9-20-2023 12:59pm

Morris County's Hilltop School Earns Prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for 2023

Local Mendham Borough institution recognized by U.S. Department of Education for academic excellence, joins an elite list of nine New Jersey schools honored.

Morristown, NJ — Hilltop School in Mendham Borough has been distinguished as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023, according to an announcement made Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education. The local institution was one of nine schools in New Jersey to receive the esteemed designation this year.

The nine NJ schools recognized:

Luther Lee Emerson School, Demarest SD (Bergen Co.)
Washington Irving School #4, Garfield Public SD (Bergen Co.)
J. Fithian Tatem School, Haddonfield SD (Camden Co.)
Technology High School, Newark Public SD (Essex Co.)
Princeton Charter School (Mercer Co.)
Claremont Avenue Elementary School, Woodbridge Township SD (Middlesex Co.)
High Technology High School, Monmouth County Vocational SD(Monmouth Co.)
Hilltop School, Mendham Borough SD (Morris Co.)
Oak Street School, Bernards Township SD (Somerset Co.)

The accolade comes as a part of the 40th annual National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, recognizing schools for their overall academic performance or for making significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. Hilltop School stands as a testament to the dedication of local educators, the resilience of its students, and the unwavering support from the community of Mendham Borough in Morris County.

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education for New Jersey, stated that the recognition "affirms the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the support of our communities.” She went on to say, “It highlights New Jersey's commitment to excellence in education and showcases the exceptional work happening in our schools."

Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education, described the honored schools as setting a “national example” and praised the leadership and staff for their dedication to fostering academic excellence.

According to the Department of Education, schools that receive the Blue Ribbon distinction share specific characteristics. These include visionary leadership, high standards for all participants, innovative instructional techniques, and the use of data to drive instruction. The schools also maintain an environment that supports teachers and staff through professional learning and enables students to strive for success.

Out of the approximately 350 schools recognized nationwide this year, the honor roll includes schools from two categories: Exemplary High-Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools. Hilltop School's precise category was not specified in the original release.

Hilltop School's designation as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 brings pride and validation to the community's ongoing commitment to educational excellence. The accolade not only places the school on a prestigious list but also adds to the larger narrative of New Jersey's standing as a state deeply invested in the future of its students.