The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has conducted the New Jersey Middle School Survey among public middle school students once every three years since 1999.
The survey captures the experience of 7th- and 8th-grade students, which can inform the development and advocacy of policies, interventions, programming, and services by prevention agencies, schools, and other youth-serving organizations at the statewide, county, and local levels.
The New Jersey Middle School Survey gives 7th- and 8th-grade students a voice by allowing them to anonymously share their perspectives and experiences about alcohol and drug use, mental health, gambling, bullying, social media, and supportive environments.
About the Survey
Why Participate?
All participating schools will receive a $250 gift card as a token of appreciation.
Schools may also receive a summary of their students’ responses depending on the student response rate.
Schools can use these results to understand their students’ experiences and perceptions and to decide what types of programs can help improve student well-being and academic outcomes.
The Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS) at Montclair State University will oversee recruitment and implementation for this survey during the 2025–2026 school year.
The survey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
Who Are We?
Logistics
CREEHS will work closely with schools to facilitate a smooth process from registration to administration.
Schools will be asked to designate a person within the school to serve as a school liaison, or point of contact.
Schools can select a date(s), as well as a period or course (e.g., Period 2, Health/PE, English) for survey administration between October 2025 to June 2026.
Survey Administration
Using a standardized script and guidance provided by CREEHS, school staff will guide students through the survey.
The survey is available in English and Spanish.
It takes on average about 30 minutes to complete the survey. It is designed to be administered within one class period.
Consenting
Schools will be asked to distribute the permission form to parents in compliance with passive consent (opt-out) procedures at least 2 weeks before the survey administration in 2 modalities (e.g., via email, Google Classroom) and send reminders using pre-written templates provided by CREEHS.
What to Expect
It's easy for schools to participate!
Broader participation ensures more representative and actionable data.
Survey Walkthrough
1.
Register
Registration is rolling from July 2025 to April 2026.
2.
Coordinate
Designate a school staff member to serve as your point of contact, or school liaison.
3.
Connect
Connect with CREEHS via video conference to determine administration logistics and access to all of the scripts and guides.
4.
Coordinate
Share the permission form with parents using 2 methods at least 2 weeks before the survey. Share a reminder at least one week before the survey.
5.
Track
Track which students have been opted OUT of the survey.
6.
Prepare
Have school staff who will be proctoring the survey review all scripts and guidance provided by CREEHS.
7.
Administer
Use the provided script and materials to proctor the survey, with CREEHS providing technical assistance.
8.
Incentives
Receive a $250 gift card as a token of appreciation and a summary of your own students’ responses (if sufficient participation is achieved).
The findings can help prevention agencies, schools, and other youth-serving organizations and decision-makers prioritize areas for action and guide policies, programs, and services at all levels.
Calling All District Superintendents and School Principals!
Your school is invited to participate in the survey.
Register between July 2025 and April 2026
Survey between October 2025 and June 2026
District superintendents and principals can complete the registration form by clicking below.
CREEHS will be in touch to coordinate a call with you and your designated school liaison!