Two Morris County Schools Earn National Blue Ribbon Award

Two Morris County schools, Hilldale School in Montville Township and Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School in Rockaway Township, have earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for 2024. This honor, bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes schools for their high academic performance or for making significant strides in closing achievement gaps among diverse student groups.

“In a state where we pride ourselves on having the best schools in the country, these nine schools stand out and are rightfully being recognized through this distinguished award,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. “This recognition is a result of the combined dedication and foresight of every teacher, administrator, student, and parent working together towards excellence. The whole community in these nine schools should take part in the celebration, as it is genuinely a collective achievement.”

These two schools are among only nine public schools in New Jersey to receive the award this year, underscoring their dedication to fostering academic excellence. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-standing initiatives, aimed at celebrating schools that demonstrate exemplary practices in education.

The Blue Ribbon Award highlights the hard work and collaboration between students, educators, and families in creating environments where students can succeed academically. Award recipients are invited to Washington, D.C. for an annual ceremony where they receive a plaque and a Blue Ribbon flag as symbols of their outstanding achievement.

The recognition of both Hilldale School and Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School reflects the strong commitment to education in Morris County and serves as a point of pride for the local community. These schools now join an elite group of institutions across the country that have been honored for their exemplary status.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for 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 of a brighter future for every child.”

The nine New Jersey public schools that were designated by the National Blue Ribbon program as exemplary high-performing schools for 2024 include:

For more information on this year’s awardees and the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

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