Forrestdale Earns National Blue Ribbon School Distinction

Rumson’s Forrestdale School has been recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

The school is one of 356 schools nationwide to earn the 2024 distinction, which “highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced.

To attain the designation, “each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement,” a U.S. Department of Education release said.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

Forrestdale, which serves a student body of approximately 500 fourth- to eighth-grade students, boasts the leadership of a dedicated teaching staff and Administrative Leadership Team.

Among the school’s educators are Alfred Lerner Scholars, nationally acclaimed authors, and leaders in various state-level committees. They are known for honing in on assessment, curriculum development, special education advocacy, and student mental health initiatives, a release said.

During the 2023-24 school year, Forrestdale School was named the third-ranked middle school in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report as well. It was also ranked the number one elementary/middle school in Monmouth County. The recognition was the result of a comprehensive assessment of student performance, program quality, and readiness for college and career endeavors, the release added.

“The school’s mission focuses on igniting potential through personalized learning that caters to diverse student needs. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their education, develop critical thinking skills, and set personal goals Unique programming is designed to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, such as through the school’s work with The Center for Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education, the American Littoral Society, and the Charity Water Project. Forrestdale’s STEAM curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning in agriculture, robotics, and environmental engineering, enhanced by an innovative outdoor learning center featuring an aquaponics greenhouse, chicken farm, fungi center, and apple orchard.

“Forrestdale prioritizes both academic excellence and social-emotional development, creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes, ultimately nurturing them as lifelong learners.”
Forrestdale School mission

About the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools Distinction, from the U.S. Department of Education …

The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff.

Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.

A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.

The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:

Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

— Edited press releases from U.S. Department of Education and Forrestdale School