When we first moved to New Jersey, our top priority was finding the right school district. Like many of you, we let the school rankings guide our search for a home. That journey led us to Fort Lee, where my child now attends a school that has been honoured as a National Blue Ribbon School three times over.
Seeing the quality of education firsthand has made me a firm believer in this prestigious award. The Blue Ribbon list isn’t just a trophy; it’s a roadmap to academic excellence. Today, I’m sharing the definitive list of Bergen County Blue Ribbon Schools to help you navigate your own journey toward finding the perfect fit for your child.
What is a National Blue Ribbon School?
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private schools based on their overall academic excellence. Alternatively, some schools win for their significant progress in closing achievement gaps. In either case, earning this “Gold Standard” is a testament to the hard work of students and educators alike. Furthermore, it is widely considered the highest honor a school can receive in the United States.
In short, it’s like the “Oscars of Education.” Winning this flag means the school meets the highest standards of learning and support.
Spotlight: Fort Lee School No. 3 (A 3-Time Winner!)
Bergen County continues to be a leader in New Jersey education. For instance, a prime example is in our community, where one local public school recently achieved its third National Blue Ribbon award in 2024. In addition to this latest win, the school previously won this award in 1993 and 2010. Consequently, this level of consistency shows a deep-rooted commitment to student success that many local families admire.
Bergen County Blue Ribbon Schools List (2020-2025)
To help you with your research, here are the schools with this prestigious award over the last five years:
| Award Year | School Name | District / Town |
| 2025 (Expected/Current) | Bergen County Technical H.S. | Teterboro |
| 2025 (Expected/Current) | The Elisabeth Morrow School (Private) | Englewood |
| 2025 (Expected/Current) | Roosevelt School | Lodi |
| 2024 | Fort Lee School No. 3 | Fort Lee |
| 2024 | Alexander Hamilton Elementary | Glen Rock |
| 2023 | Luther Lee Emerson School | Demarest |
| 2022 | Old Tappan First School | Old Tappan |
| 2021 | Walter Stillman Elementary | Tenafly |
| 2021 | Traphagen Elementary | Waldwick |
| 2020 | Radburn Elementary School | Fair Lawn |
| 2020 | Haworth Public School | Haworth |
Why Should Parents Care?
- High Academic Standards: Most importantly, these schools often have higher-than-average test scores and rigorous programs.
- Property Value: It’s no secret that living in a Blue Ribbon school district helps maintain (or increase) your home’s value in NJ.
- Community & Support: After all, these awards aren’t just about grades; they also look at how schools involve parents and support students’ well-being.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions for any parent in New Jersey. From my experience, a strong school district doesn’t just benefit our children — it also ensures a safe, stable community and protects our home values. While a Blue Ribbon isn’t the only factor, relying on such a prestigious standard gave us great peace of mind when choosing where to settle. I hope this list serves as a reliable starting point for your family to find a place where both your children and your investments can thrive.
Do you have questions about the local school systems? Please feel free to leave a comment below!
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