Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced that Christ the Teacher Elementary School in Fort Lee and School 28 Elementary in Paterson have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018 by the U.S. Department of Education.

“The Blue Ribbon is the MVP award for American schools. It is given out just once a year, and only to the very best education programs across America. And this year, two of the schools in our community have been given blue ribbons for their great work,” said Rep. Pascrell, a former educator and history teacher before entering elective politics. “I am so proud of the faculties, students, and their families at Christ the Teacher and School 28. They have all played a critical role in achieving the highest levels of proficiency and preparing our children for the journey ahead. They rightly deserve this designation as two of the very best elementary programs in the entire United States. Well done.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve at very high levels. The Blue Ribbon program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. The program is part of a larger U. S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about the finest school leadership and teaching practices. In each year since 1982, the Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those schools where students consistently beat the odds.