New Jersey Announces 11 Blue Ribbon Schools After National Program Ends

UPDATE: New Jersey has just announced the selection of 11 schools as the state’s new Blue Ribbon Schools, following the abrupt cancellation of the national program by the Trump administration. This significant recognition comes after the U.S. Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which had been honoring educational excellence for 43 years.

In a decisive move, the New Jersey Department of Education has stepped up to continue the legacy of recognizing outstanding educational institutions within the state. The honored schools were selected prior to the national program’s termination, emphasizing their exceptional performance in fostering academic achievement and closing opportunity gaps.

Among the 2025 winners are notable institutions such as:
– 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

Kevin Dehmer, New Jersey’s education commissioner, expressed pride in the accomplishments of these 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 official announcement took place during a state Board of Education meeting last week, highlighting the importance of community involvement in educational success. Dehmer underscored that the state’s selection criteria mirrored those of the former national program, which focused on effective teaching methods, strong administrative leadership, and high academic standards.

The 11 schools represent diverse communities across the state, with three located in Bergen County and two in Jersey City. The remaining schools are spread across Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.

This shift comes on the heels of last year’s announcement, where 11 schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024, up from nine in 2023. The continuation of this program at the state level not only honors past achievements but also sets a new standard for educational excellence in New Jersey.

As the state embraces this new chapter in recognizing academic excellence, all eyes will be on these schools to see how they continue to evolve and inspire their communities. The announcement is already creating buzz on social media, sparking discussions about educational quality and opportunity across the nation.

Stay tuned for more updates on how these schools will leverage their new status to enhance educational opportunities for their students.