UPDATE: New Jersey has just announced the recipients of its new Blue Ribbon Schools Award, honoring 11 schools across the state. This move comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s abrupt cancellation of the national honor in August, which ended a prestigious program that recognized excellence in education for 43 years.
The New Jersey Department of Education is stepping in to fill the void left by the national program, selecting nine public and two private schools to receive this distinguished recognition. The announcement was made during a state Board of Education meeting last week, showcasing the state’s commitment to educational excellence.
Among the honored schools, three are located in Bergen County, while two can be found in Jersey City, part of Hudson County. Other recognized institutions span across Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.
The 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools are:
– 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, Our Lady of Czestochowa School (private)
– Lodi: Roosevelt School
– Princeton: Littlebrook School
– Teterboro: Bergen County Technical High School
– Ventnor: Ventnor Elementary School
Kevin Dehmer, New Jersey’s Education Commissioner, praised the selected schools, 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.”
The criteria for selection followed the rigorous standards set by the former National Blue Ribbon Schools program. This includes a focus on administrative leadership, high academic standards, and effective teaching methods. Dehmer emphasized the importance of this distinction, saying, “The Blue Ribbon distinction honors schools that stand out — whether through consistently high achievement or by making remarkable strides in closing opportunity gaps.”
In 2024, New Jersey had 11 schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, an increase from nine in 2023. This latest recognition continues the legacy of honoring excellence in education, even as national programs face changes.
As educational institutions navigate this transition, the focus remains on enhancing student opportunities and closing educational gaps. The commitment from New Jersey’s education officials signals a robust effort to ensure that high standards in education continue to thrive.
What’s next? All eyes will be on how these schools leverage their new status to foster even greater academic success and community engagement. The impact of these awards will resonate throughout the state, inspiring other schools to strive for excellence in education.
