Academy of Our Lady Earns Nod from U.S. Education Secretary

Academy of Our Lady, a Catholic K-8 school in Glen Rock, was named a “National Blue Ribbon School” Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The Glen Rock school is among 286 in the nation and 15 in New Jersey to receive the honor, which was based on nominations from state education officials as well as student assessments and growth. Only 50 private schools were among the 2013 honorees.

“Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers,” Duncan said in a statement. “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world class education.”

Academy of Our Lady was the only Bergen County school to earn the honor. Other Blue Ribbon schools in the state included six technical and vocational schools as well as five other private schools.

The Department of Education will honor the schools at a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. Nov. 18 and 19.