Lawrence Township
Public Schools
Lawrence Township Public Schools serves a single municipality directly between Princeton and Trenton, at entry prices well under its Mercer County neighbors. Seven schools serve about 3,700-3,760 students (figures vary by source and year): four PreK-3/K-3 elementaries, an intermediate school, a middle school, and Lawrence High School. Lawrence High School's average SAT total is about 1250, and U.S. News ranks it #125 among New Jersey's 415 public high schools, 5th among Mercer County public high schools behind WW-P South, WW-P North, Princeton, and Hopewell Valley.
~3,700-3,760
Students district-wide (figures vary by source)
1250
LHS average SAT total
#125
NJ public high school rank, of 415 (US News)
94-95%
Graduation rate
Seven schools, one township
A facilities expansion now underway is expected to shift the intermediate/middle grade split once complete, so we confirm current zoning on any listing.
| Elementary | Ben Franklin (PreK-3) · Eldridge Park (K-3) · Lawrenceville (PreK-3) · Slackwood (K-3) |
| Intermediate | Lawrence Intermediate School (4-6) |
| Middle | Lawrence Middle School (7-8) |
| High | Lawrence High School (9-12) |
How Lawrence 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. Lawrence High School's average total is about 1250 (Math 620, Reading & Writing 630). U.S. News ranks it #125 among New Jersey's 415 public high schools, and 5th among Mercer County public high schools. This places it above the New Jersey statewide average, though below the Greater Princeton corridor's top cluster (WW-P, Princeton, Montgomery). See the full Greater Princeton SAT comparison.
Outcomes. The graduation rate is 94-95%, and 42% of students take at least one AP course.
What stands out academically
Career & technical. Vocational-technical coursework and Cisco Networking (CCNA I/II) certification at Lawrence High School.
Gifted enrichment. District-run gifted and enrichment services, plus targeted academic support programs.
Music. The NAMM Foundation has named the district a Best Community for Music Education every year since 2005, and the Board of Education won the 2020 NJ Music Educators Association Outstanding School Board Award.
Athletics. 29 varsity sports through the Colonial Valley Conference.
Neighborhoods that feed Lawrence schools
Every home in Lawrence Township (zip 08648) is in the district, including the Lawrenceville and Slackwood sections. Lawrence sits directly between Princeton and Trenton, making it a common value-oriented option for buyers who want a Princeton-area address without the Princeton price.
Explore Lawrence's neighborhoods in our neighborhood guides.
What's changing in the district
$94.9M facilities referendum. Approved by voters in March 2025 (59.6% in favor), funding a renovation and expansion of the 75-year-old Lawrence Middle School to bring 6th grade into that building, along with roof, HVAC, and asbestos abatement work across multiple schools. Tax impact is under $350 a year for the average-assessed home.
New cell phone policy. A statewide "Away for the Day" cell phone policy takes effect districtwide starting fall 2026.
Lawrence Schools
FAQ
How good are Lawrence Township schools?
Lawrence High School's average SAT total is about 1250. U.S. News ranks it #125 among New Jersey's 415 public high schools, and 5th among Mercer County public high schools, behind WW-P South, WW-P North, Princeton, and Hopewell Valley. The graduation rate is 94-95%, with 42% of students taking at least one AP course.
Which schools would my child attend?
One of four PreK-3/K-3 elementaries (Ben Franklin, Eldridge Park, Lawrenceville, Slackwood), then Lawrence Intermediate School (4-6), Lawrence Middle School (7-8), and Lawrence High School (9-12). A facilities expansion may shift the intermediate/middle split, so we confirm current zoning on any listing.
What programs stand out?
Vocational-technical and Cisco Networking certification coursework, gifted enrichment services, a music program recognized nationally since 2005, and 29 varsity sports.
What's changing in the district?
A $94.9M facilities referendum approved in March 2025 funds a Middle School renovation and expansion plus building-wide roof, HVAC, and asbestos work. A new statewide cell phone policy starts fall 2026.
Rankings and statistics are from the sources and years cited above and change over time; please verify current figures directly with the district.
Buying into Lawrence Township schools? Lawrence gives buyers a Princeton-area address at a meaningfully lower entry point, with solid, if not top-tier, academics. We track every new Lawrence listing daily and can confirm the zoned school for any address. Start with Lawrence homes for sale or ask us about a specific street.
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