4 Ridgewood Schools Awarded for Excellence

Several Ridgewood schools have been selected as New Jersey's best. According to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), and three elementary schools are "Reward Schools" as determined by the state's new accountability system.

According to the education department, a "Reward School" is one that holds outstanding student achievement or growth over a three year period, based largely on test scores and graduation rates. 

There are only 112 such schools in New Jersey, and four can be found in the village. In addition to the high school, , and were all named to the list.

"It is always rewarding to have schools recognized for excellence," said schools superintendent Daniel Fishbein in an e-mail to Patch. "I am proud of this status and look forward to continued improvement and excellence in all our schools. This is a direct reflection of the great work that goes on with all our teachers and administrators in all of our schools."

RHS, according to the NJ DOE, was classified as a "Highest Performer" school while the elementary schools were limped into the "Highest Progress" list, determined by student growth data.

There might also be a dollars-and-cents benefit as well, according to the state's press release. Schools with Title 1 funding might be eligible for some "financial rewards through Title 1 funds."

RHS and Willard would not qualify, though Orchard and Hawes could be eligible.

The Reward School initiative is a component of the waiver from the national No Child Left Behind Act.