U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08), a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and House Budget Committee, today announced that Saint Philip the Apostle School in Clifton was designated a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Saint Philip the Apostle School, a pre-k through 8th grade preparatory school located in Clifton, is one of more than 300 schools nationally announced today to receive the designation.

“I am honored to congratulate the faculty, students, staff and parents at Saint Philip the Apostle School for this incredible achievement,” said Pascrell, who previously taught high school history for 12 years. “Providing a quality education for each and every student is the cornerstone to the future of our nation, and Saint Thomas the Apostle School has set a national example for the high standards we need in our education system.  Educating our children is the best investment that we can make in the future of our country."

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

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