New Jersey Honors 11 Blue Ribbon Schools Following National Program End

UPDATE: New Jersey has just announced the recipients of its new Blue Ribbon Schools Award, honoring 11 schools as the state takes over a program previously managed at the national level. This announcement follows the abrupt cancellation of the long-standing National Blue Ribbon Schools program by the Trump administration in August 2023, which had recognized outstanding schools for over four decades.

The state’s Department of Education has chosen nine public schools and two private schools to receive this prestigious recognition. The award aims to celebrate schools that exemplify educational excellence and community collaboration, especially in light of the recent national program’s discontinuation.

Among the 2025 winners, three schools are located in Bergen County and two in Jersey City, with others spread across Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. The honored schools include:

– 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

During a state Board of Education meeting last week, education officials recognized these schools for their commitment to academic excellence.

“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,”

stated Kevin Dehmer, the state’s education commissioner.

The criteria for selection seem to mirror those of the former National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which evaluated schools based on administrative leadership, high standards, and effective teaching methods. Dehmer emphasized the significance of this award, saying,

“The Blue Ribbon distinction honors schools that stand out — whether through consistently high achievement or by making remarkable strides in closing opportunity gaps.”

New Jersey had previously honored 11 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024, the program’s final year, which marked a rise from nine schools in 2023.

As New Jersey continues to recognize educational excellence, the impact of these awards resonates through communities, inspiring educators and students alike. The new state-level initiative aims to maintain high educational standards and continue fostering environments where all students can thrive.

Stay tuned for further updates as these schools continue to set benchmarks for success across New Jersey.