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2024 U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today, September 23, 2024, recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Hilldale Elementary School in Pine Brook, New Jersey, was recognized during the National Blue Ribbon Schools announcement. Pine Brook is part of Montville Township, NJ. Hilldale was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools. Hilldale is one of only 356 schools in the nation and one of only 11 in New Jersey recognized in 2024.
“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 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
“Receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon School recognition is a profound honor,” said Jill Cisneros, Principal of Hilldale Elementary School. “Hilldale Elementary School is a dynamic community with students from five continents calling it home. Our educators place a strong emphasis on holistic development. As a result, Hilldale has cultivated a vibrant learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I am very proud of the education we provide to each of our students here in Hilldale. And I am honored and grateful to work with an outstanding and innovative team of educators who put the needs of each student front and center every day. Thank you.”
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
“This is an outstanding achievement,” said Montville Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas A. Gorman. “To be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education is an extraordinary recognition. This honor reflects the consistent and on-going educational standards of Hilldale Elementary School’s dedicated faculty, staff and administration. I am very proud of the Hilldale educational team, and I thank them for their creativity, focused commitment to each student, and innovative educational excellence.”
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
Hilldale Elementary School in Pine Brook, NJ, is one of five elementary schools in the Montville Township Public Schools [MTPS] district. Currently, 325 kindergarten to grade 5 students are enrolled at Hilldale Elementary.
MTPS is a Pre-K to grade 12 district in Morris County, NJ. The district serves 3,500 students. In addition to five elementary schools, the MTPS district also includes Robert R. Lazar Middle School and Montville Township High School.
The full 2024 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools announcement made by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona can be viewed at https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov and https://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.