Watchung Named Blue Ribbon School

Montclair’s Watchung Elementary School has been named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Watchung is one of 305 schools nationwide and one of seven New Jersey public schools—and the only one in Montclair—receiving the recognition from the DOE based on their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps. The Department will honor the entire 256 public and 49 private schools with their National Blue Ribbon School awards at a conference and awards ceremony Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C.

The National Blue Ribbon School award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high levels or where the achievement gap is narrowing. Since 1982, more than 6,500 of America's schools have received this coveted award.

“We are extremely proud of this honor,” said Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez. “Watchung School continues to be an exceptional elementary school with dedicated staff and strong leadership.”

This is the third Blue Ribbon award for Watchung school. In addition, in 1988 Hillside School was named a Blue Ribbon School while, in 1990, Nishuane earned the title as well, when Alvarez was principal there.

“This award is a testament to the work of so many of our current and former staff and a result of Watchung School’s persistent, tireless and selfless commitment to excellence for all students,” said Principal Peter Turnamian. “Watchung School is a shining light of what a great public school can be for all students working within an amazing school district.”

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 413 schools nationwide are nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.