In 2019, the school play attracted national attention, while the athletics department holds several state titles in multiple sports.

[11] In 2019, the school's production of Alien went viral due to its realistic set and costumes made from recycled materials under a low, self-funded budget.

[13][14] Images and videos from the performances attracted celebrity attention including that of Sigourney Weaver, who played the protagonist of the original film.

[24] In 2014 U.S. News & World Report magazine awarded a bronze medal to North Bergen High School, recognizing it as one of New Jersey's best public high schools, based on criteria such as test scores, student demographics, college readiness and faculty-student ratio.

Superintendent Dr. George Solter stated that the school was awarded the medal specifically for it emphasis on reading skills, the dedication of its faculty, and the talent of its students.

[29] The North Bergen High School track, tennis, football and soccer teams use Bruins Stadium, which is located in James J. Braddock Park.

[31] The team won their first North I Group IV state sectional title in 1977 with a 6-0 win against Henry Snyder High School in the championship game played at Giants Stadium.

[37] A 33-10 win against Wayne Valley High School gave the team an 11-0 record for the season and the North I Group IV sectional championship.

[39] The 1977 boys' basketball team, led by Dan Callandrillo, finished the season with a record of 27-1 after winning the Group IV state title by defeating Camden High School by a score of 69-55 in the tournament final.

[40][41] In 2007, the boys' basketball team played in the North I, Group IV sectional championship, falling to Passaic County Technical Institute by 86–85 in overtime, in a game played at Wayne Valley High School; Students and fans from both schools rioted after the game, with a North Bergen student arrested in the melee for assaulting a police officer.