Cherry Hill Public Schools: A Complete Guide

Cherry Hill Public Schools is one of the most well-regarded school districts in South Jersey, serving over 10,000 students across 19 schools. If you are moving to Cherry Hill or already live here and want to understand the district, this guide covers everything from school boundaries to academic performance.

District Overview

Cherry Hill Public Schools operates two high schools, three middle schools, and 14 elementary schools. The district employs over 1,600 staff members and is one of the largest employers in the township. The district is known for strong academic programs, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a commitment to preparing students for college and career success.

The district is divided into attendance zones based on your home address. Elementary school assignment determines your child's middle school and high school pathway, so the neighborhood you choose has a direct impact on which schools your children attend.

2026-27 School Year Updates

The 2026-27 school year started Wednesday, September 2, 2026. This year brings a few notable changes: a new district cell phone policy that restricts device use during instructional time, continued construction and upgrades at all 19 schools under the voter-approved bond referendum (including a multi-year project at Carusi Middle School), an expanding preschool program, and a new pre-AP program as part of the district's five-year strategic plan. Families with kids heading back to class will find the full calendar, key breaks, and helpful tips in our 2026-27 Back to School guide.

High Schools

Cherry Hill High School East is consistently ranked as the top high school in the district. It serves students from the eastern half of the township and offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses. East has strong programs in STEM, performing arts, and athletics, with a graduation rate of 92% and average SAT scores around 1190.

Cherry Hill High School West serves the western part of the township and offers a similarly strong academic foundation. West is known for its dedicated teaching staff, competitive athletic programs, and a supportive school culture. The school also boasts a 92% graduation rate and extensive extracurricular options.

Middle Schools

Cherry Hill has three middle schools serving grades 6 through 8:

• Henry C. Beck Middle School — One of the higher-performing middle schools with strong math and reading proficiency scores. Located in the eastern part of the district.
• John A. Carusi Middle School — Serves central Cherry Hill with a diverse student body and a range of academic and enrichment programs.
• Hanover Middle School — Located in the western portion of the district, serving students who will later attend Cherry Hill High School West.

Top Elementary Schools

The district's 14 elementary schools serve grades K through 5. Some of the highest-rated elementary schools include:

• Joseph D. Sharp Elementary School — Consistently rated as the top elementary in Cherry Hill with a 9/10 GreatSchools rating and strong test scores.
• A. Russell Knight Elementary School — One of the highest-performing elementary schools in the district, located in the Barclay-Kingston area.
• Richard Stockton Elementary School — A well-regarded school with strong academic programs and an active parent community.
• Thomas Paine Elementary School — Known for strong math and reading proficiency, with above-average scores compared to district benchmarks.

Academic Performance

Cherry Hill schools perform well above state averages in key academic metrics. The district's reading proficiency rate averages around 64%, significantly higher than the New Jersey state average of 47%. Math proficiency across the district averages close to the state average of 29%, with some schools performing well above that benchmark.

State standardized test scores are just one measure of school quality. Cherry Hill also invests heavily in arts education, music programs, world languages, technology, and special education services, giving families a well-rounded educational experience.

Enrollment and Registration

To enroll your child in Cherry Hill Public Schools, contact the district office at (856) 429-4350. You will need to provide:

• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
• Your child's birth certificate
• Up-to-date immunization records
• Previous school records if transferring from another district

School assignments are strictly based on your home address. The district provides an online boundary locator tool to help families determine their assigned schools before purchasing a home.

Extracurricular Activities

Cherry Hill schools offer extensive extracurricular programs that go well beyond sports. Students can participate in robotics clubs, debate teams, theater productions, music ensembles, community service organizations, and dozens of academic clubs. The district's music and arts programs are particularly strong, with award-winning bands, choirs, and visual arts programs at both high schools.

Special Education Services

Cherry Hill Public Schools provides a full range of special education services, including individualized education programs (IEPs), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support. The district is committed to inclusive education and works closely with families to ensure every child receives appropriate support.

How School Assignments Affect Your Home Search

School zones are one of the most important factors in Cherry Hill real estate. Homes in the attendance zones of Sharp Elementary or Knight Elementary tend to command higher prices and sell faster. If schools are a priority for your family, work with someone who understands the district boundaries intimately. As a Cherry Hill REALTOR with years of experience helping families find homes in the right school zones, I can help you navigate the options. Read our detailed school ratings guide for more specific data on each school.

Exploring school options beyond the district? The private schools guide covers Catholic, Christian, Friends, and Jewish day schools, while the preschool guide helps families with younger children. Youth sports and enrichment programs are covered in our youth sports guide, and first-time buyers can see how school zones shape prices in the best neighborhoods guide.