- Mill Pond Elementary School — Grades PK–K · 599 students
- Forked River Elementary School — Grades 1–5 · 479 students
- Lanoka Harbor Elementary School — Grades 1–5 · 465 students
- Cedar Creek Elementary School — Grades 1–5 · 432 students
- Lacey Township Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 819 students
- Lacey Township High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,119 students
| Metric | Lacey Township School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,832 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $23,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lacey Township School District (this district) | 5/10 | 40th | 3,832 |
| Jackson Township School District | 3/10 | 28th | 7,605 |
| Toms River Regional School District | 3/10 | 29th | 14,594 |
| Central Regional School District | 3/10 | 25th | 2,344 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 582 rated districts in NJ → 40th percentile → 5/10.
Source: New Jersey Dept. of Education NJSLA, grades 3–8 Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Lacey Township School District
Families in zip code 08734 (Lacey Township, New Jersey) are assigned to Lacey Township School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in New Jersey spend approximately $23,000 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), well above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts at this funding level typically offer smaller class sizes, broader elective and extracurricular programs, stronger technology infrastructure, and more competitive teacher salaries. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
Lacey Township School District is a mid-sized district with 6 schools serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Lacey Township School District 4 out of 10 — below average among New Jersey public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in New Jersey’s NJSLA grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because New Jersey is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Lacey Township School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical New Jersey benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 08734
Children in zip code 08734 are assigned to Lacey Township School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 08734, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Lacey Township School District at (609)971-2000 or visit www.laceyschools.org. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Jersey districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Lacey Township
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Lacey Township School District serves zip code 08734, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 08734. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In New Jersey, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Lacey Township School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 08734.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Lacey Township School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 08734 data.