Hopewell Valley
Regional School District
Hopewell Valley Regional serves the area's most rural, land-rich corner: Pennington, Hopewell Borough, and Hopewell Township, with a small-district feel and strong academics. About 3,430 to 3,470 students attend six schools, four elementaries feeding one middle school and Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington. Central High School's 2024-25 average SAT total of 1249 ranks 16th among all New Jersey public high schools, and voters just backed the district with an $84M facilities referendum approved in November 2025. For buyers who want acreage and quiet without giving up a well-regarded district, this is the valley to know.
~3,430-3,470
Students district-wide
1249
Central HS average SAT total (2024-25)
#16
NJ public high school SAT rank (2024-25)
96.6%
Graduation rate
Six schools across the valley
Four elementary schools serve different parts of the valley; all students converge at Timberlane and Central High School.
| Elementary | Bear Tavern ES (Titusville) · Hopewell ES · Stony Brook ES (Pennington) · Toll Gate Grammar School (Pennington) |
| Middle | Timberlane Middle School (6-8) |
| High | Hopewell Valley Central High School (Pennington) |
How Hopewell Valley ranks
Why SAT, not a ratings site. We lean on average SAT totals rather than crowd-sourced grades like Niche, since the SAT is a single, objective, year-over-year comparable number rather than a weighted opinion score.
SAT (2024-25). Hopewell Valley Central High School's average total is 1249 (Math 617, Reading & Writing 632), ranking 16th among all New Jersey public high schools. See the full Greater Princeton SAT comparison.
Outcomes. A 96.6% graduation rate, and 90.7% of the district's 745 AP exams scored 3 or higher.
Leadership. Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece was named the 2026 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year.
What stands out academically
AP depth for a small district. 31 AP courses at Central High School, with 90.7% of the district's 745 AP exams scoring 3 or higher.
College credit early. Dual-credit coursework with Syracuse University.
Environmental and outdoor education. The valley's defining strength: partnerships with the Sourland Conservancy and the Watershed Institute put real fieldwork, conservation, and outdoor science into the program, matching the district's rural setting.
Towns and neighborhoods that feed Hopewell Valley
The district covers three municipalities: Pennington Borough (08534), Hopewell Borough (08525), and Hopewell Township including Titusville (08560). On our site, these communities are covered together on the Hopewell town page. Housing runs from walkable borough streets in Pennington and Hopewell Borough to multi-acre township properties, with the elementary assignment following the home's location in the valley.
Explore the valley's communities in our neighborhood guides, or compare the town in Princeton vs Hopewell.
What's changing in the district
$84M referendum approved. In November 2025, voters approved an $84M bond covering roofs and HVAC, safety upgrades, and classroom additions at Bear Tavern and Toll Gate, a substantial reinvestment in the district's buildings.
Recognized leadership. Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece was named the 2026 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year.
Hopewell Valley Schools
FAQ
How good are Hopewell Valley schools?
Hopewell Valley Central High School's 2024-25 average SAT total is 1249, ranking 16th among all New Jersey public high schools; the graduation rate is 96.6%, and 90.7% of 745 AP exams scored 3+.
Which towns feed the district?
Pennington Borough (08534), Hopewell Borough (08525), and Hopewell Township including Titusville (08560). On our site these are covered together on the Hopewell town page.
What programs stand out?
31 AP courses, dual-credit with Syracuse University, and strong environmental and outdoor education through partnerships with the Sourland Conservancy and the Watershed Institute.
What did the November 2025 referendum approve?
An $84M bond for roofs and HVAC, safety upgrades, and classroom additions at Bear Tavern and Toll Gate elementary schools.
Which elementary would my child attend?
One of four: Bear Tavern (Titusville), Hopewell ES, Stony Brook (Pennington), or Toll Gate Grammar (Pennington), depending on the home's location. All students continue to Timberlane MS and Central High School. We confirm the zoned school for any address.
Rankings and statistics are from the school years cited above and change over time; please verify current figures directly with the district.
Buying in Hopewell Valley? This is the district for buyers who want land, quiet, and a strong small district, often with more house and acreage per dollar than the towns closer to Route 1. We track every new listing across Pennington, Hopewell Borough, and Hopewell Township daily and can confirm the zoned elementary for any address. Start with Hopewell homes for sale.
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