The Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS) is celebrating a major achievement after being selected as a recipient of the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School award, placing it among the nation’s most academically distinguished institutions.
Although the federal program was unfortunately discontinued before the final public announcement, EMS successfully completed the rigorous application process and was officially notified of its selection by the U.S. Department of Education.
This selection provides a powerful, data-driven validation of the school’s commitment to a child-centered, innovative approach to education, and is being celebrated as a triple-layered affirmation of the exceptional quality of an EMS education.
Triple Validation Confirms EMS Excellence
The school’s national selection status was reinforced by two additional honors, affirming its sustained commitment to academic excellence:
- CAPE Recognition: The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) named EMS a 2025 CAPE Blue Ribbon School on Oct. 15 in the Exemplary High-Performing category. EMS was one of only 55 non-public schools across the entire country recognized by CAPE. This recognition validates the school’s high achievement based on state assessments and nationally normed tests.
- New Jersey State Honor: Just yesterday, Nov. 5, EMS was formally honored as a New Jersey Blue Ribbon School by the State Board of Education at a meeting in Trenton. Head of School Marek Beck, Ph.D., officially accepted the resolution recognizing the school’s consistently high performance. EMS is one of only two private schools in the state of New Jersey to receive this prestigious status.
A Testament to Faculty and Educational Model
Dr. Beck emphasized that this three-part honor solidifies EMS’ position at the highest level of private education.
“This triple validation — from the U.S. Department of Education, CAPE, and the New Jersey State Board — doesn’t just affirm our status; it establishes The Elisabeth Morrow School at the absolute highest echelon of private education,” said Dr. Beck. “This achievement serves as powerful validation of our faculty’s hard work and the undeniable success of our educational model, which balances high academic rigor using a child-centered approach that fosters deep engagement.”
Elizabeth Gabbay, President of the EMS Board of Trustees, added that the achievement validates the strategic commitment to the school’s programs. “For trustees, this achievement showcases the impact of our strategic investment in faculty development, innovative programs, and evidence-based curriculum. Being recognized with National Blue Ribbon status, affirmed by both CAPE and the state of New Jersey, is a testament to the dedication and excellence that our educators bring every day and to the remarkable outcomes our students are achieving.”
This distinguished achievement underscores the school’s intentional and interconnected approach to learning, from evidence-based early literacy instruction to its advanced middle school programs.
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