Eleven New Jersey Schools Named 2025 Blue Ribbon Honorees

State continues recognition program after federal phase-out, spotlighting academic excellence and equity gains

The New Jersey Department of Education has honored 11 schools with the 2025 New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools Award, recognizing institutions that demonstrate either exceptional academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

This year’s honorees include nine public schools and two nonpublic schools, spanning eight counties across the state. The announcement was made at the New Jersey State Board of Education meeting, where officials praised the recipients for setting a statewide standard of excellence.

“New Jersey’s 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what is possible when educators, students, and communities work together to support academic growth and opportunity for all learners,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.

The award continues at the state level despite the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to discontinue the federal Blue Ribbon program in August 2025. This year’s recognitions reflect nominations made before the federal program ended and follow the same rigorous selection criteria previously in place.

All New Jersey public schools were automatically considered, based on achievement data. Private school nominees were submitted by the Council of American Private Education (CAPE).

2025 New Jersey Blue Ribbon Public School Recipients:

• Ventnor Elementary School – Ventnor City (Atlantic County)

• Roosevelt School – Lodi (Bergen County)

• Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro (Bergen County)

• Mansion Avenue School – Audubon (Camden County)

• Ridgewood Avenue School – Glen Ridge (Essex County)

• Liberty High School – Jersey City (Hudson County)

• Littlebrook School – Princeton (Mercer County)

• Hatikvah International Academy Charter School – East Brunswick (Middlesex County)

• Indian Hill School – Holmdel (Monmouth County)

2025 Nonpublic School Honorees:

• The Elisabeth Morrow School – Englewood (Bergen County)

• Our Lady of Czestochowa School – Jersey City (Hudson County)

The New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools webpage provides more information on this year’s honorees and the selection process.