Hackensack Meridian Health’s Sanzari & Hovnanian Children’s Hospitals were ranked No. 1 in New Jersey in the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals list for 2025-26, which was released Tuesday morning.
In addition to the overall ranking, the Sanzari/Hovnanian hospitals placed in the Top 50 nationally in five specialty areas. The BMS Children’s Hospital was ranked in the Top 50 in one specialty.
U.S. News allows health systems to enter multiple children’s hospitals under one ranking.
The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is located in Hackensack, in conjunction with Hackensack University Medical Center. The K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is located in Neptune, as part of Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
HMH’s Sanzari and Hovnanian hospitals were ranked No. 10 in the Mid-Atlantic region, which goes from New York to Virginia.
“We take great pride in providing world-class care for children and their families where and when they need it most,” Robert Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health, said. “Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health brings together exceptional pediatric specialists, advanced treatments, and a compassionate approach that ensures families are at the center of everything we do. We are redefining pediatric care with innovative care models that give every child the best opportunity to thrive.”
Hackensack Meridian Health’s Sanzari & Hovnanian Children’s Hospitals were ranked in the Top 50 in the following specialty areas:
- Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health (no numbered ranking was given)
- Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 39)
- Pediatric Nephrology (No. 40)
- Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 47)
- Pediatric Urology (No. 41)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJ University Hospital was ranked No. 2 in the state.
They were the only children’s hospitals in New Jersey to receive a ranking by U.S. News.
Here is the complete list of children’s hospitals by region.
Here is the complete list of children’s hospitals by specialty.
