Four Central Jersey schools are among 11 schools in the state to receive Blue Ribbon status for 2024 from the U.S. Department of Education.
The DOE on Monday recognized 356 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Saint James School, part of the Diocese of Metuchen, in Basking Ridge; Deerfield Elementary School in Mountainside; Montgomery Upper Middle School in Skillman; and Woodbridge Academy Magnet School, part of Middlesex County Magnet Schools, in Woodbridge.
The recognition spotlights schools that excel in academic performance or that are making significant strides in closing achievement gaps between different groups of students.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and teachers at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students and serving as models of effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation for a brighter future for every child.”
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New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools 2024
The other New Jersey schools to receive Blue Ribbon status in 2024 are Fort Lee School No. 3 in Fort Lee; Alexander Hamilton Elementary School in Glen Rock; Soaring Heights Charter School in Jersey City; Hilldale Elementary School, part of Montville Township Public Schools, in Pine Brook; Forrestdale School in Rumson; Pioneer Academy in Wayne; and Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School, part of the Rockaway Township School District, in Wharton.
According to the DOE, the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While the honorees represent a wide range of schools, they share common characteristics.
According to the DOE, National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools across the country. A National Blue Ribbon School flag adorning a school entrance or flying on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
The department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on total student scores, subgroup scores, and pass rates:
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Exemplary High-Performing Schools: These schools are among the highest performing schools in their state, as measured by state assessments or nationally standardized tests.
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Schools that are closing the achievement gap: These schools excel in closing the achievement gap between different groups of students and the total student population.
All New Jersey Blue Ribbon schools on the 2024 list are in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.
A maximum of 420 schools can be nominated each year.
email address: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.compart of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakinFor unlimited access, subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: National Blue Ribbon Schools 2024: 11 NJ Schools Named
