NAESP Announces The Elisabeth Morrow School as 2026 National Gold Star Recipient

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has announced that The Elisabeth Morrow School, located in Englewood, New Jersey, is the only elementary and middle school in New Jersey to be recognized as a 2026 National Gold Star School. This prestigious honor celebrates schools nationwide that exemplify leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to student success.

“National Gold Star Schools represent what is possible when strong leadership, dedicated educators, engaged families, and supportive communities work together,” stated NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE. “These schools are models of excellence and inspiration for school leaders and schools nationwide.”

Selected through a rigorous and competitive process, the National Gold Star Schools recognition highlights schools for their achievements based on NAESP’s framework of the Three Pillars of the Principalship:

Established Culture: Shared values, family engagement, and well-being.

Empowered People: Collaborative teaching, distributed leadership, and holistic support.

Optimal Systems: Effective use of talent and resources, district support, and strategic focus.

Marek Beck, Head of School at The Elisabeth Morrow School, shared, “Being named a 2026 National Gold Star School is an extraordinary honor and a powerful affirmation of what is possible when a school community commits itself to excellence, innovation, and purpose-driven learning. This recognition reflects the remarkable work of our faculty, the curiosity and character of our students, the partnership of our families, and a shared vision for what education must become in a rapidly changing world. At EMS, we have intentionally built a culture rooted in high expectations, academic rigor, meaningful relationships, and transformational learning experiences that empower students to think deeply, solve real-world problems, and grow into confident, compassionate leaders. We are incredibly proud to represent New Jersey through this national recognition.”

The Elisabeth Morrow School’s recognition as a National Gold Star School affirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment. With its focus on collaborative teaching, distributed leadership, and holistic student support, EMS continues to set the standard for educational excellence in New Jersey.

About NAESP: Founded in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals leads and supports principals and other school leaders in their commitment to all children. NAESP's mission is to empower elementary and middle-level leaders to advance equity and excellence in education. Learn more at www.naesp.org.

About The Elisabeth Morrow School: The Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS), founded in 1930, is a leading independent, co-educational day school in Englewood, New Jersey, serving students from age 2 through eighth grade. EMS is a nationally recognized institution, distinguished by a wealth of top-tier honors: it was selected for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School award — a distinction received by only one other private school in New Jersey, forming a triple validation of excellence reinforced by CAPE Blue Ribbon School and New Jersey Blue Ribbon School recognition. Further underscoring its quality, the school holds an A+ overall grade from Niche.com and is recognized as an active UN Global School and an Apple Distinguished School (2022–2026) for its exemplary use of technology in hands-on, real-world projects. EMS prepares students for a lifetime of success through a transformative, rigorous, project-based curriculum, seamlessly blending high academic rigor, innovative design thinking, and essential ethical development to build strong foundations that prepare children to think critically, work creatively, and lead with confidence, ready for seamless transitions to top secondary schools and beyond, and to make a difference in our rapidly changing world. elisabethmorrow.org