The U.S. Department of Education recognized 356 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024, including 11 schools in New Jersey.
This recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. These schools demonstrate what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives. The USDOE will formally recognize the schools at an awards ceremony on Nov. 7 and 8, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
In a news release, the USDOE noted that while awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. The schools value and support staff and teachers where effective and innovative teaching and learning practices occur. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.
The New Jersey Department of Education noted in its own news release that nine of the eleven schools recognized are public schools.
“This recognition is a result of the combined dedication and foresight of every teacher, administrator, student, and parent working together towards excellence,” said Kevin Dehmer, acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. “The whole community in these nine schools should take part in the celebration, as it is genuinely a collective achievement.”
The following New Jersey schools were all recognized as “Exemplary High Performing Schools.”
Alexander Hamilton Elementary School
380 Harristown Road
Glen Rock, NJ, 07452-2812
(201) 445-7700
Glen Rock
Mrs. Kristin Gomez, Principal at time of Nomination
Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School
665 Mt. Hope Avenue
Wharton, NJ, 07885-2811
(973) 361-7450
Rockaway Township
Mr. Michael McGovern, Principal at time of Nomination
Deerfield Elementary School
302 Central Avenue
Mountainside, NJ, 07092-1998
(908) 232-8828
Mountainside
Mrs. Suzanne Jenks, Principal at time of Nomination
Forrestdale School
60 Forrest Avenue
Rumson, NJ, 07760-1681
(732) 842-0383
Rumson Borough
Mrs. Jennifer Gibbons, Principal at time of Nomination
Fort Lee School No. 3
2405 Second Street
Fort Lee, NJ, 07024-4003
(201) 585-4640
Fort Lee Public School District
Mrs. Viveca Williams-Glover, Principal at time of Nomination
Hilldale Elementary School
123 Konner Avenue
Pine Brook, NJ, 07058-9433
(197) 333-1710 X0
Montville Township Public Schools
Mrs. Jill Cisneros, Principal at time of Nomination
Montgomery Upper Middle School
375 Burnt Hill Road
Skillman, NJ, 08558-9401
(609) 466-7604
Montgomery Township School District
Mrs. Raquel Rivera, Principal at time of Nomination
Pioneer Academy
164 Totowa Road
Wayne, NJ, 07470-3118
(973) 405-5169
Mr. Owen Akman, Principal at time of Nomination
Soaring Heights Charter School
1 Romar Avenue
Jersey City, NJ, 07305-1713
(201) 434-4800
Soaring Heights Charter School
Ms. Jacqueline Quagliana, Principal at time of Nomination
St James School
200 South Finley Avenue
Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920-0310
(908) 766-4774
Diocese of Metuchen
Mrs. Suzanne Florendo, Principal at time of Nomination
Woodbridge Academy Magnet School
1 Convery Boulevard
Woodbridge, NJ, 07095-2650
(732) 634-5858
Middlesex County Magnet Schools
Mr. Robert Fuller, Principal at time of Nomination