For such a densely populated state, New Jersey has an incredible amount of small towns – it’s one of our many charms. With small towns come small schools, and while every experience was different, there are some things that generally ring true across the board. If you went to a small high school in the Garden State, you can probably relate to at least a few of these things. You may notice that all the photos below are of New Jersey high schools, do you spot yours?
- You knew the name of everyone in your class.
Flickr/Jazz Guy And were very possibly related to a few of them.
- Because you knew everyone, the first day wasn’t so scary.
Flickr/Boston Public Library You were probably excited to run into older friends.
- If you had an older sibling, you started school with a reputation.
Flickr/Stacey Jill If your older sister got straight A’s, everyone expected the same from you; the same was true if your brother was the class clown.
- Extracurriculars were important.
Flickr/Boston Public Library We were all about the drama club and debate team. Yearbook staff had some serious pull since they decided which group photos got in.
- Athletes often had VIP status.
Flickr/Jazz Guy Especially if the team was really good.
- School events brought about major fanfare.
Flickr/Boston Public Library Bonfires were a big deal and school plays were treated like Broadway shows.
- We all dated the same people.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn It was understandable; the dating pool wasn’t very large, but it lent itself to loads of drama. How long did you need to wait before dating your friend’s sibling’s ex?
- Dating someone from out of town was extra special.
Flickr/Boston Public Library So we were always on the hunt for cousin’s friends.
- New kids were the talk of the town.
Flickr/Roger W. They were heavily scrutinized and everyone wanted to take them in.
- Staff did double duty.
Flickr/Boston Public Library Teachers were coaches.
- Skipping school was almost impossible.
Flickr/Lawrence Historical Society Someone you know was sure to spot you. Why was your mom’s best friend always at the mall?
- But senior cut day was probably still a thing.
Flickr/Boston Public Library And it usually meant trips to one of our beautiful beaches.
- Diners were the late night hangout spot.
Flickr/Amy Gahran And maybe a drive-in movie or two.
- Trips to the city were major news.
Flickr/Bloomfield Public Library Whether that meant New York or Philadelphia.
- You made some of your best friends here.
Flickr/Jasonic Even if you went away to college, you always came back for the holidays.
- Gossip spread like wildfire.
Flickr/Boston Public Library And it was difficult to get away with anything.
- But everyone had each other’s back.
Flickr/Amy Gahran The whole school rallied together when another student really needed help. Bake sale, anyone?
- You couldn’t wait to graduate.
Flickr/Boston Public Library But looking back, you realize what a unique experience it was.
Small town high schools mean everyone gets a chance to stand out. While there may have been some downsides, most of us wouldn’t change it for the world. What do you remember most about going to a small town high school in New Jersey?
Flickr/Jazz Guy
And were very possibly related to a few of them.
Flickr/Boston Public Library
You were probably excited to run into older friends.
Flickr/Stacey Jill
If your older sister got straight A’s, everyone expected the same from you; the same was true if your brother was the class clown.
We were all about the drama club and debate team. Yearbook staff had some serious pull since they decided which group photos got in.
Especially if the team was really good.
Bonfires were a big deal and school plays were treated like Broadway shows.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
It was understandable; the dating pool wasn’t very large, but it lent itself to loads of drama. How long did you need to wait before dating your friend’s sibling’s ex?
So we were always on the hunt for cousin’s friends.
Flickr/Roger W.
They were heavily scrutinized and everyone wanted to take them in.
Teachers were coaches.
Flickr/Lawrence Historical Society
Someone you know was sure to spot you. Why was your mom’s best friend always at the mall?
And it usually meant trips to one of our beautiful beaches.
Flickr/Amy Gahran
And maybe a drive-in movie or two.
Flickr/Bloomfield Public Library
Whether that meant New York or Philadelphia.
Flickr/Jasonic
Even if you went away to college, you always came back for the holidays.
And it was difficult to get away with anything.
The whole school rallied together when another student really needed help. Bake sale, anyone?
But looking back, you realize what a unique experience it was.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
