If there’s one thing New Jersey’s small, wealthy school districts have in common with large districts serving economically disadvantaged students, it’s that they usually spend a whole lot of money per student.

The average New Jersey school district spent about $21,866 per student in 2017-18, according to a NJ Advance Media analysis of new state data. But the biggest spenders go far beyond that, up to $53,00.

What’s behind the high cost?

One factor is size. Even districts with the smallest enrollment, such as shrinking Califon in Hunterdon County, still need facilities, supplies and personnel. And if those living in an affluent areas are often more able and willing to foot the big tax bill needed to support a tiny school district.

For others districts, such as Paterson, the high spending is all about academic challenges.

The state gives districts more funding (and expects them to spend more) if they have a large number of students who typically require extra support, including economically disadvantaged students and those learning to speak English as their second language.

Check out the district below to see the 25 school district spending the most per student.

NOTE: The spending totals include pension payments the state makes on behalf of school districts and tuition and fees districts paid to send students to other schools. This list does not include special service districts that serve only special education students.

25. Wildwood Crest

County: Cape May

Spending: $30,217

24. Englewood Cliffs

County: Bergen

Spending: $30,224

23. Franklin Lakes

County: Bergen

Spending: $30,516

22. Paterson

County: Passaic

Spending: $30,527

21. Delaware Valley

County: Hunterdon

Spending: $30,595

20. Cumberland County Vocational

County: Cumberland

Spending: $30,776

19. Beach Haven

County: Ocean

Spending: $30,841

18. Shore Regional

County: Monmouth

Spending: $31,009

17. Spring Lake

County: Monmouth

Spending: $31,063

16. Brigantine

County: Atlantic

Spending: $31,703

15. Keansburg

County: Monmouth

Spending: $32,489

14. Lakewood

County: Ocean

Spending: $32,512

13. Carlstadt-East Rutherford

County: Bergen

Spending: $32,768

12. Long Beach Island

County: Ocean

Spending: $33,026

11. Henry Hudson Regional

County: Monmouth

Spending: $33,028

10. Milford

County: Hunterdon

Spending: $33,109

9. Bergen County Vocational

County: Bergen

Spending: $33,326

8. Alpine

County: Bergen

Spending: $33,884

7. Califon

County: Hunterdon

Spending: $34,599

6. Margate

County: Atlantic

Spending: $36,796

5. Somerset County Vocational

County: Somerset

Spending: $37,756

4. Allenhurst

County: Monmouth

Spending: $39,721

3. North Wildwood City

County: Cape May

Spending: $39,972

2. Asbury Park

County: Monmouth

Spending: $42,382

1. Avalon

County: Cape May

Spending: $53,890

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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