N.J. Honors 11 Schools with New Blue Ribbon Award After Program Ends

BREAKING: New Jersey has officially recognized 11 schools with its new Blue Ribbon Schools Award, just days after the cancellation of the national program that honored educational excellence. The move comes as the state responds to the Trump administration’s decision to end the National Blue Ribbon Schools program in August 2023, which had been in place for over 43 years.

The New Jersey Department of Education announced the winners, which include nine public and two private schools, selected before the national program was dissolved. This new initiative aims to uphold the legacy of recognizing schools that excel in academic achievement and community support.

Among the honored institutions are schools from diverse counties, with three in Bergen County and two in Jersey City, alongside others in Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. The full list includes:

– **Audubon**: Mansion Avenue School
– **East Brunswick**: Hatikvah International Academy Charter School
– **Englewood**: The Elisabeth Morrow School (private)
– **Glen Ridge**: Ridgewood Avenue School
– **Holmdel**: Indian Hill School
– **Jersey City**: Liberty High School
– **Jersey City**: Our Lady of Czestochowa School (private)
– **Lodi**: Roosevelt School
– **Princeton**: Littlebrook School
– **Teterboro**: Bergen County Technical High School
– **Ventnor**: Ventnor Elementary School

All schools were celebrated at a state Board of Education meeting held last week.

Kevin Dehmer, New Jersey’s education commissioner, emphasized the importance of this recognition: “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.”

The criteria for selection echo the former National Blue Ribbon Schools program, focusing on strong administrative leadership, high academic standards, and effective teaching methods.

Dehmer further noted, “The Blue Ribbon distinction honors schools that stand out—whether through consistently high achievement or by making remarkable strides in closing opportunity gaps. We are proud to continue recognizing schools that strengthen how they serve all students and set a standard for success across our state.”

In 2024, New Jersey previously had 11 schools chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools, an increase from nine in 2023, showcasing a trend of educational excellence in the state.

WHAT’S NEXT: As New Jersey embarks on this new chapter of educational recognition, the focus will be on how these schools can continue to inspire academic excellence and community involvement. The impact of these awards may encourage other schools across the state to adopt similar practices for success.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as New Jersey continues to champion educational achievements within its communities.