Stem Innovation Academy of the Oranges

STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges is a public high school in South Orange, New Jersey, serving grades 9 through 12. With 168 students and an 11.2-to-1 student-teacher ratio, the school is deliberately small — one of two public schools in South Orange, and the clear standout of the pair. The school earns a composite score of 9.2 out of 10, rated Exceptional.

Academic performance scores 9.9 and growth scores a perfect 10.0. That combination places STEM Innovation 12th among 422 high schools in New Jersey — and 34th out of 2,463 public schools statewide. It outperforms 99% of New Jersey public schools, a result that holds across both academic proficiency and year-over-year student progress.

The 10.0 growth score carries particular weight. It reflects consistent, measurable gains for students relative to peers — not just a school that admits high performers, but one that advances them. Families comparing high schools in the region will find few programs that match this combination of academic rigor and demonstrated growth trajectory.

For a specialized STEM program of its size, the statewide rankings make a compelling case.

With an enrollment of 168 students, Stem Innovation Academy of the Oranges is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.