New Jersey Honors 11 Schools as Blue Ribbon Award Winners

UPDATE: New Jersey has just announced the recipients of its inaugural Blue Ribbon Schools Award, recognizing 11 schools across the state. This announcement comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s closure of the longstanding National Blue Ribbon Schools program in August 2023, after 43 years of honoring academic excellence.

The New Jersey Department of Education stepped in to continue this legacy, selecting nine public schools and two private schools for their exemplary achievements. The winners were revealed during a state Board of Education meeting last week, reflecting the hard work of educators, students, and communities.

Among the honored institutions, three are located in Bergen County and two in Jersey City, with other schools spread across Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. The full list of 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools 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

Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer stated, “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 state’s selection criteria closely align with the now-discontinued national program, focusing on effective teaching methods, administrative leadership, and high standards.

Dehmer emphasized that the Blue Ribbon distinction is not just about high achievement; it also recognizes schools making significant progress 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,” he added.

This year’s recognition follows New Jersey’s achievement of having 11 schools selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024, marking a slight increase from nine in 2023. As education standards evolve, the state remains committed to fostering environments that promote academic excellence.

As the educational landscape shifts, watch for more updates on how these schools will continue to innovate and inspire. The impact of this designation is expected to resonate throughout the community, motivating other schools to strive for excellence.

Stay tuned for further developments as New Jersey champions educational success and acknowledges those who contribute to the academic landscape.