New Jersey Awards 11 Schools Blue Ribbon Honors Amid Program Shift

UPDATE: New Jersey has just announced the recipients of the state’s new Blue Ribbon Schools Award, honoring 11 schools after the Trump administration terminated the national program. This significant recognition highlights educational excellence in the state and underscores the commitment to academic achievement.

In a decisive move, the New Jersey Department of Education has stepped in to recognize nine public and two private schools that were selected prior to the national program’s cancellation in August 2023. The schools span across several counties, including Bergen, Hudson, Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth.

The honored schools are:
– Audubon — Mansion Avenue School, Audubon Public School District
– East Brunswick — Hatikvah International Academy Charter School
– Englewood — The Elisabeth Morrow School (private)
– Glen Ridge — Ridgewood Avenue School, Glen Ridge Public School District
– Holmdel — Indian Hill School, Holmdel Township School District
– Jersey City — Liberty High School, Jersey City Public Schools
– Jersey City — Our Lady of Czestochowa School (private)
– Lodi — Roosevelt School, Lodi School District
– Princeton — Littlebrook School, Princeton Public School District
– Teterboro — Bergen County Technical High School, Bergen County Vocational Technical School District
– Ventnor — Ventnor Elementary School, Ventnor City School District

These schools were recognized during a state Board of Education meeting last week, marking a new chapter in educational honors for New Jersey.

Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “New Jersey’s 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what is possible when educators, students, and communities work together to support academic growth and opportunity for all learners.” This statement highlights the collaboration that drives success in education.

The state’s methodology for selecting these schools follows the criteria of the former National Blue Ribbon Schools program, focusing on strong leadership, high standards, and effective teaching methods. Dehmer added, “The Blue Ribbon distinction honors schools that stand out — whether through consistently high achievement or by making remarkable strides in closing opportunity gaps.”

This announcement comes on the heels of New Jersey having 11 schools chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024, marking the last year of the national program, which previously honored nine schools in 2023.

As the state moves forward with its Blue Ribbon Schools Award, educators and communities will be watching closely to see how these changes impact local schools and educational standards. The recognition serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for schools striving for excellence in the face of challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates as New Jersey’s educational landscape continues to evolve.