking. Royce Brook Golf Club is a local favorite. The Route 206 commercial corridor provides everyday shopping without the quaint charm of a Princeton downtown — it's practical, not picturesque.
Special Education
The district provides special education services and participates in Project Child Find for early identification. Like most NJ districts, the quality of accommodation depends significantly on parent advocacy. The district has a dedicated special services department — families with IEP or 504 needs should request meetings with the team before enrolling to understand the specific services available at each school level.
Hillsborough vs. Other Districts: Where Your Dollar Goes Further
The comparison families ask us about most: "Why would I choose Hillsborough over Montgomery, Bridgewater, or West Windsor?" Here's the honest breakdown.
| Factor | Hillsborough | Montgomery | Bridgewater-Raritan |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Ranking (Niche) | #36 in NJ (A) | #20 in NJ (A+) | #39 in NJ (A) |
| Median Home Price | ~$566K–$595K | ~$880K–$955K | ~$650K–$750K |
| High School NJ Rank | #65–74 | #23–26 | #72–75 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 97% | 96% |
| AP Participation | 52% | 71% | 55% |
| Asian Community | 35% of students | 55% of students | 30% of students |
| School Size (HS) | 2,377 (more options) | 1,630 | 2,500+ |
| Tax Rate (per $100) | ~$2.14 | ~$3.43 | ~$2.85 |
| Annual Reassessment | Yes (no shock) | No (2028 reval coming) | Varies |
| Academic Pressure | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Extracurriculars/Athletics | Excellent (state champs, award-winning band) | Good | Excellent |
Choose Hillsborough if: You want strong Somerset County schools without the premium price tag. You value a balanced academic environment over a pressure-cooker culture. You want a school large enough to offer extensive extracurriculars, sports, and social options. You prefer the security of annual reassessments over looming revaluation risk. We live here ourselves because this is the value calculation we made for our own family.
Consider Montgomery if: Maximizing school ranking is your top priority and budget permits. You want larger lot sizes (1-3+ acres). You prefer a smaller high school community. You want the more established Asian community infrastructure.
Consider Bridgewater-Raritan if: You want a similar price-to-quality ratio with a different suburban feel. The two districts are closely comparable in rankings and price — it often comes down to commute patterns and neighborhood preference.
The Financial Picture: Why the Numbers Work
This is where Hillsborough's value proposition becomes undeniable. The combination of lower home prices AND lower tax rates creates a compounding advantage.
Property Tax Breakdown (2024-2025)
Here's something most buyers don't realize: Hillsborough participates in an annual reassessment program. That means property values are updated every year to reflect current market conditions. Your assessment goes up gradually as the market rises, and the tax rate adjusts downward correspondingly.
Compare this to Montgomery, which last revalued in 1999 and has a painful revaluation coming in 2028 — meaning assessments will jump dramatically overnight. In Hillsborough, you'll never face a revaluation shock. Your tax bill adjusts incrementally, which makes financial planning much more predictable.
What Your Money Buys
Hillsborough offers a wider range of housing options than most neighboring districts. Condos and townhomes in communities like Tudor Village, Eves Drive, and the newer developments start in the $250,000–$450,000 range — genuine entry points to a top-40 school district. Standard single-family colonials on quarter-to-half-acre lots sell for $500,000–$750,000. Larger homes in premium areas can reach $800,000–$1.2M, though this is the exception rather than the rule. The overall median hovers around $566,000–$595,000, which buys you a comfortable family home with access to one of the strongest school systems in the state.