National Blue Ribbon Honor For 9 NJ Schools In 2019

NEW JERSEY – Nine schools in New Jersey were recognized this week for a big national honor that pays tribute to academic excellence and outstanding achievement.

The U.S. Department of Education named nine locations each as a "Blue Ribbon school," an honor that affirms the work of creating safe and welcoming schools where students "master challenging and engaging content."

A total of 362 schools nationally earned the award that recognizes the highest performing schools in the state or those that are among the highest performing in closing the achievement gap.

"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives," said Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in a video message to honorees. "As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning."

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, created in 1982, also recognizes outstanding public and non-public school achievement for overall academic excellence and/or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

On Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in the Washington, D.C. area.

Here is the list of New Jersey schools:

• Communications High School, Wall
• Edith A. Bogert Elementary School, Upper Saddle River
• Infinity Institute, Jersey City
• Joseph D. Sharp Elementary School, Cherry Hill
• Little Falls School Number 3, Little Falls
• Mendham Township Elementary School, Brookside
• Radix Elementary School, Williamstown
• Terence C. Reilly School No. 7, Elizabeth
• Washington Elementary School, Westfield