The top reported proficiency rate is 87% in Math. The lowest is 43% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Wandell School
Wandell School is the sole public elementary school in Saddle River, serving children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is a small, regular public school that anchors the academic life of the borough’s youngest residents. Because the school stops at fifth grade, Saddle River families then send their children to middle and high school in neighboring Ramsey or Northern Highlands, meaning Wandell is a self-contained early education experience rather than part of a K-12 continuum under one roof.
On state assessments, Wandell students performed at a very high level in both math and English language arts across grades three through five. The large majority of students in each tested grade met or exceeded the state’s proficiency benchmarks, and in one grade every student tested reached that mark. This is a strong academic result, and it places the school well above the typical performance among elementary schools in Bergen County; the school’s overall proficiency index sits in the top quarter of all county districts. Science results, tested only in grade five, were notably lower, with a smaller share of students reaching proficiency. A parent may want to ask the school about its science curriculum and how it builds toward the later grades, especially given the strength in math and reading.
The student body is small, with an enrollment of just over a hundred children. The demographic composition is predominantly white, alongside a substantial Asian minority and smaller shares of students who are Hispanic, Black, or identify as two or more races. The school does not report the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, nor does it report the number of students with disabilities or English learners, so those dimensions of the student population are not available from the data. Because the school serves early grades only, there is no graduation rate to report.
Saddle River itself is a wealthy, low-density borough about twenty-five miles northwest of Manhattan. It is a dry town with no alcohol sales, and its zoning requires a minimum of two acres per home, which produces a landscape of large estates, horse farms, and winding rural roads. There is no significant commercial district, and street life is minimal; residents rely on cars for nearly everything. The borough’s population is small, and its housing values are among the highest in the nation. The school sits on East Allendale Road, a short distance from Route 17, which runs through the borough and provides access to the broader region.
The housing market in the area reflects the borough’s exclusivity. Home values are very high, and the county’s market shows a median listing price well above the national figure. For a family considering moving to Saddle River for the school, the cost of entry is steep, and the available housing stock consists almost entirely of single-family homes on large lots. The school’s small size means that class sizes are likely modest, and the community feel of a single-building district is strong.
Wandell School’s academic results are a clear strength. The combination of very high test scores and a small, affluent student population suggests a setting where most children arrive ready to learn and where academic expectations are consistently met. The lower science proficiency is a point to investigate, but it does not diminish the overall picture of strong foundational skills in literacy and math. For families who value a tight-knit elementary school with proven academic outcomes and who are comfortable with the high cost and rural-suburban character of Saddle River, Wandell offers a compelling option. Families should also understand that the school is only the first stage of their child’s education; the middle and high school years will be spent in a different district, one that parents may want to evaluate separately.
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