Blue Ribbon Schools: 1 In Passaic County Makes The List

PASSAIC COUNTY,NJ — One school in Passaic County earned the honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon school for 2019, the Department of Education announced Thursday.

According to the Department of Education, being named a Blue Ribbon school "affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content."

A total of 362 schools earned the title.

Each school that earns the award is either among the highest performing schools in a state or among the highest performing in closing the achievement gap.

Little Falls School Number 3, an elementary school, was the only Passaic County school to be named a Blue Ribbon school this year.

Superintendent Tracy Marinelli said, "This award is the highest honor a school can receive in the United States. This prestigious accomplishment could not have been achieved without the help and support of the Little Falls Board of Education, school community, and the community at large."

"This recognition marks a monumental day in the history of Little Falls. This award is the culmination of our quest and attainment of unprecedented performance. We won’t stop here! Thisaward motivates us to continue providing and achieving greatness," she said.

"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives," U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. "As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning."

A ceremony honoring the schools will be held in Washington D.C. in November.

You can see the full list of Blue Ribbon schools for 2019.